I bought a used Meisterstück No 149 and need your help!!

[Zero138]

Hello! I am brand new to Fountain Pens. Brand new. As in, I have been researching for a few weeks and bought my first today. Since we couldn’t find anything nice locally, I’ll be placing an order, but we bought some Pilot Varsity pens just to write with to see if my daughters (7,14) and I would appreciate the fountain pens in the way I feel we would. Well, while shopping at goodwill today for a glass bowl to make a terrarium in, I checked the case at the front of the store. I found a Mont Blanc Meisterstück no 149 in the presentation box with original warranty card and guarantee booklet. dates printed in the paperwork say 10/88 (I’d assume this is a date and not a code to something else)

After a bit of research I see that the rod Is broken. I’ve read this is a challenge to repair, and I’ve read I should send it in for around $100 or so. Of course these are all old forum posts I’ve found, so I’ve no clue what the repair would actually cost.

My question is this, is this pen worth repairing and at what price point is it no longer a good deal. I paid $9.99 for the pen. I know it’s a Grail Pen to some so when I saw it I knew I had to own it. At $10 it’s worth owning just to own. But, I’d love to get this pen back to its former glory. And the marks on it that show it’s been used, dropped, and loved for years, really add character that I love. Is it worth anything in this condition? I have no clue. But I sure like it so far. Even in its current state.

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[jar]

Buy it but understand that Montblanc is not the best choice for repairs and it will likely cost $100.00 or so to get it fixed by someone that actually knows what it needs.

[Zero138]

Buy it but understand that Montblanc is not the best choice for repairs and it will likely cost $100.00 or so to get it fixed by someone that actually knows what it needs.

I bought it. It was $10. I couldn’t pass it up, even if I only ever look at it. Would you have any recommendations for a repair person you’d trust other than montblanc?


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[jar]

Ron Zorn (https://fpgeeks.com/forum/member.php/16020-Ron-Z) is a member here and either ask him to service it or to suggest who should do it.

[Zero138]

Ron Zorn (https://fpgeeks.com/forum/member.php/16020-Ron-Z) is a member here and either ask him to service it or to suggest who should do it.

Thank you!


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[Chrissy]

Sumgai find. :) Many known pen repairers don't have the necessary spare parts to service Montblancs and that's why they often need to be returned to Montblanc to be serviced. Regardless of what Montblanc charge to make this pen like new it will always have cost a bargain total price. :)

It looks like that nib has been removed and replaced because it's further out than it should be. My guess is that Montblanc might be the eventual repairer for this pen.

[FredRydr]

Repair choices depend upon your location.

[Wile E Coyote]

Buy it but understand that Montblanc is not the best choice for repairs and it will likely cost $100.00 or so to get it fixed by someone that actually knows what it needs.

I'm curious, why do you think MB would not be the best choice for repair?

[Chrissy]

I would never let anyone other than Montblanc service/repair one of my Montblanc pens but I'm aware it's currently not so straightforward for those in the US.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Mr Richardson has offered a good option in suggesting Ron Zorn. His reputation precedes him in the repair world.

As for the repair costing $100, well that is still a bargain price for an MB149 (if it's a real one). If the OP doesn't want to get it repaired, I'll give you the $10 plus postage and I'll get it repaired for myself! :)

[jar]

Mainly because Montblanc no longer does the repairs. But also because even when they did do repairs their preferred solution was replace rather than repair.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Really, Mr Richardson? Who does the repairs for MB now if you send one back for it? I'm guessing whoever it is uses approved parts though.

[jar]

I imagine that depends on the location, what happens in the U*S may be different than other markets.

And yes, we can all guess but it can only be a WAG.

[Zero138]

Mr Richardson has offered a good option in suggesting Ron Zorn. His reputation precedes him in the repair world.

As for the repair costing $100, well that is still a bargain price for an MB149 (if it's a real one). If the OP doesn't want to get it repaired, I'll give you the $10 plus postage and I'll get it repaired for myself! :)

Haha, yes I think I’ll have it repaired. Unless the 1988 models are insanely valuable for whatever reason, I think I’m ok with having it repair by replacement with new parts. Since I’ve no emotional connection to the pen, I don’t think it will devalue it in my eyes to be made like new. This pen was $10, if someone offered you a like new 149 for $110 I assume you’d be all over it, right?!!

As for authenticity, I’m no expert. But I’d imagine, with where it was found, and what is with it, that it’s a real one. Since a thrift store has no need to try and sell a fake, and it has paperwork with it that all looks to be correct (again no expert, just some quick searches). So my hopes is that it’s real.

If someone can explain to my why having parts replaced is a bad idea over repair, please let me know.

I understand if this were a super old model then you’d want to retain its original state, or if this were sentimental to me because of its previous owner. However, in my current position, wouldn’t replacement be a fantastic option?

Thank you all so much again :)


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[Chrissy]

Haha, yes I think I’ll have it repaired. Unless the 1988 models are insanely valuable for whatever reason, I think I’m ok with having it repair by replacement with new parts. Since I’ve no emotional connection to the pen, I don’t think it will devalue it in my eyes to be made like new. This pen was $10, if someone offered you a like new 149 for $110 I assume you’d be all over it, right?!!

As for authenticity, I’m no expert. But I’d imagine, with where it was found, and what is with it, that it’s a real one. Since a thrift store has no need to try and sell a fake, and it has paperwork with it that all looks to be correct (again no expert, just some quick searches). So my hopes is that it’s real.

If someone can explain to my why having parts replaced is a bad idea over repair, please let me know.

I understand if this were a super old model then you’d want to retain its original state, or if this were sentimental to me because of its previous owner. However, in my current position, wouldn’t replacement be a fantastic option?

Thank you all so much again :)


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Some users with older pens like to keep an original old feed that isn't modern plastic. Your pen has a modern plastic feed so no worries. If you happen to send it to Montblanc they would charge you a level one service and send you back a pen that looks like new.

[Zero138]

Haha, yes I think I’ll have it repaired. Unless the 1988 models are insanely valuable for whatever reason, I think I’m ok with having it repair by replacement with new parts. Since I’ve no emotional connection to the pen, I don’t think it will devalue it in my eyes to be made like new. This pen was $10, if someone offered you a like new 149 for $110 I assume you’d be all over it, right?!!

As for authenticity, I’m no expert. But I’d imagine, with where it was found, and what is with it, that it’s a real one. Since a thrift store has no need to try and sell a fake, and it has paperwork with it that all looks to be correct (again no expert, just some quick searches). So my hopes is that it’s real.

If someone can explain to my why having parts replaced is a bad idea over repair, please let me know.

I understand if this were a super old model then you’d want to retain its original state, or if this were sentimental to me because of its previous owner. However, in my current position, wouldn’t replacement be a fantastic option?

Thank you all so much again :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Some users with older pens like to keep an original old feed that isn't modern plastic. Your pen has a modern plastic feed so no worries. If you happen to send it to Montblanc they would charge you a level one service and send you back a pen that looks like new.

I feel like this is my best chance at owning a “new” 149 for $100. So I should probably send it in and start fresh with a like new pen.

I am so excited!!!

When I started this research into fountain pens, this was a pen I saw a few times and it quickly was ruled out as something I’d never own. Finding it used in a thrift store and having it be my first purchase… it’s like I was supposed to find this hobby :)


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[Zero138]

Haha, yes I think I’ll have it repaired. Unless the 1988 models are insanely valuable for whatever reason, I think I’m ok with having it repair by replacement with new parts. Since I’ve no emotional connection to the pen, I don’t think it will devalue it in my eyes to be made like new. This pen was $10, if someone offered you a like new 149 for $110 I assume you’d be all over it, right?!!

As for authenticity, I’m no expert. But I’d imagine, with where it was found, and what is with it, that it’s a real one. Since a thrift store has no need to try and sell a fake, and it has paperwork with it that all looks to be correct (again no expert, just some quick searches). So my hopes is that it’s real.

If someone can explain to my why having parts replaced is a bad idea over repair, please let me know.

I understand if this were a super old model then you’d want to retain its original state, or if this were sentimental to me because of its previous owner. However, in my current position, wouldn’t replacement be a fantastic option?

Thank you all so much again :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Some users with older pens like to keep an original old feed that isn't modern plastic. Your pen has a modern plastic feed so no worries. If you happen to send it to Montblanc they would charge you a level one service and send you back a pen that looks like new.

So I did a quick search, and saw this pen has the split feed which would indicate the ebonite. Correct?

I requested that it be left alone on the repair form. So we will see. If it needs replaced that’s ok too. I’ve got nothing in this pen except $10. It’s essentially a free pen at this point.


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[bunnspecial]

An 88 pen would originally have had a split ebonite feed. I'd use an aftermarket repair.

From the photos it will likely need a piston helix. MB, to my knowledge, doesn't do component-level replacement like this but rather would just replace the whole piston assembly. The piston they would have available to my knowledge won't fit that age barrel, which is no longer made, and a split ebonite feed won't fit a current design barrel. Given parts incompatibilities over the years, that leads to the repair "cascade" that often ends at a totally new pen fitted with your original nib and clip.

There are very qualified independents out there who can replace the helix and service the rest of the pen. That's one of the trickier repairs as there's a tiny circlip that needs to be removed and then reinstalled. Member foutainbel, who is a very accomplished repairman, has shown sketches of a tool used to remove and reinstall these.

The cost is likely to be about the same as sending it to MB. BTW, to my knowledge, even though the externals of the current piston are all brass, I think the helix is still plastic.

One can certainly decide what one wants with their own pens, but I like to keep the character of my older MBs intact, especially when they have one piece barrels(which this pen does not have). Heck, right now, Ron Zorn has my celluloid 146 that needs some pretty major repair, and I can't imagine letting Montblanc, much less their subcontracted service in the US, anywhere NEAR that pen. The modern 146 has even less in common with its 50s version than the 149 has with its 50s version.

[FredRydr]

...I requested that it be left alone on the repair form. So we will see....
Experience has shown this can lead to disappointment. If you want to preserve a Montblanc's originality, a Montblanc factory-authorized repair in North America is risky, depending on the age of the pen. If this 149 was my pen for personal use or resale, I would not send it to Montblanc or My Jewelry Repair. Had the pen been made in the 21st century, I'd consider them (though there's been issues with My Jewelry Repair).

[christof]

You just could buy a replacement part on ebay for example:

https://www.ebay.ch/itm/223768547393?hash=item3419a51041:g:XZcAAOSwLnlafjb o


These pens are easy to disassemble and to maintain.

[Zero138]

It’s been decided. After a conversation with Ron, I’m sending it to montblanc and going forward with their repair no matter how much they replace. I think since it’s not a sentimental pen, and it’s not a particularly rare example, having things replaced isn’t a bad deal. I’ll be in this (according to their website and a bit of reading online) around another $100. Even at double that, I still feel like that’s a killer deal for a renewed 149 especially since I’ll have the story of finding it second hand for $10. How could I not get this pen up and running again. I’m beyond excited to get it back. I shipped it off earlier today :)


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[Barry Gabay]

Congratulations on your great find. From the parts shown, your pen was made between 1985-1990. It's a beautiful fountain pen and certainly worth investing in a proper repair. Good luck with your decision.

[alperozt]

...I requested that it be left alone on the repair form. So we will see....
Experience has shown this can lead to disappointment. If you want to preserve a Montblanc's originality, a Montblanc factory-authorized repair in North America is risky, depending on the age of the pen. If this 149 was my pen for personal use or resale, I would not send it to Montblanc or My Jewelry Repair. Had the pen been made in the 21st century, I'd consider them (though there's been issues with My Jewelry Repair).


Not to go off topic but, what types of issues with My Jewelry Repair? They have a 146 Solitaire of mine on their bench as we speak. It got me alarmed

[Chrissy]

There have been a couple of fairly recent long threads about My Jewellery Repair. You will easily find them if you search in the search box

[bunnspecial]

My confidence in MJR is low enough and my frustration high enough that I'm planning on saying "Forget the warranty" on my new finnicky 146 Calligraphy and hope that Richard Binder(or if not him someone else) can sort out the problems with it at the show this weekend...

Even on a warranty repair(and in my case even on a pen that wasn't right from the factory), you are on the hook to pay round trip shipping. You can't just box the pen up and send it however you want, either-you have to generate and pay for a shipping label through their website, and on a completed repair you have to pay for the return shipping to "release" the item. Each shipment is $25-30, so a warranty trip is $50-60.

I have minimal confidence in their ability to even see the problem with my 146C, especially given that it will write fine for 2-3 lines, and if they see it my confidence in their ability to fix it is even lower given how new these are and how small of a fraction of overall MB production they represent(and the nibs are unlike any other current/recent production MB nibs aside obviously from the 149 Calligraphy). Consequently, $50 or $100 or however much at a pen show to someone who actually KNOWS nibs, will understand the problem, and will make sure it's fixed to my satisfaction is well worth blowing the warranty. The rest of the pen is pretty standard bulletproof modern 146.

I'd have less reservation about having them handle the OP's repair, though, as it's not anything especially out of the ordinary. Just don't be surprised if it takes 2-3 months.

[alperozt]

My confidence in MJR is low enough and my frustration high enough that I'm planning on saying "Forget the warranty" on my new finnicky 146 Calligraphy and hope that Richard Binder(or if not him someone else) can sort out the problems with it at the show this weekend...

Even on a warranty repair(and in my case even on a pen that wasn't right from the factory), you are on the hook to pay round trip shipping. You can't just box the pen up and send it however you want, either-you have to generate and pay for a shipping label through their website, and on a completed repair you have to pay for the return shipping to "release" the item. Each shipment is $25-30, so a warranty trip is $50-60.

I have minimal confidence in their ability to even see the problem with my 146C, especially given that it will write fine for 2-3 lines, and if they see it my confidence in their ability to fix it is even lower given how new these are and how small of a fraction of overall MB production they represent(and the nibs are unlike any other current/recent production MB nibs aside obviously from the 149 Calligraphy). Consequently, $50 or $100 or however much at a pen show to someone who actually KNOWS nibs, will understand the problem, and will make sure it's fixed to my satisfaction is well worth blowing the warranty. The rest of the pen is pretty standard bulletproof modern 146.

I'd have less reservation about having them handle the OP's repair, though, as it's not anything especially out of the ordinary. Just don't be surprised if it takes 2-3 months.

I think Richard Binder closed his repair service several years ago. My recollection is that he is recommending Indy Pen Dance.

[FredRydr]

Ask Joel Hamilton to have a look.

[Chrissy]

There have been a couple of fairly recent long threads about My Jewellery Repair. You will easily find them if you search in the search box
Apologies. Aaargh!! I didn't see the "auto-corrected" British spelling for Jewelry.

[bunnspecial]

My confidence in MJR is low enough and my frustration high enough that I'm planning on saying "Forget the warranty" on my new finnicky 146 Calligraphy and hope that Richard Binder(or if not him someone else) can sort out the problems with it at the show this weekend...

Even on a warranty repair(and in my case even on a pen that wasn't right from the factory), you are on the hook to pay round trip shipping. You can't just box the pen up and send it however you want, either-you have to generate and pay for a shipping label through their website, and on a completed repair you have to pay for the return shipping to "release" the item. Each shipment is $25-30, so a warranty trip is $50-60.

I have minimal confidence in their ability to even see the problem with my 146C, especially given that it will write fine for 2-3 lines, and if they see it my confidence in their ability to fix it is even lower given how new these are and how small of a fraction of overall MB production they represent(and the nibs are unlike any other current/recent production MB nibs aside obviously from the 149 Calligraphy). Consequently, $50 or $100 or however much at a pen show to someone who actually KNOWS nibs, will understand the problem, and will make sure it's fixed to my satisfaction is well worth blowing the warranty. The rest of the pen is pretty standard bulletproof modern 146.

I'd have less reservation about having them handle the OP's repair, though, as it's not anything especially out of the ordinary. Just don't be surprised if it takes 2-3 months.

I think Richard Binder closed his repair service several years ago. My recollection is that he is recommending Indy Pen Dance.
He still does pen shows, including the St. Louis show that is coming up this weekend.

[welch]

Send it to Ron Z. or through a Mont Blanc "boutique". A new 149 is around $1200, so I would eagerly pay $100 for repairs.

[Zero138]

I sent it in, I’ve paid for the repair, and shipping. Which is wildly overpriced and almost price gouging. But, all in including sales price of the pen, I’ll be $160 for what should be a fully refurbished 149 :)


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[Zero138]

Update, it’s being mailed back as we speak! Just got the notification earlier today. I expect it by early next week! *A lot faster than I was expecting based on other posts about their repair service.

now, we will see what I get back in the mail soon!!!*


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[jar]

Great. Keep us posted.

[Zero138]

Great. Keep us posted.

I’ll have an update today. Shipping was updated to show delivery today!


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[Zero138]

Ok, well, it arrived today. Cap was not replaced so all the original scars from its first life still live on. However, it’s a terrible writer. Scratchy, doesn’t always have ink, I had to turn the piston once to get ink to flow again. It’s consistently doesn’t write on the first stroke:… really bummed. But, it’s still a pretty pen :/


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[Marsilius]

Ok, well, it arrived today. Cap was not replaced so all the original scars from its first life still live on. However, it’s a terrible writer. Scratchy, doesn’t always have ink, I had to turn the piston once to get ink to flow again. It’s consistently doesn’t write on the first stroke:… really bummed. But, it’s still a pretty pen :/


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I forgot: has it had a really good really long soak yet?

[jar]

Ok, well, it arrived today. Cap was not replaced so all the original scars from its first life still live on. However, it’s a terrible writer. Scratchy, doesn’t always have ink, I had to turn the piston once to get ink to flow again. It’s consistently doesn’t write on the first stroke:… really bummed. But, it’s still a pretty pen :/


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Okay. Those are all things that should have been checked and fixed but the good news is that all of those things are most likely minor problems for any competent person like Ron.

I don't know where you are located but it's very likely that there is someone near by that can help or that we can suggest. Again, contact Ron and also Danny Fudge at The Write Pen (http://www.thewritepen.net/services.html). (scroll down to Nib Services at the bottom of the page)

[Cyril]

@Jar You have a nice website. and a good collection of quality pens for sale !!!:haha:

[TSherbs]

Ok, well, it arrived today. Cap was not replaced so all the original scars from its first life still live on. However, it’s a terrible writer. Scratchy, doesn’t always have ink, I had to turn the piston once to get ink to flow again. It’s consistently doesn’t write on the first stroke:… really bummed. But, it’s still a pretty pen :/


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How is this pen working for you now?