The "Flashlight" Test

[RayCornett]

How reliable is the flashlight test for detecting real vs. counterfeit Montblanc pens?

[jar]

It works on some of the really old, really bad fakes. New fakes though look just like the authentic thing.

[Wile E Coyote]

It works on some of the really old, really bad fakes. New fakes though look just like the authentic thing.

Any idea if the IR test works on the newer fakes?

[Chrissy]

I don't think it could be called "reliable" as I've heard of some newer fakes passing the test. I believe that's what jar meant too. :)

[RayCornett]

I was wondering because everything about my 1990 149 checked out but I was not getting the translucence. Turned out my crappy flashlight was not bright enough and I had been checking it in a room that was too bright near a window. I checked it earlier in a dim room with a better flashlight. The translusence is there.

[Chrissy]

You don't really need a flashlight test for a 149 that has the correct piston filling system.

[RayCornett]

You don't really need a flashlight test for a 149 that has the correct piston filling system.

I have learned a lot in my MB research and have seen some good information from you along the way. I was just being overcautious I guess after reading that there are some very good fakes that fool even the experienced people. I assumed that meant the new better fakes had piston systems as well whereas they did not in the past. Now I have also read that some of the good newer fakes pass the flashlight test.

[Chrissy]

There are some fakes that have a "sort of" piston filler, but it's not the same as the authentic Montblanc version. So you're much safer with 146 and 149 pens than you are with C/C fillers.

[jar]

There are some fakes that were being built in Korea as demonstrator models that have a fully functional and near identical piston system to the modern Montblancs.

[Chrissy]

There are some fakes that were being built in Korea as demonstrator models that have a fully functional and near identical piston system to the modern Montblancs.
I've heard that too. They don't pass the flashlight test either. :bounce:

[DickBrowne]

At the risk of sounding like a noob (hello, I'm a noob!) can somebody please explain the flashlight test to me? I'm assuming that a reasonable strength light shone down the inside of the pen should not leak light through to the outside? Or is it the other way around - that light should be visible?

I have searched, but this is the only thread containing "flashlight test" in the MB sub-forum.

Thank you

Richard

[Chrissy]

At the risk of sounding like a noob (hello, I'm a noob!) can somebody please explain the flashlight test to me? I'm assuming that a reasonable strength light shone down the inside of the pen should not leak light through to the outside? Or is it the other way around - that light should be visible?

I have searched, but this is the only thread containing "flashlight test" in the MB sub-forum.

Thank you

Richard
If you search on Google for "Flashlight test on Montblanc resin" and watch Stephen Brown's videos, you should find out about the flashlight test there.

Here is one of them (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Bp5d4psAs)

[jar]

At the risk of sounding like a noob (hello, I'm a noob!) can somebody please explain the flashlight test to me? I'm assuming that a reasonable strength light shone down the inside of the pen should not leak light through to the outside? Or is it the other way around - that light should be visible?

I have searched, but this is the only thread containing "flashlight test" in the MB sub-forum.

Thank you

Richard

It is an obsolete test for authenticity. Strong light through the wall of Montblanc resin pens looked red. But the fakers pretty soon made sure that was also true of their fakes.

[Chrissy]

It's worth buying a Montblanc if a) they have the specific pen you want and b) you have the money for it. :)

[jar]

Guys, how do you think is it worth buying a Montblanc pen?

Welcome home. Pull up a stump and set a spell. Montblanc makes generally well made and reliable fountain pens. If they have something you like and can afford then it will be worth buying.

[SaniyahMathis]

I think this test will be effective on older generation models. But that does not mean that modern models cannot be tested properly. For any tests to determine sublimity or efficacy, white or blue light flashlights should be used. The whole point is that a warm light can't fully make all of the required marks. Almost any high-powered flashlight can do the job. For example, I use https://www.amazon.com/Vont-Flashlight-Flashlights-Water-Resistant-Accessories/dp/B089T8HDBV, which I am also handy for hiking. And what do you need a check for? Is there any damage that says tampering?

[OCArt]

There are some fakes that have a "sort of" piston filler, but it's not the same as the authentic Montblanc version. So you're much safer with 146 and 149 pens than you are with C/C fillers.
That certainly used to be the case but now there are copies of the 146 with a "real" piston. I have one in front of me and it is a *very* near dupe of my real 146, the caps even interchange. It would be impossible to tell them apart in a photo and difficult even with the fake pen in hand. The only certain test would be to apply a magnet to the nib as gold isn't magnetic.
Aliexpress calls them 149 but they are actually 146 copies.

[Barry B. Gabay]

Recently, a boxed mint Montblanc 145 Chopin was passed around at a pen gathering. I was in a group of serious Montblanc fans who examined the cartridge-fill fountain pen. I was fooled. It looked perfect to me. Others in the group agreed. I suggested a magnet, & the owner of the 145 took one out, having anticipated someone would ask that question. The nib attracted the magnet. It was a fake with a non-gold, metal alloy nib. This fake was flawless. I agree that years ago Montblanc fakes were pretty easy to detect. These days, there are very detailed copies.

[Stands on Feet]

Magnets don't always work. I have pens with stainless-steel nibs that aren't attracted to a magnet.

[jdwhitak]

Doesn't Montblanc have a authentication service? If so, you might want to send it to them to authenticate it.

[Sailor Kenshin]

My Wing Sung 629 piston filler glows red. Ooo, precious resin!

[TSherbs]

I've never really paid attention to these Montblanc threads before. They are full of dramatic stories, mysteries, intrigues, deceits.

[FredRydr]

I've never really paid attention to these Montblanc threads before. They are full of dramatic stories, mysteries, intrigues, deceits. Goodness yes! The FPN Montblanc subform used to be notorious for that, and the aggressive moderators made the best of it.

[Farmboy]

We all know the Precious Resin that shows red comes from Esterbrook J series jewels.

Shine a bright light on them and you will understand why there are so many missing jewels

[FredRydr]

We all know....
Um...

[Ozzy]

7438974390
This is what the Flashlight test looks like. Here it is on a Montblanc 147. The plastic should glow red. I have done it on my rollerball and ballpoint pens as well and it glows red which I was surprised because I thought those were just plastic and precious resin only on fountain pens. Just have to have the right angle and light.

It’s at least one test to use along with other tells in order to authenticate, but ultimately best to buy from a trusted seller.

[dr_kevy]

Not exclusive to Mb. So not a reliable sign of authenticity.


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[Chrissy]

Not exclusive to Mb. So not a reliable sign of authenticity.


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This is true.I heard that several black resin pens glow red like the Montblanc resin does, especially fake ones. :(