Montblanc 221 14C Fine Vintage Fountain Pen

[@jameskerr-mz4om]

That is a beautiful pen! I have this pen in the black resin and also the 320 model which has a curved half moon shape at the nib instead of the zigzag points. My pens (all purchased new in the 1970s and 80s) are all black. I have seen the burgundy color ones - beautiful, but I have never seen the green color and it is a gorgeous color. These were entry level Montblanc pens and what treasures they are! Such smooth nibs! Mine are all, but one, stub nibs, and I love the look of my handwriting with them. I didn’t even know what a stub nib was when I bought these pens - a serendipitous choice! Thank you for sharing this video. The Internet has surely opened up the world of fountain pens to its whole community.

[@fountainPENdulum]

They are indeed treasures! I have absolutely no regrets about acquiring this pen. Definitely a smooth and beautiful writer. I was taken aback and disappointed when I first saw the nib after receiving it and realized it was not a "normal" nib. In the end, it was the greatest treasure of all! I've come to really appreciate and love this curved nib! The pen itself is excellent also, piston is super smooth. I would definitely buy another and actually have had my eye out for a burgundy stub in either the 221 or 320! I absolutely agree about online videos having brought the community together. It's made enthusiasts out of many of us, especially the generation that never saw the age of fountain pens.

[@lizpilgrim1]

I just won an E-Bay auction for the 221p version of this pen with a Fine nib. My first gold nib pen! Love the writing sample!

[@fountainPENdulum]

That's fantastic! I love the writing experience of this nib particularly! I'd love to hear how you like it once you've used it a bit!

[@lizpilgrim1]

@@fountainPENdulum I will let you know. Might be a couple of weeks or so until it arrives.

[@lizpilgrim1]

I received the pen but had to order some MB cartridges so I haven't used it yet. Do you know what size converter fits the 221P?

[@fountainPENdulum]

@lizpilgrim1 Nice! You can dip test it! Ohh, good question, see if this helps- www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/344724-converter-for-mb-221p-what-will-work/

[@lizpilgrim1]

Thanks. Think I might just use the cartridges and then refill them.

[@ibpopp]

These 22x series are lovely writers. I have two--Fine and a Medium/Broad. Superb nibs. Only drawback is that the sections of the black ones are prone to splitting around the nib. I have no idea if the green material does the same. Great value for money. Thanks for showing.

[@fountainPENdulum]

Absolutely agree, they are lovely writers, can't get over these nibs! That's unfortunate about the tendency for the black ones to have cracking issues. The only cracking on this pen was already existent when I purchased it second hand nearly NOS (new old stock) it is on the ink window likely from over tightening. Pen Friends, Remember, tighten security but don't over tighten!

[@ibpopp]

@@fountainPENdulum We all learn the same way--the hard way!

[@fountainPENdulum]

@@ibpopp often that is the only way we tend to learn, unfortunately. How much better when we actually learn from others! #don'tovertighten!

[@thanismurugathas2929]

​@@fountainPENdulumThanks, new to fountain pens and that should help keep my pens uncracked

[@fountainPENdulum]

@@thanismurugathas2929 Absolutely! Basically everything that threads on- tighten but don't over tighten! Welcome to the use and enjoyment of fountain pens! It's a great community of enthusiasts. What's your favorite fountain pen so far?

[@claytonsanders508]

I read that this Montblanc model has very springy, bouncy nibs and they weren’t lying as it looks in your review! I’m going to have to look for one of these. The Sailor ink looks so much darker on the page compared to the swatch. It almost looks black. Maybe it’s just because it’s such a wet writer?

[@fountainPENdulum]

This Nib is definitely a joy to write with! Very springy and bouncy, very smooth, and yes, a wet writer- in person it's the dark saturated tone of green like in the center of the swatch. Originally I was considering buying a Pilot E95S and I happened upon this vintage pen and preferred it! I made the right choice for me, it is a splendid and unique pen! The uniqueness of the curved nib is fascinating to me. I'm on the lookout for a burgundy in extra Fine or double broad now!

[@Hild1]

Wow, thank you for sharing! I too like the long grip section, since I prefer to grip rather up high, so on various pens I actually grip above the grip section. With regards to the curved nib, I used to think it's a Chinese idea, but just recently thought that it actually might very well be just another copied element from Western pens, which it probably is. I'm kind of into flex nibs, but due to it's grip sections, stylish hooded nib and the slim design, the 221 might really be worth a try. Greetings from Paraguay (where fountain pens are rather unknown and hard to find)

[@fountainPENdulum]

It would be very interesting to know where the curved nib originated from and what the purpose was. Either way, I very much enjoy writing with it! I am very fond of Flex nibs also, although it can be a frustrating game- chasing Flex. What are some of your favorite Flex Pens?

[@kenshinhimura3014]

lovely pen

[@fountainPENdulum]

Thank you

[@kenshinhimura3014]

@@fountainPENdulum I just got the 221p (cartridge) and the 220 (piston filler) love this type of pen and how they feel. The 220 is slightly heavier because it's a piston filler, and I personally like the weight of it. The 221p feels super light in the hand. Both of my pens are EF.

[@fountainPENdulum]

@kenshinhimura3014 how fantastic! I would have loved an EF! This Fine writes just a bit too broad and wet a line for me personally. What colors are your pens? Posted, I feel the weight is generally light but pleasant.

[@kenshinhimura3014]

@@fountainPENdulum The 220P is glossy black, and the 220 is brushed charcoal gray. They are so light that posting the pen doesn't affect the writing, but I don't do it while writing because it can potentially scratch the pen (specially the brushed finished one)

[@kenshinhimura3014]

@@fountainPENdulum You will love the Extra fine, it is really smooth for such a fine nib.

[@justus-penchannel3924]

Sehr schön 🥰 😊

[@fountainPENdulum]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@leebalmforth2269]

Beautiful pen. I thought mont blanc only made black pens. I most get a month blank for my collection

[@fountainPENdulum]

@leebalmforth2269 I am very excited when I come across Montblancs in color. Usually vintage entry-level fountain pens. Just saw an orange one at a show, super tempting.

[@kikaykrafts]

Thinking of getting one of these. Do they feel long when writing?

[@fountainPENdulum]

Not at all actually. Uncapped it's compact at 4.85". I find it more comfortable posted at 5.7". The weight feels better posted also as it's a light pen. Hope this helps!

[@lachlanlau]

I received mine from Japan today. It feels quite scratchy. Is this normal? I am using Diamine Turquoise ink.

[@fountainPENdulum]

It's not normal in my experience. Mine is a Fine nib and super smooth. I did purchase mine New Old Stock. Do you have a light, moderate, or heavy hand when writing?

[@lachlanlau]

@@fountainPENdulum I tried just very light pressure.. as I am used to ballpoints I guess it's just the texture of the paper? I will investigate further tomorrow..

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

How vintage is this pen? I always thought montblanc made fat cigar shaped black pens - can you replace a nib on this pen?

[@fountainPENdulum]

My understanding is this Montblanc 221 was made in 1970s. There are some pretty awesome Vintage Montblanc fountain pens that come in very unique shapes, colours and nibs! Some of the 'entry-level' ones, like this one, can be on the more affordable side and the rare sought after ones are much more expensive! The nib seems to be built into the whole housing unit, so I wouldn't say it's replaceable. Unless you were able to find the whole housing unit and nib for the same model as parts online.

[@louishalleux]

Just push the nib into the section. Feeder and nib comes out easily. 😊

[@fountainPENdulum]

No way! Thanks for that insight, I would never have expected that! But I guess if you can build it you can unbuild it!