Montblanc 149 or 146

[rolex66]

What do you recommend for a FP: a MB 149 or 146?

[jar]

They are both okay fountain pens and the biggest issue may be how you carry the pen. There is no difference in how either performs. Personally I sold all my modern 149s and 146s and only kept my 1950s 144s and 146s.

[TswaneNguni]

149 in B Nib.

Such a classic .Must have

2 nd best writer I have .Best, Nakaya Long Writer in Black Urushi .M Nib .

[Bisquitlips]

I have them both. The 149 is my favorite.

[Ensign]

I prefer the 146. I have very large hands, but the 149 seems too large. I find the 146’s size to be more elegant in appearance. But some people enjoy the oversized look and feel.

[Sandpit]

I have the Petit Prince 146 in burgundy and it's a great pen - however I also intend to add the 149 in black as I think it's the absolute king of the lineup.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by jar

They are both okay fountain pens and the biggest issue may be how you carry the pen. There is no difference in how either performs. Personally I sold all my modern 149s and 146s and only kept my 1950s 144s and 146s.

I wouldn't mind looking into vintage Montblanc - are there any reputable online dealers I should be looking at?

[Dave455]

The 149 is a big pen.

If you’re used to largeish fountain pens, and you’ve tried and like the 149, then go for it!

Personally, I think they’re a little on the large side for everyday use, and would prefer the 146. Even that’s on the big side if you’re used to something slimmer.

My advice would be to try both at a dealer before deciding. Try a selection of nibs too. It’s very rare that a medium suits everyone, and the MB Oblique and Italic nibs are generally very nice.

With regard to the question of vintage, I would generally say don’t. I accept the older pens were better made, and if you want a collection or investment, fine. But if you want a pen to use, you will find that most vintage pens have nibs that are broken in, but to someone elses style of writing.

If I’m spending decent money on a pen I want the nib of my choice, brand new, so it breaks in to my handwriting. Once done it will write effortlessly and flawlessly for a lifetime!

[Bisquitlips]

Both pens are truly lovely! I have 5 of the 146s, and 4 149s, Both models are great in their own right!

[jar]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I wouldn't mind looking into vintage Montblanc - are there any reputable online dealers I should be looking at?

Unfortunately it's been decades since I bought a Montblanc but the major fountain pen stores like Fountain Pen Hospital in NYC, Fahrneys in DC or Dromgoole's in Houston are good places to start.

[SoylentGreenChi]

If one and only, the 149. Big, yes, but also light and well proportioned. It’s the flagship and a beautiful writer. Love the broad nib, too!

[77T]

My first one was a 149 back in the ‘70’s. It was when I worked and needed the larger ink capacity to get through a day before PC’s came along.

It got shattered in a drop on a restroom’s tile floor. Then time passed. Mac’s came along, disposable pens and I lost track until I saw this thread.

The 149 got replaced with MB rollerballs and ballpoints and a Waterman was added. The 149’s pieces are somewhere here at home.

If I was buying again, and using a MB FP at work as my sole scribbler, I’d still go for the larger ink capacity.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[JohnnyW]

Back in the early 90s I bought a DJ36 from an AD in the UK. At that time time you could negotiate on Rolex watches and they included a 149 as a "gift".

I still use the pen everyday. It needed repairing a few years ago and it came back from Montblanc in like-new condition

[dlmypr]

I would go for 149

[dustin.owens]

I prefer the 149

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[ScottPSU]

Check out pen boutique. It’s in Columbia, MD and are excellent. That’s in addition to those mentioned above.

I have a 146 inbound and have a 149. It’s big, but not bad. The medium nib is a wet writer for sure and a bit bolder than I’d like. And I usually went with larger ball point/gel throw away pens.

I think the 146 is going to be a perfect compromise.

[cartesian Product]

Apologies for going slightly off topic but my preference is the Meisterstück Glacier Solitaire F. The aesthetics, size, weight, and function is pleasing.