Year / Era: c. 1970s
Origin: Germany
Nib: 14K Gold, Fine
Filling System: Piston Filler
Material / Finish: Black Resin with Gold-Plated Trim and Raden-in-Resin Piston Finial
Condition: Restored / Reimagined

The Montblanc 221 is a distinctive vintage fountain pen from Montblanc's 1970s range, combining a sleek black resin body, gold-plated trim and a piston-filling mechanism.

Produced during the 1970s, the 221 followed the design language of Montblanc's earlier 22 series, but with a more angular and modern appearance. This example retains its characteristic glossy black resin body, slip cap and understated gold detailing.

The pen is fitted with a 14K Fine Gold nib, marked 585, and uses an integrated piston filling system.

What makes this particular example unique is its Pentsugi reimagined piston finial. The original finial was replaced with a custom piece made from raden set into resin, using individually arranged fragments of mother-of-pearl to create an iridescent mosaic that reveals different colours as the pen catches the light.

Importantly, the modification was designed with future servicing in mind. The decorative finial does not permanently bond or immobilise the internal piston mechanism. The helix remains free to operate normally, and the assembly can still be disassembled in the future should the piston require servicing or repair.

This example is in restored and reimagined vintage condition.

The pen has been carefully disassembled, cleaned, inspected and tested. The piston mechanism operates correctly and the internal helix remains fully functional and serviceable.

The black resin retains a good gloss, with light surface marks and signs of previous use consistent with its age. The gold-plated trim also shows minor age-related wear.

The original piston finial has been replaced with a handmade raden-on-resin finial by Pentsugi. This is a custom restoration and is not an original Montblanc factory finish.

Any significant imperfections are shown in the photographs.

Included:
Pen only

Approximate dimensions:

Pentsugi Notes

Every vintage pen sold by Pentsugi is individually inspected and tested before listing. Where restoration has been necessary, the aim is to preserve as much of the pen's original character as possible while returning it to reliable writing condition.

This particular pen forms part of our Pentsugi Reimagined pieces, where traditional decorative materials and restoration techniques are used to give an existing vintage writing instrument a new chapter while retaining its original identity.

For this Montblanc, the damaged or deteriorated original piston finial presented an opportunity to create something unique rather than simply disguise the repair. Tiny pieces of mother-of-pearl were individually laid into resin to create a new raden finial, contrasting subtly against the otherwise understated black-and-gold pen.

Particular care was taken not to compromise the serviceability of the piston mechanism. The helix remains free-moving and the piston assembly can still be dismantled in the future if maintenance or repair is required.

As with all vintage writing instruments, minor signs of age and previous use should be expected. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.