Buying new or used

[Cremator]

Hi I am thinking of buy my first Montblanc pen fountain pen .

new or used not sure yet I was thinking of the 149 what do you all think is this a good choice I use a duofold 2006 pearl and black at the moment.i would be using it every day. Many thanks for any comments please

[Viktaurian]

Hi I am thinking of buy my first Montblanc pen fountain pen .

new or used not sure yet I was thinking of the 149 what do you all think is this a good choice I use a duofold 2006 pearl and black at the moment.i would be using it every day. Many thanks for any comments please

Hello, Hope you are doing fine amid the pandemic.

Montblanc [emoji3581]
149 [emoji3581]

You have 2 correct ticks for buying a new pen ( IMO ). Also, if you prefer good chunky pens, 149 won't disappoint.

Even a 146 makes a great writer for someone stepping into Montblanc world.

I would strongly recommend go for an used pen.

The current prevailing prices for a well kept 149 would be around 300-350 USD ( you might get lucky to get one under 300 as well [emoji1696]).

If you keen to share your preference around nib size and budget, I can surely share any 149 listing which is a great steal / buy.

Stay safe !





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[Chrissy]

The Mb 149 is a fatter pen than the Parker Duofold Centennial and the 149 doesn't have a completely straight barrel like the Duofold. It has a fatter, curved barrel. It also doesn't feel quite as heavy as the Duofold Centennial.
Some users say they find it big for everyday use.
The 146 is closer in size to the Parker Duofold Centennial.

57498
57497

[RobJohnson]

The last used 149 that I bought was about 5 years ago and that was around £250, boxed and with ink, I am guessing that you would need to spend £250-300 today, less than half the price of a new example and it will have lost all its depreciation. Ask a lot of questions before you buy if you cannot see the pen in your hand.

The 146 is a good pen too, some prefer the smaller size but once you have the 149 thought in your mind it will not let go, it is a bit like wanting a 911 and then buying a Boxster because it is more sensible.

[Chrissy]

I have a "technically used" 149 that I would expect to get more than £250 for. It comes with an 18ct tricolour BB nib. This is the pen in those pictures.
I say "technically used" but it isn't used as everything on the pen except the nib has been replaced by Montblanc and it has never been filled with ink since those new parts were fitted.
The nib is also completely unworn. Something you need really good pictures to see when buying a used pen. :)

[Cremator]

Hi all thank you for your comments great help looking for a med nib budget want the best I can get if it’s going to be used pen

[Chrissy]

I have several 146 sized pens and regularly use them. The 149 always seemed like a slight disappointment by comparison.

[Cremator]

Oh that’s interesting maybe I should go for a 146 then

[Chrissy]

Oh that’s interesting maybe I should go for a 146 then
Look at both. The 146 is certainly more like your Duofold.

[Viktaurian]

The Mb 149 is a fatter pen than the Parker Duofold Centennial and the 149 doesn't have a completely straight barrel like the Duofold. It has a fatter, curved barrel. It also doesn't feel quite as heavy as the Duofold Centennial.
Some users say they find it big for everyday use.
The 146 is closer in size to the Parker Duofold Centennial.

57498
57497

Great shots [emoji991]


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[Cremator]

Yes the pics are great

[snoopy]

I'd definitely buy second hand. There's terrific value to be had for great pens.
Personally (and I'm sure someone will contradict me!) I tend to avoid late 80's and 90's models because in the past I've found the nibs of that era a bit uninspiring and at times even disappointing.

[guyy]

I’m partial to the the vintage pens which are almost always used. I cast my vote for used.

As for 146 vs 149, i think i use my 146s more. I like the 149 plenty, but it’s not as portable. But if i had a 1950s149 rather than a 1950s 146, it might be a different story...

[Cremator]

Think Santa is going to bring me a new 149

[Barry B. Gabay]

Hello Cremator,

That's a very generous Santa! After you fall in love with your new 149, you may be hunting for another at some point. I strongly endorse guyy's advice about used 149s. It is such a durable & reliable fountain pen that it will continue operating perfectly with minimal maintenance & attentive care. Of the 149s I presently own, only 2 were purchased new, 41 and 40 years ago respectively. Those, along with some which are considerably older, are working perfectly.

Have a wonderful morning following Santa's visit.
Stay healthy,
Barry

[Cremator]

Hi Barry thank you