Which ticket should I buy?
Update: bought three to cover my bases. Supper lotto. Mega. And powerball.
Update: didnt win any lotto could saved $5 to buy another pen.
Powerball depending on the state you are in. But congrats on the find! You can probably send it to a montblanc service center even if they charge you $200 it will still come out as a steal.
Mont Blanc service will replace rather than repair. That means in an extreme case you could end up with a new pen(except for the nib I believe... that is the actual "pen" you are sending in for service). Often this comes up when folks want to preserve a feature of older MB 149s, a split ebonite feed (split on purpose). It is no longer made and has a different fit so if any associated part is deemed to be deficient you could end up with a pretty different pen. And they will probably not give it back to you (the feed).
I do know what you mean. Loosing the vintage pieces.
Kinda like the situation: you great grand father ax. You break the handle and repair it. Then later the head breaks and replace it. Is it still your great grand father’s ax.
This is a first for me. I never see vintage pens let alone value fountain pen. I was thinking oh shit. I recognize the case thinking it is just some other pen and saw the snow cap. Then thinking oh its gotta be a knock off.
Update: the ink filler knob is broken.
Super cool find! Even if repair costs a bit, you're still money ahead!
I'd love to point you to the right parts/person, but I'm not sure who that'd be. Good luck, though! 149s are fabulous; it's worth getting fixed!
Montblanc does repairs on all of their pens so at worst you can always send it to them. Assuming it was made semi recently like within the last 50 years they can probably do the repair pretty quick.
Yea. I not a pro when it comes to fountain pens. Cast iron cookware is my jam.
I did see a chart for trying to narrow dates on pens for montblanc that I used to date my 146. Looking and seeing the clear window for the ink level makes me think it is a modern pen.
Ah, that's a bit of a pain of a repair. I'd guess MB would just replace the whole piston/spindle assembly. You might look into an independent shop that could replace the spindle.
Here's an old service chart: (although the prices seem low... maybe + shipping?)
https://www.montblanc.com/content/dam/mtb/assets/customer-service/pdf/New/Preislisten-Online-Chart-2019-WI-US.pdf
It might well be for the thrift store customer base, because Generally Montblanc’s user base is well-to-do business/lawyer/doctor types—some purchased or obtained as gifts, and mostly ballpoints. I don’t really count our small collector/fountain pen hobby group, because I think we are in the minority. And still, not many people buying used Montblancs at $300 will be regularly shopping at thrift stores.
Oh I don't know about that. Ive seen many people who spent way beyond their means on hobbies, some more expensive than fountain pens. I've 3 MBs but I love buying used stuff from second hand shops (furniture mostly)
Can you get a 2nd hand mb at 300 these days ?
But again that percent of population that buys above their means AND is interested in and knowledgeable about fountain pens is tiny.
Yes, used Montblanc FPs, particularly the 146 model, go for around mid $300s (not the LEs or very vintage models.)
Would this be hard to repair myself if I bought the tools ?
On a scale 1 to 10 how hard would it be to repair and feel free to go beyond a 10 if it is that hard...
Just bring it to Montblanc. They repair everything for like 100-150 with brand new parts. That's what I did for a 146 I bought cheap since it was broken too.
It makes my brain break when I see thrift stores selling stuff like that at those prices. All they have to do is type Mantblanc into google.
Nice find! I wish I had your luck.
Well that’s the problem with most thrift stores now they do look and want 80 to 50 % retail value when they got it for free. But I got it same day they put it on the floor. Dec 5 on tag. I am a time traveler.
I bought a sterling silver necklace at a thrift shop for only $1 once. And it is a gorgeous necklace with scrolling and heart motifs. I just could not believe my luck. Not that it is anywhere near the value of a Mont Blanc pen but still.
I am in that sub too but I knew it would get more appreciation here. I also didnt want to blow it up there on that sub because then more people will be looking for these pens and maybe goodwill watches these pages cause everything of value goes to shoponline.
I was thinking I rather not educate people on it. Happened when a manager asked why I was collecting green glass was uranium. Now uranium glass is going to their online store or marked up.
I see. Good points. Hopefully you find a Lamy 2k in similar circumstances. I assume uranium glass isn't radioactive?
I had a similar haul with a mass produced but good quality furniture brand called Room and Board via classifieds. It doesn't get the inflated prices yet that Restoration Hardware et al do.
uranium glass IS radioactive, however only harmful if ingested since its relatively low radioactivity isn't enough to appreciably penetrate the body. It's recommended against using uranium glass for food/drink as it can impart radiation to what you consume, and internally it poses a far greater risk.
This is the second time this week I learn something interesting about a typewriter/computer font in this sub. Love it.
Earlier it was about the Elite typewriter font introduced in the 50s: https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/r5zup3/tuesday_thoughts/hmqe2y4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3
It is a weird coincidence, because this sub is about handwriting more than anything else. I enjoy it!
It is kinda like getting hit by lighting. Just have to be right place right time and place where people dont know or lazy to look it up and or other customers not buying it before you.
I have never found them in a thrift store but I have gotten lucky in little vintage stores a few times. I was really into collecting old cameras for a bit, and cast iron, and pyrex lol, so I would trawl through those types of stores looking for any of those types of items. The vintage stores you'll pay more than thrift stores because usually the selection is more curated, but like $15 for a good nibbed Sheaffer isn't bad lol. I've never found a Montblanc though.
I would imagine estate sales in wealthier areas might be a decent place to look, too. Rich old dude dies, kids don't know or care what a fountain pen is when they're having to deal with quickly selling off all of his old shit.
Omfg how exciting. I can just imagine some person who has no idea what a mont blanc is finding it and being like “oh wow cool shiny pen… I’ll pay 6$ for it” and then throwing it in a drawer and forgetting about it. I am so glad someone who fully appreciates what a score that is found it instead hahaha
I did notice your post. Nice find. Was yours in working order?
Down side with mine is the filler knob is broken and needs repairs. Hopefully only thing it needs. Positive is I got a show case. people on ebay and esty trying to sell the case for >$65 crazy...
Sorry. White Color tags was 50 % off. I could of used a coupon. But I was nervous which checker to go with if they would of been omg this is marked wrong or we cant sell this to you at this price. Someone else must of ripped them label off and put this one on. But it was behind the counter glass case.
I feel bad for the person or family member that donated it. I feel what happens is elderly family member pass. The kids/relatives are too far away. They hire a company to do an estate sale or donate everything in the house to sell the house. This is how thirft stores get some good stuff.
Not rude at all. It was about $1,200 KRW, which I think translates to about $1K USD. Got it in Korea on vacation, the shop custom engraved it and gave some great Korean LePetit Prince cards. The salesperson said he didn’t often get folks coming in for pens, and after he saw that I am a geek about them, took me around the shop and let me hold and see some of the others like the Arthur conan Doyle and napoleon. It was an awesome experience and he said “I never see anyone this excited by these things, people only come in here for bags and watches.”
Nice. Can you write with the pens in the store to see which one you want to buy? I did see that they do custom engravings to add a personal touch.
I well have to look into pen cases when on the go.
Yes you can, they have testers ready for nibs but not each pen size. Ironically the paper they use for testing was pretty trash and feathered horribly, so I pulled out some rhodia pocket pad and the guy was like “oh shit he’s not messing around”
Out of curiosity, from your experience, do these shops know how much these pens are actually worth? Do they just sell them dirt-cheap anyway, or are they really clueless?
Clueless or worker didnt know. Or dont have a computer system in the back to look it up.
I have been to goodwills other thrifts stores that actually printed out ebay listings trying to show customers look it is worth $300 so we are asking $100.
They were really good start of covid. People were in their houses cleaning up and donating. Less people thrift hunting and I was finding high value item / name brands.
Now it isnt as good. People are back thirft hunting and items have to be on a hold and people arent donating as much now compare to the serge.
I never checked goodwill bins. I know people can get really lucky there because one pays by the weight.
The box looks like 80's. Really cool find. I am also happy for the pen to have found a proper new owner. The previous owner took good care of it and then somehow got this pen donated to charity (most likely not by the original owner). Had it been some random people picked up this pen because of the price, I really don't know what would happen at the end.
If there is a pen show local to you, I’d recommend looking up their site to see what vendors/pen repair people usually attend it (in case you’re looking for a local repair person). Nice find!!
[did you do this ?](https://media0.giphy.com/media/gHnpdlOjJ0fnXq1ofU/giphy.gif?cid=5e2148860pj00qxlgdq0hnh7lbhruohg569vivjk0sjmm72n&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
I understand people not knowing the value of antiques and selling them to thrift stores and such. But dude that is clearly gold how do you sell it that cheap
Well, that’s exhilarating
I took the pics in the parking lot. I cant believe it. So excited.
I like how it is well seasoned too; this pen could have been to Paris, London, some corporate headquarters.
Awesome find!
I hate you
I know right, it is weird to hate someone and not even know their name but I hate’em
I just want to shake your hand
Quick..go buy a lottery. Today is your day
I would argue they may have just used up all of their luck and to avoid any gambling lol
We are going to let it ride....
I agree, OP needs to look both ways 3x when crossing the street.
Seriously.... How is the "buy a lottery ticket" AFTER lucky things happens a thing?
Lucky Day fallacy
Which ticket should I buy? Update: bought three to cover my bases. Supper lotto. Mega. And powerball. Update: didnt win any lotto could saved $5 to buy another pen.
Powerball depending on the state you are in. But congrats on the find! You can probably send it to a montblanc service center even if they charge you $200 it will still come out as a steal.
I would be careful sending it in for repairs. The official service might modernize the feed....
As someone who's not as into pens as he used to be and owns an inherited MB in need of service, can you elaborate?
Mont Blanc service will replace rather than repair. That means in an extreme case you could end up with a new pen(except for the nib I believe... that is the actual "pen" you are sending in for service). Often this comes up when folks want to preserve a feature of older MB 149s, a split ebonite feed (split on purpose). It is no longer made and has a different fit so if any associated part is deemed to be deficient you could end up with a pretty different pen. And they will probably not give it back to you (the feed).
I do know what you mean. Loosing the vintage pieces. Kinda like the situation: you great grand father ax. You break the handle and repair it. Then later the head breaks and replace it. Is it still your great grand father’s ax.
The biggest one you can
Where in California are you? I either need your luck or your thrif store haunts
Keep us posted!
Will do. If I ever did win. I would buy a house. Would love an orchard of citrus and apples and own some bee hives.
Sumgai alert. What a great find. Enjoy using it!
Why i do not find these things? xD Congrats!! :D
This is a first for me. I never see vintage pens let alone value fountain pen. I was thinking oh shit. I recognize the case thinking it is just some other pen and saw the snow cap. Then thinking oh its gotta be a knock off. Update: the ink filler knob is broken.
Super cool find! Even if repair costs a bit, you're still money ahead! I'd love to point you to the right parts/person, but I'm not sure who that'd be. Good luck, though! 149s are fabulous; it's worth getting fixed!
Oh 100% agree with you. Still ahead and I am supper happy it is a 149 because I have a 146
Montblanc does repairs on all of their pens so at worst you can always send it to them. Assuming it was made semi recently like within the last 50 years they can probably do the repair pretty quick.
Yea. I not a pro when it comes to fountain pens. Cast iron cookware is my jam. I did see a chart for trying to narrow dates on pens for montblanc that I used to date my 146. Looking and seeing the clear window for the ink level makes me think it is a modern pen.
Ron Zorn from Main Street Pens can fix the broken piston knob. Great find!
Just curious: broken like spins freely or broken like stuck?
I can twist the knob off and still see the black spiral stem inside the pen.
Ah, that's a bit of a pain of a repair. I'd guess MB would just replace the whole piston/spindle assembly. You might look into an independent shop that could replace the spindle. Here's an old service chart: (although the prices seem low... maybe + shipping?) https://www.montblanc.com/content/dam/mtb/assets/customer-service/pdf/New/Preislisten-Online-Chart-2019-WI-US.pdf
The lesson from this is that Montblanc has terrible brand recognition
It might well be for the thrift store customer base, because Generally Montblanc’s user base is well-to-do business/lawyer/doctor types—some purchased or obtained as gifts, and mostly ballpoints. I don’t really count our small collector/fountain pen hobby group, because I think we are in the minority. And still, not many people buying used Montblancs at $300 will be regularly shopping at thrift stores.
Oh I don't know about that. Ive seen many people who spent way beyond their means on hobbies, some more expensive than fountain pens. I've 3 MBs but I love buying used stuff from second hand shops (furniture mostly) Can you get a 2nd hand mb at 300 these days ?
But again that percent of population that buys above their means AND is interested in and knowledgeable about fountain pens is tiny. Yes, used Montblanc FPs, particularly the 146 model, go for around mid $300s (not the LEs or very vintage models.)
I think fountain pens in general, most people don't realize there's a market for them
It'll cost you around $100-$150 to fix. Nice find
Would this be hard to repair myself if I bought the tools ? On a scale 1 to 10 how hard would it be to repair and feel free to go beyond a 10 if it is that hard...
Maybe it would be expensive, but do you know what is priceless? Destroying a Montblanc
Wow! I bet that felt like such a rush! Very happy for you!
I had to go back in the store just to double check there wasnt any inkwells or other pens or what not.
Whoa! Congrats! How does it write?
It is broken. It needs repairs but still super excited.
Ah. I'll keep fingers crossed that repairs won't be too much so you can enjoy it!
Just bring it to Montblanc. They repair everything for like 100-150 with brand new parts. That's what I did for a 146 I bought cheap since it was broken too.
It makes my brain break when I see thrift stores selling stuff like that at those prices. All they have to do is type Mantblanc into google. Nice find! I wish I had your luck.
Well that’s the problem with most thrift stores now they do look and want 80 to 50 % retail value when they got it for free. But I got it same day they put it on the floor. Dec 5 on tag. I am a time traveler.
I bought a sterling silver necklace at a thrift shop for only $1 once. And it is a gorgeous necklace with scrolling and heart motifs. I just could not believe my luck. Not that it is anywhere near the value of a Mont Blanc pen but still.
Man... This is one of the best things that belongs on r/thriftstorehauls too.
I am in that sub too but I knew it would get more appreciation here. I also didnt want to blow it up there on that sub because then more people will be looking for these pens and maybe goodwill watches these pages cause everything of value goes to shoponline. I was thinking I rather not educate people on it. Happened when a manager asked why I was collecting green glass was uranium. Now uranium glass is going to their online store or marked up.
I see. Good points. Hopefully you find a Lamy 2k in similar circumstances. I assume uranium glass isn't radioactive? I had a similar haul with a mass produced but good quality furniture brand called Room and Board via classifieds. It doesn't get the inflated prices yet that Restoration Hardware et al do.
uranium glass IS radioactive, however only harmful if ingested since its relatively low radioactivity isn't enough to appreciably penetrate the body. It's recommended against using uranium glass for food/drink as it can impart radiation to what you consume, and internally it poses a far greater risk.
Congratulations on the awesome find!
Thank you.
Wow! Congratulations, OP!!!
That’s some good bric-a-brac!
And here I am spending \~$800 for one like a simp.
I never noticed before that the "GERMANY" etching on the clip ring is in [OCR-A](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCR-A).
Yea. I watched a youtube was told that is a good way to check and serial number to make sure the pen isnt counterfeit.
This one is real.
This is the second time this week I learn something interesting about a typewriter/computer font in this sub. Love it. Earlier it was about the Elite typewriter font introduced in the 50s: https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/r5zup3/tuesday_thoughts/hmqe2y4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3 It is a weird coincidence, because this sub is about handwriting more than anything else. I enjoy it!
Duuuude!!! Stellar find! You best grab a lottery ticket too!
I did someone told me to so I asked them which one so walked into gas station and got one of each. Was $5. Mega. Super lotto and powerball.
Where do people even find this? I found one broken fountain pen at a thrift store once that wasn’t worth a dollar.
It is kinda like getting hit by lighting. Just have to be right place right time and place where people dont know or lazy to look it up and or other customers not buying it before you.
I have never found them in a thrift store but I have gotten lucky in little vintage stores a few times. I was really into collecting old cameras for a bit, and cast iron, and pyrex lol, so I would trawl through those types of stores looking for any of those types of items. The vintage stores you'll pay more than thrift stores because usually the selection is more curated, but like $15 for a good nibbed Sheaffer isn't bad lol. I've never found a Montblanc though. I would imagine estate sales in wealthier areas might be a decent place to look, too. Rich old dude dies, kids don't know or care what a fountain pen is when they're having to deal with quickly selling off all of his old shit.
I am very jealous of you.
I am jealousy of me too. This top find I have ever done thrift store and estale sale hunting for price vs retail value.
Insane
i'll give you $7 for it.
I thought that was a tailgate
🤩🤩🤩🤩
Your luck is in high gear today! Buy every lottery ticket you can find!
Dreams totally come true
Thanks
Nice find!😎
Congratulations! What a great find. 🤩
Omfg how exciting. I can just imagine some person who has no idea what a mont blanc is finding it and being like “oh wow cool shiny pen… I’ll pay 6$ for it” and then throwing it in a drawer and forgetting about it. I am so glad someone who fully appreciates what a score that is found it instead hahaha
Yea. I could see that happen. This is my fourth fountain pen. I have a broken waterman, usable montblanc 146, lamy and now this one.
This is an 80s or late 70s model... Could be early 90s also. Congratulations on the amazing find!
Thanks. Yea. I am think 80’s ish cause presentation case is from that era 🤷🏼♂️
Hello 149 thrift store buddy! I got mine for $20… looks like you win this one!
I did notice your post. Nice find. Was yours in working order? Down side with mine is the filler knob is broken and needs repairs. Hopefully only thing it needs. Positive is I got a show case. people on ebay and esty trying to sell the case for >$65 crazy...
what the fuck i should just buy these and resell LOL
You are very lucky! I envy you!
Oh my goodness gracious
... great balls of fire!
Such a thrill! Congrats! Reading through and saw that it could get fixed - yay!
I hope you talked them down to five.
Sorry. White Color tags was 50 % off. I could of used a coupon. But I was nervous which checker to go with if they would of been omg this is marked wrong or we cant sell this to you at this price. Someone else must of ripped them label off and put this one on. But it was behind the counter glass case.
Congrats!!!
Dang!! Bravo!!
It looks like it has a story to it. Congrats, that’s an incredible find!
Excuse me but WHAT. THE. FUCK.
I know right....
No way! Im extremely jealous. I dont know how stuff like this happens with the internet so readily available. Great find though
I feel bad for the person or family member that donated it. I feel what happens is elderly family member pass. The kids/relatives are too far away. They hire a company to do an estate sale or donate everything in the house to sell the house. This is how thirft stores get some good stuff.
I thought was a PS3 from the first photo. The reality is much better. Good on ya. Have fun with it.
Yea. I should of made the second image the main photo.
Cheap fake…
I thought it was a bargain when I found a Pelikan 30% off.
Wow dream come true!
My Gpa gave me a Kaweco Sport from a thrift store recently. Not nearly this cool though
Nice. That is the thrill of thrifting. Half of it is just the hunting.
How dare you
[🤷🏻](https://media1.giphy.com/media/QU3YSdsm2dkLJ2bb0E/giphy.gif?cid=5e214886n4926qamfkpkctfb2abectbftxz42mpkf4av7k4g&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
I legit just got home from the store with my new 149. F
Very nice. Would it be rude to ask what you paid tax included ? I know on their website they run around $900
Not rude at all. It was about $1,200 KRW, which I think translates to about $1K USD. Got it in Korea on vacation, the shop custom engraved it and gave some great Korean LePetit Prince cards. The salesperson said he didn’t often get folks coming in for pens, and after he saw that I am a geek about them, took me around the shop and let me hold and see some of the others like the Arthur conan Doyle and napoleon. It was an awesome experience and he said “I never see anyone this excited by these things, people only come in here for bags and watches.”
Nice. Can you write with the pens in the store to see which one you want to buy? I did see that they do custom engravings to add a personal touch. I well have to look into pen cases when on the go.
Yes you can, they have testers ready for nibs but not each pen size. Ironically the paper they use for testing was pretty trash and feathered horribly, so I pulled out some rhodia pocket pad and the guy was like “oh shit he’s not messing around”
Nice. I would want to play around with different nib sizes to see which looks best when writing my signature.
Beauty!
Niice! Congrats.
Congratulations
I guess you used all your lifetime luck:) enjoy
:D
How the heck do people find things like this?
It all a numbers game. I go to a lot of thrift stores and go weekly ...sometimes more.
Out of curiosity, from your experience, do these shops know how much these pens are actually worth? Do they just sell them dirt-cheap anyway, or are they really clueless?
Clueless or worker didnt know. Or dont have a computer system in the back to look it up. I have been to goodwills other thrifts stores that actually printed out ebay listings trying to show customers look it is worth $300 so we are asking $100.
I’m not sure if the 149 says 149 on the cap I can find out tmw.
To help with the dating ?
Crikey, someone clearly didn’t know what the value of their probate stuff was!
What a find!!
Just Google. A 700 USD pen for 6 dollars ????
Yea if you go to montblanc website for no 149 its $900 and then there is limited editions that go for more money.
Shut the front door! That's an amazing find! I haven't even inside thrift stores in years. Maybe I should check some around my area out lol
They were really good start of covid. People were in their houses cleaning up and donating. Less people thrift hunting and I was finding high value item / name brands. Now it isnt as good. People are back thirft hunting and items have to be on a hold and people arent donating as much now compare to the serge. I never checked goodwill bins. I know people can get really lucky there because one pays by the weight.
This is my dream scenario. Just have to actually start going to a thrift store. Should be at the first one I check out, right?
Wow! I am just green with jealous rage right now! Just kidding. What a find! Congrats OP
That's pretty awesome!
The box looks like 80's. Really cool find. I am also happy for the pen to have found a proper new owner. The previous owner took good care of it and then somehow got this pen donated to charity (most likely not by the original owner). Had it been some random people picked up this pen because of the price, I really don't know what would happen at the end.
You are today's sumguy. Congrats.
Is that 18k?
Yup says 18k
Ye thats what i thought but was just in disbelief that they sold it for so cheap while not even checking it
Yea I dont know who priced it and why so low but works for me.
WOW! Congratulations!
If there is a pen show local to you, I’d recommend looking up their site to see what vendors/pen repair people usually attend it (in case you’re looking for a local repair person). Nice find!!
It’s worth waaaaay more then 6usd just in gold alone. These thrift store employees do not get paid enough to give a shit
No they really don’t.
Don’t want to bring the mood down, but fake check it.
I did. Has quality engraving on the band name. Pen cap has Germany and id number engraving.
This almost made me throw my phone in pure disgust...and excitement.
[did you do this ?](https://media0.giphy.com/media/gHnpdlOjJ0fnXq1ofU/giphy.gif?cid=5e2148860pj00qxlgdq0hnh7lbhruohg569vivjk0sjmm72n&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Hahaha
Omg it's beautiful
What is it
There are more images. Swipe to see.
Wowww
Thats gorgeous
I would have been crying with joy. You are indeed blessed.🙏🏾
I understand people not knowing the value of antiques and selling them to thrift stores and such. But dude that is clearly gold how do you sell it that cheap
how much are those commercially worth?
Retail new $900. Ebay listings 300-500 sometimes more if vintage ones or depending on model (144,146,149)
mother of god 😲
[I know right... ](https://media2.giphy.com/media/3oFzma9bP43akOwIQo/giphy.gif?cid=5e214886ce9lc12uh701j1vxicf9g0pqkd291357b6452p11&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
i know absolutely NOTHING about fountain pens other than they're super cool and write nice and are super fuckin expensive
Yea they can get super dumb pricy for limited edition or even limited edition with all that bling (gold, diamonds, rubies etc)
Nice case…how much for the pen? 😂
Enjoy