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BikerBabe
February 10th, 2013, 04:20 PM
Hi guys.

I went to a flea market in Copenhagen today, and I think I got myself a very very very good bargain! ;)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sypWDbmF-l8/URgnkkVAtUI/AAAAAAAABDs/ZQ_VD2j56bk/s834/DSC_1065.JPG

German Mont Blanc 234½ with 100-series clip, 1935 - as far as I've been able to find out.
I don't think the seller knew what she was selling me, she only wanted 100 DKK - that's about 18 USD. :jaw:
And since i don't know much about Mont Blanc pens, I just paid happily and thanked the nice lady.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395589_10151419147444210_596472428_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600556_10151419148794210_1100107849_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556306_10151419146949210_606471339_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600517_10151419148439210_918396753_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/487647_10151419147189210_553836585_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/537008_10151419147809210_1274784135_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/19718_10151419148134210_1049503722_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535902_10151419149294210_2121475218_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222719_10151419149034210_1055450174_n.jpg

It's only my second MB pen, the first being a 224 acquired last weekend - photos will follow sometime later.

Heh, when I cleansed it tonight, it took a while to get the plunger to seal tight, it was as if it needed a bit of moisture to work properly, so I wouldn't wager a white shirt on the pen being able to hold ink for an extended period of time, but that's something that can be repaired. ;)
After all it is an elderly pen, so I would have been surprised if it had worked perfectly right away.
And still - at that price, it is still a very good bargain.

manoeuver
February 10th, 2013, 04:50 PM
yow! excellent work!

fountainpenkid
February 10th, 2013, 04:59 PM
Very nice!!!!

caribbean_skye
February 10th, 2013, 05:43 PM
Fantastic!

Augustinian
February 10th, 2013, 06:15 PM
WOW....... I am jealous.

Hi guys.

I went to a flea market in Copenhagen today, and I think I got myself a very very very good bargain! ;)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sypWDbmF-l8/URgnkkVAtUI/AAAAAAAABDs/ZQ_VD2j56bk/s834/DSC_1065.JPG

German Mont Blanc 234½ with 100-series clip, 1935 - as far as I've been able to find out.
I don't think the seller knew what she was selling me, she only wanted 100 DKK - that's about 18 USD. :jaw:
And since i don't know much about Mont Blanc pens, I just paid happily and thanked the nice lady.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395589_10151419147444210_596472428_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600556_10151419148794210_1100107849_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556306_10151419146949210_606471339_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600517_10151419148439210_918396753_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/487647_10151419147189210_553836585_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/537008_10151419147809210_1274784135_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/19718_10151419148134210_1049503722_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535902_10151419149294210_2121475218_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222719_10151419149034210_1055450174_n.jpg

It's only my second MB pen, the first being a 224 acquired last weekend - photos will follow sometime later.

Heh, when I cleansed it tonight, it took a while to get the plunger to seal tight, it was as if it needed a bit of moisture to work properly, so I wouldn't wager a white shirt on the pen being able to hold ink for an extended period of time, but that's something that can be repaired. ;)
After all it is an elderly pen, so I would have been surprised if it had worked perfectly right away.
And still - at that price, it is still a very good bargain.

Robert
February 10th, 2013, 08:01 PM
I should be so lucky. Enjoy your pen!

KrazyIvan
February 11th, 2013, 09:35 AM
I think jealous is too weak of a word. :P

Toffer
February 11th, 2013, 03:48 PM
Very nice I need to get to some flea markets!!;

BikerBabe
February 11th, 2013, 08:47 PM
Thank you guys. ;)
I decided to ink test the pen today, it works nicely now! o.0
Writing sample:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wkFwDcr7img/URm-l7OEL3I/AAAAAAAABEA/pdciVRKSvS0/s889/DSC_1088.JPG

Flea markets and thrift shops can be a real treasure trove, I've found most of my collection there, with a few exceptions.
I can recommend doing a regular round at the local thrift shops, that way the people working there will get to know what you're looking for, and can put stuff aside for you if you provide them with your cell phone number. ;)

peterpen53
February 12th, 2013, 02:49 AM
Bargain does not even begin to describe what you have got yourself. I have never before seen a 234 1/2 with a tie clip, but according to penboard this is the luxury version from the late 40s, early 50s. It appears to be in fairly good condition, seen much worse for much more money. And with my favourite MB nib to boot.
Congratulations!

BikerBabe
February 12th, 2013, 06:18 AM
Hi Peterpen53, and thank you very much.
Any information about this little gem is a help, I appreciate it. :)
I have decided that this little pen is the top prize gem of my collection so far - Lord knows if I'll get better pens in the future, I don't know, but for now I feel extremely lucky in getting this MB at all, for which I feel very very grateful.
It does leak a little, but as you say, it could have been in much much worse condition, so I'm generally pretty damned satisfied, to put it straight. ;)

Cheers,

Maria.

fountainpenkid
February 12th, 2013, 06:43 AM
looks like it writes really nicely!

KrazyIvan
February 12th, 2013, 08:36 AM
Some nice line variation on that one. :)

fountainpenkid
February 12th, 2013, 03:59 PM
Some nice line variation on that one. :)

Yup.

caribbean_skye
February 12th, 2013, 05:20 PM
I went by a consignment shop today (quite by accident) and thought of you BikerBabe, however I didn't find any gems. :(

AndreasDavour
February 13th, 2013, 12:26 AM
OMG. 100DKK for a Montblanc. Quite a find you got there!

Bogon07
February 13th, 2013, 03:28 PM
Congratulations on a great find. You should maybe buy a lottery ticket with that sort to luck. :)

It appears to write in an acceptably pleasant style to. What a bargain.

BikerBabe
February 17th, 2013, 01:46 AM
Fountainpenkid: It does. It has got a tendency to squeak a little when I write, but that might be because of the paper quality, or a matter of getting used to holding the pen differently from what I'm used to with the ordinary pens.

KrazyIvan: Yup. It's a lot different from my preferred Fine nibs, but I like it.

Caribbean_Skye: Cool, keep at it, I don't find anything every time I go, but now and then I'm lucky. I bet you'd find some nice stuff eventually.

AndreasDavour: Trust me, I know. *wink*

Bogon07: Hmmm now there's a thought! :)

manoeuver
February 17th, 2013, 09:47 AM
Definitely something wrong with it; it doesn't seem to write in English.

writingrav
February 17th, 2013, 10:47 AM
Definitely something wrong with it; it doesn't seem to write in English.
LOL. The thought crossed my mind too.

KrazyIvan
February 18th, 2013, 08:59 AM
Definitely something wrong with it; it doesn't seem to write in English.

I did not think that model/year could do that. :P

BikerBabe
February 18th, 2013, 03:19 PM
Manoeuver and Writingrav: Well - it *is* german after all! :D
KrazyIvan: The pen can write english, but it needs a little coercing and convincing at first - and a treat afterwards. :D

Bogon07
February 18th, 2013, 06:34 PM
Manoeuver and Writingrav: Well - it *is* german after all! :D
KrazyIvan: The pen can write english, but it needs a little coercing and convincing at first - and a treat afterwards. :D

UK English (Scones & Tea) or US English (Apple Pie & Coffee) ?

BikerBabe
February 19th, 2013, 12:04 AM
German - grammar and poems, and maybe a little Nietzsche if it has been really good. :D
After all, it was born and raised in Germany. *wink* :)

vhr5
March 6th, 2013, 11:00 AM
Hi, I checked out your photos... that is a great find! Nice job! We have tons of flea markets and antique stores here in Ohio, but I have never looked for a fountain pen in them. Perhaps I will try... who knows what I may discover.

Mags
March 11th, 2013, 04:07 AM
Fabulous find on the MB pen at a flea market. The advantage of living in Europe is seeing these older pens.

BikerBabe
March 15th, 2013, 09:47 PM
Hi again guys, first I'd like to apologise for my delayed reply. I've been down with flu and double pneumonia like most of Denmark at the moment, thank god it's over and done with this time around. :)

VHR5: Thanks, I'm just so happy about this total bargain! *wink*
I can recommend the flea markets and thrift shops, I've managed to find nice old fountain pens, inkwells (both silver, brass and stone), rocker blotters, dip pens, pen racks and pen wipes at reasonable prices.
Most of my fountain pens were found at flea markets and thrift shops, sometimes all it takes is a bit of patience and a lot of asking around.
If you visit thrift shops regularly, maybe you can get the staff to write down your name and phone number and then get them to call you if they get something interesting, pen-wise. I have done that and it's starting to pay off now.
Sometimes the sellers at the flea markets has got shops, online or physical; ask for a business card or an online url, most are happy to provide you with this.
I hope that you find some true bargains out there. :)

Mags: Thanks, I agree, I will be on the lookout for more bargains over here. :) *wink*

vhr5
March 16th, 2013, 08:03 AM
Hi again guys, first I'd like to apologise for my delayed reply. I've been down with flu and double pneumonia like most of Denmark at the moment, thank god it's over and done with this time around. :)

VHR5: Thanks, I'm just so happy about this total bargain! *wink*
I can recommend the flea markets and thrift shops, I've managed to find nice old fountain pens, inkwells (both silver, brass and stone), rocker blotters, dip pens, pen racks and pen wipes at reasonable prices.
Most of my fountain pens were found at flea markets and thrift shops, sometimes all it takes is a bit of patience and a lot of asking around.
If you visit thrift shops regularly, maybe you can get the staff to write down your name and phone number and then get them to call you if they get something interesting, pen-wise. I have done that and it's starting to pay off now.
Sometimes the sellers at the flea markets has got shops, online or physical; ask for a business card or an online url, most are happy to provide you with this.
I hope that you find some true bargains out there. :)

Hello BikerBabe! I'm glad that you are feeling better! Thanks for the suggestions, I'm sure I may find some good buys out there if I keep my eyes open. :)

BikerBabe
March 16th, 2013, 10:54 AM
Hello BikerBabe! I'm glad that you are feeling better! Thanks for the suggestions, I'm sure I may find some good buys out there if I keep my eyes open. :)

Hi again, and thanks - I hope you find a lot of good bargains over there. :) *wink*

john
April 22nd, 2013, 02:50 PM
Can't image only US$18 for a Mont Blanc, awesome!

BikerBabe
April 24th, 2013, 04:14 PM
Hi John.

I must admit that I thought the lady at the flea market stand meant euro when I asked about the price. When she said DKK, I dug into my pocket and dragged out my wallet and paid up, thanking her.
And on my way home I thanked my lucky star, that was definitely a bargain for a MB!

john
April 25th, 2013, 07:25 AM
It's a very very very good deal:cheers:

Bogon07
April 26th, 2013, 01:42 AM
Hi John.
And on my way home I thanked my lucky star, that was definitely a bargain for a MB!
Your lucky Mont Blanc star.

BikerBabe
April 26th, 2013, 09:33 AM
Your lucky Mont Blanc star.

Hah yes, what else but that? ;)

CS388
April 27th, 2013, 03:54 PM
Hi John.

I must admit that I thought the lady at the flea market stand meant euro when I asked about the price. When she said DKK, I dug into my pocket and dragged out my wallet and paid up, thanking her.
And on my way home I thanked my lucky star, that was definitely a bargain for a MB!

Y'know, even if she had meant euro, it would still have been a good deal for that pen.
As it is - complete bargain!
Congratulations.
Fingers crossed that you find some more.

Enjoy.

BikerBabe
May 21st, 2013, 03:16 PM
Y'know, even if she had meant euro, it would still have been a good deal for that pen.
As it is - complete bargain!
Congratulations.
Fingers crossed that you find some more.

Enjoy.

Thank you, I'm still hunting.*wink*
And yup, even if it had been euro, it would have been a cheap price for a MB.

whych
June 24th, 2013, 03:15 AM
The piston should be cork and needs to seal properly. Best way to do this is to put the whole pen in water and work the piston till it has water on both sides of the piston. Flush the pen out with it under the water - you will get ink out from both ends.
Leave it a few days to soak, changing the water every time it gets inky after flushing - this should also get most of the old ink out the cork and body.
The water on the top part of the piston will evaporate.
When you use the pen, keep turning it nib up, nib down, to keep the cork wet.
If the pen does dry out, don't force the piston but soak it till it loosens or else you could damage the cork.

Enjoy the pen and make sure you have lots of ink. Those broad nibs drink the stuff. ;)

BikerBabe
June 24th, 2013, 11:50 AM
Hi whych, and thank you for the excellent advice, I'll do that. :)
And I've got no need to worry about ink - I've got three or four bottles of blue ink, and ditto of black, that ought to last me for a while. ;-)

whych
June 24th, 2013, 02:02 PM
And I've got no need to worry about ink - I've got three or four bottles of blue ink, and ditto of black, that ought to last me for a while. ;-)
If the broad nib German Piston fillers were cars, they would be the equivalent of gas guzzling American V8's and you would have all the green guys on you for using too much petrol! ;)
If you are going to use blue or lighter colours of ink, make sure the cork has as much of the old ink out as possible. You will probably need a few fills to get the black out and get the true blue/lighter colour through I think.
I think yours is one of the more sought after models.
Somewhere around I have a link to the insides of the pen and how it comes apart. I'll send it to you when I discover it.
(Not an MB collector, prefer Pelikan, Faber Castell and Geha - they are cheaper without the extra for the 'snob' value ;) )

whych
June 25th, 2013, 03:28 PM
Have a look at:
http://www.caprafico.com/pens-88
For some MB reference docs.

BikerBabe
June 25th, 2013, 04:13 PM
Hi again, and thank you very much for the advice, I appreciate it a lot, since I haven't managed to take any pen apart before.
The link to the PDF file is very helpful, my only problem now is taking the pen apart.
It appears to have "grown" together at the "seams", I tried using a little gentle heat - that didn't work. Hmmm.
But at least the cork seal inside is so dry that I could get some clean water past it without problems. And I can shake the water out of the button end without problems, so at least I can get the pen cleaned inside.
As I write, the pen is soaking in clean water in a bowl in the kitchen. :)
Thanks again, the pdf file and your advice is wonderful help. :)