How to Identify a Fake Montblanc Pen

Montblanc began as the Simplo Filler Pen Company in Germany in 1906. Dunhill purchased the company in 1977. Montblanc pens have been favorites of writers, businessmen and others who use fountain pens regularly, as well as collectors worldwide. Due to this popularity, and the expense of some models, the Montblanc is frequently duplicated by scam artists trying to make money selling fakes as the real thing. With a little knowledge of the pen, you can spot a fake Montblanc and avoid purchasing an inferior fake.

Compare your Montblanc to one you have determined is the real thing when possible. There's no better way than a side by side comparison to help you spot a fake. In the absence of an actual Montblanc pen, use a high-quality photograph as a reference guide.

Look for the serial number on the ring connected to the clip on the pen. All Montblanc pens produced after 1991 are marked with a serial number—typically two numbers followed by seven letters. Also, the word "Germany" will be etched on the upper cap ring of the pen. Older pens don't have a serial number but still include the "Germany" etching.

Shine a flashlight into the barrel of your pen. The black precious resin lining of the barrel should produce a deep red glow. Fake Montblancs are often not translucent and may produce a weak blue tint when you shine a light into the barrel.

Examine the nib of the pen, which is the most difficult aspect to fake. Many fakes have the words "iridium tip" and "made in Germany" stamped on them. With the exception of the Montblanc Starwalker, no Montblanc has "iridium tip" stamped on the nib. Look beneath the nib and ensure the black section of the nib is aligned with the ink aperture.

Look for the floating star emblem on the cap of the pen. Make sure it is centered and has a uniform shape. A poorly reproduced symbol is a sign of a fake Montblanc.

Contact the Montblanc pen company through the company's website and request a match of the serial number on your pen with company purchase records. Montblanc has an "Authenticity of Products" link on their website for this purpose. You can also visit a jeweler or pen dealer specializing in fine writing instruments to help you verify authenticity.