My newest Montblanc

[Barry B. Gabay]

For many years, the 149 has been my favorite post-WWII fountain pen, surpassing all others in reliability, comfort, and beauty. Along with the 1920s senior Parker Duofold and Parker 51, it is one of my top 3 favorite fountain pens of all time.

Because the 149 seems to perform forever if properly maintained, I have hesitated to buy new ones. In fact, I recently bought my first new one since the 1990s. This new model had interested me since its introduction and having finally seen it in person, decided to splurge on my retired public school teacher's pension and get one. A very friendly guy who had filled it once or twice gave me a generous deal. Filled so little, I suppose it qualifies as nearly new.

It is my youngest 149 by many years. The next youngest one dates from 1985-90. Photos below of the nearly new 149 Platinum with EF nib. Don't know how to straighten the photos.

[FredRydr]

Fred want to know what has to go to make room for it.

[guyy]

Barry is selling a King of Pen, so maybe it’s that.

[Robert]

I bought my 149 new from Fahrney's in the mid-1970's. It was my main EDC for many, many years. Still have it, but don't use it very often now. It's one pen that I'll never sell.

[Barry B. Gabay]

With only 11 Montblanc 149s at the moment, the corral hardly seems crowded. In the mid-1990s, when I was much younger though apparently far more demented, I had 39 operable 149s. No misprint: 39! They represented every barrel, cap, nib, feed, & filling mechanism from 1952 until the mid-1990s. Many duplicates among them. EDIT: All nibs except for the elusive two-tone 18C nib, the rarest of all 149 nibs.

[penwash]

With only 11 Montblanc 149s at the moment, the corral hardly seems crowded. In the mid-1990s, when I was much younger though apparently far more demented, I had 39 operable 149s. No misprint: 39! They represented every barrel, cap, nib, feed, & filling mechanism from 1952 until the mid-1990s. Many duplicates among them. EDIT: All nibs except for the elusive two-tone 18C nib, the rarest of all 149 nibs.

That's just amazing, Barry.
If you have to pick another brand/model besides MB 149, what would be your second favorite?

[Barry B. Gabay]

Hi Penwash, Along with the 149, I never seem to tire of studying and using the Parker 51 and 1920s-early 30s senior Parker Duofold. In recent years, the Sailor King of Pen has become another frequent user. A little over 20 years ago, I began selling lots of 149s to finance celluloid OMAS fountain pens. Then after a few years, I began selling those & buying old 149s again. My wife just shakes her head and smiles.

[BlkWhiteFilmPix]

Congrats on the new[er] 149, Barry, thank you for your service as a teacher, and thanks for your many articles and contributions on the Montblanc 149.

[Barry B. Gabay]

Thank you, BlkWhiteFilmPix, What a very kind message to write. I appreciate it more than you can imagine. Thank you, Barry