Pen Newbie

[kyle L]

Hi guys, this is my second post in the pen forum. My dad passed me down this great Montblanc Meisterstuck FP No 74, and I don't see them very often. My grandpa bought it in Hong Kong a while back. I know that they were made from '59 to the late 60s, and they were some of the highest pens made in the line back in time. But I have no clue how to use it! I know you can unscrew the nib, and you can unscrew the back. Here are some pictures:
It really is a beautiful pen.

[Taffi Abernathy]

You are one lucky kid. Do you know that? Rolexes and Mont Blancs at 14 years old? At that age, I had no idea what these things were. I just wanted to ride my skateboard. It will be interesting to see what toys you will have acquired by the time you're 21!

[Sweramic]

My lawyer tells me they're fake, so I can't help you...





You have two very beautiful pens Kyle! Unfortunately, I can't advise you how to use them. When you or anyone else figure that out I want a writing sample!

[R1@160@alltimes]

When you get a chance, drop by the Fountain pen hospital in downtown NYC (10 Warren St). Knowledgeable staff will show you how to work those Mbs.

[1000ftSub]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

You are one lucky kid. Do you know that? Rolexes and Mont Blancs at 14 years old? At that age, I had no idea what these things were. I just wanted to ride my skateboard. It will be interesting to see what toys you will have acquired by the time you're 21!

Tell me about it

[Skullring]

Kyle, That is a beauty. Put some ink in it and give us a handwriting sample.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by R1@160@alltimes

When you get a chance, drop by the Fountain pen hospital in downtown NYC (10 Warren St). Knowledgeable staff will show you how to work those Mbs.

I think it's by city hall? I'll try to take a trip down this week.

[2careless]

Nice pen Kyle. It looks like you have disassembled the ink view window from the pen.
Do not fill it up with ink until you get a proper pen repair person having a look at it, or you may get ink everywhere

Also, I would be cautious using those ink. They are printed "W Germany" that's like 20 years ago at least.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by 2careless

Nice pen Kyle. It looks like you have disassembled the ink view window from the pen.
Do not fill it up with ink until you get a proper pen repair person having a look at it, or you may get ink everywhere

Also, I would be cautious using those ink. They are printed "W Germany" that's like 20 years ago at least.

Thanks, I don't want to make a mess. I put the pen back together, so now it's one solid piece. I think I'll go to get it checked out before anyone uses it. Also, I opened the ink, and the seal was still on it! I'm kind of surprised, I thought my grandfather used the pen. In the past, the nib was repaired by Montblanc, and I still have the service papers, which are like 20 years old.

[Mrdi]

Very cool Kyle. If you lived in Calif. I would be glad to help you out.
The Fountain Pen Hospital is a spectacular place to go for help. I have done business with them and they are most gracious. You will be welcomed there.
Like a Rolex the most pleasure is derived from use of the pen. You'll be amazed how dependable and elegant fountains are.

[Shangas]

Hi Kyle,

You have a very nice Montblanc piston-filler fountain pen. Piston-fillers can be a bit finicky, so I back the others and suggest to get the pen looked at by a professional first, before you fill it up and use it.

With regards to the ink:

As 2Careless said, the ink is at least 20 years old ("West Germany" on the bottle). But you say that the seal's never been broken. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe to use.

Check the ink for the following:

1. Sediment.

Is there anything nasty settling at the bottom of the bottle? Yes. Chuck it out. If it can settle in the bottle, it can settle in your pen. And that will clog it.

2. Fungus.

Yes, sometimes ink can have fungus in it. Not pretty. Chuck it out. Once you get fungus in your pen, it takes AGES to clean it out. Check for fungus by opening the bottle and looking for floating sediment, or an off-smell (although this being INK, it can smell off anyway!) If there's any fungus, dispose of the ink at once.

3. Evaporation.

Just because the bottle's never been opened doesn't mean that the ink can't have evaporated over the 20 years since this was new. You can tell simply by looking at the bottle and noting if there are any level-stains on it, to see where the ink once might have been filled up to. You can reconstitute the ink with water if this has happened, but it should be done carefully - Add a little bit of water at a time.

If the ink has none of these, then it's probably safe to use. Give it a shake and fill up your pen.

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by kyle L

I think it's by city hall? I'll try to take a trip down this week.

FPH is very customer oriented shop - you'll like them.
Pick up thier 2010 calender - it's very nice.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by Shangas

Hi Kyle,

You have a very nice Montblanc piston-filler fountain pen. Piston-fillers can be a bit finicky, so I back the others and suggest to get the pen looked at by a professional first, before you fill it up and use it.

With regards to the ink:

As 2Careless said, the ink is at least 20 years old ("West Germany" on the bottle). But you say that the seal's never been broken. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe to use.

Check the ink for the following:

1. Sediment.

Is there anything nasty settling at the bottom of the bottle? Yes. Chuck it out. If it can settle in the bottle, it can settle in your pen. And that will clog it.

2. Fungus.

Yes, sometimes ink can have fungus in it. Not pretty. Chuck it out. Once you get fungus in your pen, it takes AGES to clean it out. Check for fungus by opening the bottle and looking for floating sediment, or an off-smell (although this being INK, it can smell off anyway!) If there's any fungus, dispose of the ink at once.

3. Evaporation.

Just because the bottle's never been opened doesn't mean that the ink can't have evaporated over the 20 years since this was new. You can tell simply by looking at the bottle and noting if there are any level-stains on it, to see where the ink once might have been filled up to. You can reconstitute the ink with water if this has happened, but it should be done carefully - Add a little bit of water at a time.

If the ink has none of these, then it's probably safe to use. Give it a shake and fill up your pen.

Thanks Shangas. I'm definitely not touching the pen now. The ink looks fine, no residue on the inside, but I think it's better to be safe than sorry.