Pen help

[beloitpiper]

My dad gave me one of his Montblanc pens, but I didn't think to ask him a few questions--I was wondering if any fountain pen users out there might be able to help.

What is you favorite brand of ink?
Is there a way I can figure out the date this pen was made?
Best way to store it?
Can I change ink colors if it's only seen black its entire life?
Should I take the tarnish off the pen (it's silver)?

Thanks for any help.

[azwildcat96]

I have a Mont Blanc set including a ballpoint pen, pencil, and fountain pen. It was a graduation present from my parents many years ago. Honestly, I have not used the fountain pen much at all. When I have used it, I have only used blue Mont Blanc brand ink.

I think there are other pen collectors here that can be more helpful.

[Orvis]

Here is some information that I hope will be helpful.

What is you favorite brand of ink?
Any good fountain pen ink will work; do not/NOT use colored drawing inks (contain shellac/varnish and will permanently clog up the pen's feed when it dries). My favorites are Parker, Waterman, Sheaffer, Diamine, Pelikan and Noodler's. Inks have their own characteristics, so sample different ones to determine what you and your pen like. Each pen company has it's own proprietary ink (such as Montblanc) that work fine, too. There are other FP inks out there, but I haven't tried them.

Is there a way I can figure out the date this pen was made?
The best thing I can suggest is to contact a local collector of Montblanc pens, or inquire of the manufacturer.

Best way to store it?
Clean any ink out of the pen with cold water (not hot water or cleaning solvents). If there is dried ink inside that is particularly stubborn, use a drop or two of household ammonia in the water. After cleaning, do not put any new ink in it and store it empty. If you haven't used the pen in a couple of weeks, it is best to clean and store the pen.

Can I change ink colors if it's only seen black its entire life?
Yes. You may get some traces of black ink for a while, but that will go away if you use a new color (blue, for example). A sidenote: If you choose to use vivid colored ink (such as red), it can lead to the Ebonite ink feed (the black part under the nib) being permanently stained in that color.

Should I take the tarnish off the pen (it's silver)?
Yes, you can do that without harming the pen or diminishing its value. Use a chemically-treated silver-cleaning cloth (such as a Blitz Silver-Care Cloth) and gently clean it per directions.

[caig]

I used a Mont Blanc fountain pen for years before I moved to their ballpoint. Both superb pens, especially as I chose the larger body pens, which are much more comfortable to write with.

I only used Mont Blanc ink. In order to remain some individuality, I always used turquoise ink, often to the amusement of other lawyers and judges who had to read it !

I think it would be appropriate for you to use Mont Blanc ink, if that suits you.

I always washed out the fountain pen with warm clean water, and the pen never clogged up.

[Downunder Kilt]

I don't know if these conventions still hold but in the 1970's certain coloured inks were the preseve of different occupations. At the time I was a Tax Office employee and red was reserved for showing a debit (ie "In the red")
purple was reserved for assessors, green for auditors and brown for re-assessments. I also believe in legal circles certain colours were reserved for different levels of the legal hierarchy.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

My parents used a very dark blue ink; most of my "toney" friends use turquoise ink; the father of one of them (a 90 year old earl) only uses green ink (coincidentally the same colour as the portcullis on his HoL note paper). In Ireland black was usually used by the civil service and the clergy.

I think spelling and penmanship are more important than the colour of the ink.

[Downunder Kilt]

I think spelling and penmanship are more important than the colour of the ink.

And the younger folk go "what ya talkin about whatsa pen"

[ThistleDown]

And the younger folk go "what ya talkin about whatsa pen"

Sorry, no Mont Blanc in this household. Mine is a Rotring 600 and I use only black.

[Chirs]

Although I do not use Montblanc myself, I understand that the ink is excellent. My current favourite is Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black. I am also enjoying the Writing Equipment Society Imperial Blue ink. They have a wide selection of colours to choose from.

I would ask, however, what use you will put the pen to. If you intend to use this for anything of a legal nature (signing cheques as an example) you might want to consider a permanent ink. (This is a relatively new development in the fountain pen world.) The only company I know of who's making it is Sailor (from Japan). Only the black is permanent but they have many colours. All of their inks are excellent with good colour and great flow.

If you post a picture of the pen I will try to date it for you - no promises.

[Father Bill]

I would ask, however, what use you will put the pen to. If you intend to use this for anything of a legal nature (signing cheques as an example) you might want to consider a permanent ink. (This is a relatively new development in the fountain pen world.) The only company I know of who's making it is Sailor (from Japan). Only the black is permanent but they have many colours. All of their inks are excellent with good colour and great flow.

If you post a picture of the pen I will try to date it for you - no promises.

I was given a simple reason for indelibility - black is a pigment. Blue is a dye. Black has never come out as easily as blue. Ask anyone who has had a fountain pen leak into a shirt. That's why I sometimes use blue.