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Thread: Buying new or used

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    Default Buying new or used

    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

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    Viktaurian (November 29th, 2020)

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    Quote Originally Posted by Cremator View Post
    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
    149

    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 ).

    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 !





    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    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.

    Duofold versus 149.jpg
    Duofold versus 149_0003.JPG
    Last edited by Chrissy; November 29th, 2020 at 03:59 AM.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Ahriman4891 (December 2nd, 2020), Barry B. Gabay (November 29th, 2020), Detman101 (December 1st, 2020), FredRydr (November 29th, 2020), VertOlive (December 16th, 2020), Viktaurian (November 29th, 2020)

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    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.

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    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.
    Last edited by Chrissy; November 29th, 2020 at 04:09 AM.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    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
    Last edited by Cremator; November 29th, 2020 at 04:11 AM.

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    I have several 146 sized pens and regularly use them. The 149 always seemed like a slight disappointment by comparison.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

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

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    Quote Originally Posted by Cremator View Post
    Oh that’s interesting maybe I should go for a 146 then
    Look at both. The 146 is certainly more like your Duofold.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    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.

    Duofold versus 149.jpg
    Duofold versus 149_0003.JPG
    Great shots


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    Chrissy (November 29th, 2020)

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    Yes the pics are great

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    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.

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    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...

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    Think Santa is going to bring me a new 149

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    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
    Last edited by Barry B. Gabay; December 8th, 2020 at 09:44 AM. Reason: grammar error

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    Default Re: Buying new or used

    Hi Barry thank you

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