Montblanc introduced serial numbers in 1991 in some sort of attempt tocounter the replica/counterfeit market. This has not beenparticularly effective. In general, all Montblancs made after 1991should have a serial number, but remember that there are still aconsiderable number of used pens that date from before that, so lackof a serial number may mean only that it is an older pen. The font ofthe serial number has changed at least once; the early ons (such as my1991 MB146) is block-lettered, while current ones use a font thatresembles the computer-readable numbers in a personal check. I am notsure when the switch occurred.
To make matters more complicated, Montblanc does reuse serial numbers(they are issued randomly with no discernable pattern),so two pens with the same serial number could still be genuine. It islikely that they would be different models and separated by many yearsin time, though. I am told they do not keep any database of serialnumbers except for the limited edition pens.
Where Is Mont Blanc Serial Number
The cap band on older ones will usually be marked "MontblancMeisterstuck No.146" but newer ones omit the model number; my2009 says "Montblanc Meisterstuck Pix." I think this changeoccurred in the early 2000s.
The rather plain single-tone nib on the 146 was eventually replaced bythe 2-tone nib in use today. This change occurred sometime in thelate 1980s or early 1990s. This particular example can be dated toexactly 1991 as it is both marked W-Germany and has a serial number.I imagine the introduction of the slotted ink window must have comelater.
I talked to a nationaly known pen shop as well as Montblanc again this morning regarding my serial numbers and other issues regarding my recent trade for a couple of older Le Grand's. Both were on the same page.
Serial #'s don't have a specified number of digits. Older models will most likly have fewer digits than current production. Some of the #'s started with GE or GER on the first pens to be produced with serial #'s in 1991. There is no database at Montblanc of serial #'s except for limited editions. Serial #'s are now being reissued or reused, so the same # might be found on 2 different pens made years apart. The logo "PIX" was introduced on the underside of the clip in 1997. And lastly, Montblanc does not confiscate counterfeit pens. They said that is not company policy. At the Boutique they will hand them back over and if you send it to the factory service center, they will send back your pens and a letter stating either way if your pen is genuine or fake.
This seems kind of odd. I mean, what is the point of having a serial number if it isn't registered/catalogued somewhere for identification purposes? And what's with reusing serial numbers?? I guess that's a moot point if you're not using them to track anything anyway.
The whole thing is very strange. I have a new 146 and the serial number starts CD. There was an earlier post today in which the serial number quoted started with a G. That was when I began to get curious
The official name for these numbers is "Quo Vadis Number" (Latin for "where does it go") It is registered during the manufacturing process and, subsequently, allocated to Montblanc's receiving subsidiaries or agents worldwide. That way Montblanc can always trace back the writing instuments path from their departure at the headquarters all the way to their final selling destination.
That's it...nothing more, nothing less. MB does not keep an active list of "serial numbers" to authenticate authorized or unauthorized product. It is in a nutshell....a tracking number, just like UPS and FedEx have on thier packages. I see these numbers every day (I do work at a Montblanc Boutique) and there really is no method to the madness. 145, 146, 149...quantities of all, and unless they came in at the same exact time, the numbers show a diverse arrangement of letters and numbers.
The quote Ed Ronax is using came from one of my early posts. I remember that phone conversation with MB in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania very well still. I think that was US HQ and the service station in the US at the time, not sure though. Why it took place was I had a chance to get in trade, 2 older MB 146's. Having no experience in MB pens and knowing about knock off MBs, I called them hoping they could tell me when my pens were made by the SN's. I also wanted to know about the "PIX" on the pens as well. I was pretty shocked when they said nope, can't do it cause MB don't keep that info on file unless it's a LE pen. We had a super conversation and if the person I talked to didn't have an answer, she went and got someone who knew. From my original post, I remember we talked about how many letters and digits were suppose to be in a serial number. Of course it varies depending on age but the woman went to collect her own 146's, I think she had 3 of varing vintage, and counted digits as well as giving me the letter prefix. It was from this call where I got the info on returning the fakes.
The answer I posted regarding the serial numbers is an ongoing thing with me, I have many clients who also wanted to know the difinitve answer, so I contacted MB training and got the answer I posted. I still am working to find out more in regards to it...seems like there should be some kind of rhyme or reason to the letter prefixing. When/if I do ever find anything, I will post here for all to share.
Unluckily I can't offer you references, but it seems they just don't have "proper" serial numbers but just "production codes" (which can repeat over time), so there's no database to track alike to, say, a vintage Swiss wristwatch.
The serial numbers will not be "random". This means they will have a way of automatically generating them. I would be surprised if they can't take a serial number run it through their algorithm and then determine the model of the pen. This in some ways is similar to a phone number, in so much that the start of it is your area code (0121 for Birmingham).
When I asked the local boutique to send my newly bought pen back to Hamburg for a nib exchange, I also offered to give them the warranty booklet, to prove to Montblanc that the pen was still eligible for a free nib exchange (that is, within six weeks from the date of purchase). They said it wasn't necessary, because the serial number will tell Montblanc all they'll need to know. They took just the pen, and three weeks later it came back with a new nib.
Is it true that the IW666858 serial number means a fake? I have recently purchased a ballpoint classique with that number and it does indeed feel "off"--the tolerances not as solid, a slight upward "warping" when seen horizontally from the side--and yet "kosher" i other ways, including engraving on the band and the general smoothness of the resin.
Montblanc does keep a database and for some pens there are now two numbers associated to each pen; one on a credit card thing in the box and one on the pen. Sometimes the card is written by hand on a white card with the number and name of the nib tester. Not common, but a couple of recent pens have included this curious addition.
The serial numbers on fakes are not unique, though they should be on genuine Montblanc pens. There is no publicly available database that identifies a particular pen. However, the number on a genuine pen may have been copied onto a large batch of clones, some of which find their way onto auction sites.
I once read somewhere (can't remember where) that all supposed "Montblanc" serial numbers beginning with NDL are fake (and MDL come to that.) They were originally used for the original fake Starwalkers. It's not possible for anyone other than Montblanc to identify the model of any authentic Montblanc pen from an authentic serial number
Montblanc pens come in gold and chrome in a range of colors, and fountain pens have pure gold nibs. They are heavy and have a smooth rolling design. All feature the signature snowcap on the pen cap, as well as the Montblanc logo and an individual serial number.
The Meisterstück Classique pen is available in a ballpoint and fountain pen design. It is called Classique because of its classic look and shape. These pens have platinum-coated clips that carry an individual serial number. The pen itself is made from precious resin. 2ff7e9595c
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