Mont Blanc Pen Serial Numbers
As always as though we’re doing homework, we start by having a diagram or a picture of the relevant matter:— The typical Montblanc fountain nib (via Hepworth Dixon). I don’t really know or follow the matter of Montblanc nibs — but I run around ban. All Montblanc pens produced after 1991 are marked with a serial number—typically two numbers followed by seven letters. Also, the word 'Germany' will be etched on the upper cap ring of the pen. Older pens don't have a serial number but still include the 'Germany' etching.
My name is Mark Lim and I'm an artist. My life revolves around pens and pencils and I choose my tools much like a samurai chooses a sword or a baker chooses a bakey. That bakes good. Anyway, I collect Montblanc pens and I'm writing this guide to help you spot a fake one in an Ebay auction. There are different grades of fake pens. Some are horrible and you can spot right away with the naked eye.
Some are 'Grade A' replicas and have to be taken apart or used by a professional to authenticate. I wrote this guide specifically to spot 'Grade A' fakes:) Part 1: How to tell if your pen is a Montblanc - The first thing I look for in the pen is the serial number. Almost all Montblanc pens have serial numbers on the ring connected to the clip. Here are a few pictures of where to look: Meisterstuck A good price for a Meisterstuck would be about $100-$150 on Ebay. I would be suspicious of anything less.
The Meisterstuck is the most commonly faked Montblanc pen so be sure to check the ring for the serial number.Normally the number is two letters followed by seven numbers but older models might have less numbers. It should also say 'Germany' around the ring. My father buys boxes and boxes of replica Meisterstucks in Downtown LA to give as gifts so you should be really careful when you inspect your pen.
The Meisterstucks should also have writing on the ring around the bottom of the cap that says 'Montblanc Meisterstuck' and sometimes 'Pix'. Notice how tall the letters are vertically and almost take up the entire middle section of the ring. Fake pens will be smaller or have a slightly different sized font or spacing between letters. Here's a picture of one of my real pens next to one of my fake pens:.New Montblancs also have the word 'Pix' written somewhere on them. Older ones might not so it's not the most reliable test. Starwalkers The small serial numbers are written on the ring around the top of the pen and should also read 'Montblanc'.
These are slightly more expensive pens that run from $150-$250 on Ebay. You can go to an Authorized dealer and purchase one for about $250-$350. Starwalker models are much harder to fake because of the difficult features to replicate but they do exist. A new Starwalker will always have the Fineliner pen refill in it and can later be changed for a rollerball. If you are purchasing a new pen make sure it has the fineliner unless it was stated that the seller replaced it. The Starwalkers also have writing under the clips and should say 'Germany' under them. Another way to tell if your pen is fake is to take it apart and shine a strong flashlight through the resin in the dark.
A real Montblanc will glow because it will let light through but a fake pen will not. If you're still not sure make sure to take your pen to an authorized dealer to check. Part 2: Checking the Box and Paperwork Another important part of your pen purchase is the Box and Service Guide with Warranty. The booklet should contain instructions on how to service your pen and in the back it should have your warranty with the date of purchase and an Authorized dealer marking.
I personally do not purchase any pens without the service manual and box because I like to think of them as part of the pen. The boxes should have a Montblanc marking on the outside of some sorts and on the inside it should have a Montblanc logo in black ink with a white star. Part 3: What to look for in an Ebay Auction a) The first thing I look at are the pictures. I check to see if they have good quality photos of the pen from different angles and distances. I do not like purchasing from someone who just has stock photos of a pen. If you're in doubt just message the seller and ask if they have a picture of the serial number, box, or service guide. B) If the pictures are nice I check the feedback rating of the seller.
If a seller has at least 50 feedback with a high rating you are covered for $2,000 by Paypal. If it's less then 50 the coverage is only for $200. I also like to see what other items have been sold by the seller and read what others have to say about them.
If the item I'm bidding on is expensive I also check what the seller has purchased. C) If the feedback is good I read the description. I prefer to purchase from someone who received the pen as a gift and doesn't need the pen. These are more motivated sellers since they don't value the pen as much as a collector it results in a lower final price.
D) I then check to see if the seller is in the United States before bidding. There are many things that can go wrong with international purchases because your pen has a lot longer way to travel.
It also more likely you'll get a fake from an international seller:) I also check to see if they put a retail price on the auction. If the amount they state is way overvalued then I am more likely not to buy a pen from them. Honesty is very important when purchasing online. E) I contact the seller and ask a few basic questions just to see if they have good communication. Good communication is important when purchasing off of Ebay.
If something goes wrong you want to be sure that the seller will respond to you and help you solve your problem. If everything is in order I start bidding. I make sure I figure out the most I want to pay for the item and then bid it up to that price as early as possible. The higher the initial price early in the auction, the more it will turn away other bidders leaving less competition. I really hope this helps you a bit when purchasing a Mont Blanc pen!
If it does please click Yes at the bottom of this guide to support me. Thank you so much! Make sure to check out my auctions:) Mark Lim.
Montblanc began as the Simplo Filler Pen Company in Germany in 1906. Dunhill purchased the company in 1977. Montblanc pens have been favorites of writers, businessmen and others who use fountain pens regularly, as well as collectors worldwide. Due to this popularity, and the expense of some models, the Montblanc is frequently duplicated by scam artists trying to make money selling fakes as the real thing. With a little knowledge of the pen, you can spot a fake Montblanc and avoid purchasing an inferior fake. Compare your Montblanc to one you have determined is the real thing when possible.
There's no better way than a side by side comparison to help you spot a fake. In the absence of an actual Montblanc pen, use a high-quality photograph as a reference guide.
Look for the serial number on the ring connected to the clip on the pen. All Montblanc pens produced after 1991 are marked with a serial number—typically two numbers followed by seven letters. Also, the word 'Germany' will be etched on the upper cap ring of the pen.
Older pens don't have a serial number but still include the 'Germany' etching. Shine a flashlight into the barrel of your pen. The black precious resin lining of the barrel should produce a deep red glow. Fake Montblancs are often not translucent and may produce a weak blue tint when you shine a light into the barrel. Examine the nib of the pen, which is the most difficult aspect to fake. Many fakes have the words 'iridium tip' and 'made in Germany' stamped on them.
Mont Blanc Serial Number Database
With the exception of the Montblanc Starwalker, no Montblanc has 'iridium tip' stamped on the nib. Look beneath the nib and ensure the black section of the nib is aligned with the ink aperture. Look for the floating star emblem on the cap of the pen. Make sure it is centered and has a uniform shape. Megaman x8 full version.
A poorly reproduced symbol is a sign of a fake Montblanc. Contact the Montblanc pen company through the company's website and request a match of the serial number on your pen with company purchase records.
Montblanc has an 'Authenticity of Products' link on their website for this purpose. You can also visit a jeweler or pen dealer specializing in fine writing instruments to help you verify authenticity.