Montblanc - Nº 2 (Third Series / 'M 3' - Ebonite) - Fountain pen

A0000005293

We put up for auction an authentic archaeological legend of high-end writing collection worldwide: the rarissima Montblanc Nº 3 button-filler fountain pen, manufactured in Germany in the 1930s. Crafted in the legendary black hard rubber (ebonite) and crowned by the historic emblem of the brand’s white star, this historic piece represents the founding foundations and the gold era of the company’s engineering from Hamburg, offering a writing instrument of mystique, mechanical complexity, and extraordinary patrimonial value.

The design of this extremely rare vintage fountain pen is a showcase of period aesthetics and engineering fidelity: its body measures a closed length of 12.8 cm with a sleek diameter of 1.2 cm, delivering unbeatable balance, ergonomics, and lightness in hand. The cap displays the classic vintage gold-plated clip with the firm’s name engraved in relief along the silhouette of Mont Blanc, preserved in admirable condition. The rear end-cap bears clearly stamped the original factory mark: "M 3", certifying that we are looking at a body and mechanism from the original third series, extremely rare to find.

But the true heart of this work of art hides behind its rear screw: when the rear cap is unscrewed, the original brass button-filler mechanism is revealed. When pressed, it actuates the internal rod that compresses the feed sac, a hallmark system of the 1930s that impeccably drives an exquisite original Montblanc Nº 2 solid 14-karat gold nib. This era-era nib features impeccable geometry and a Medium (M) nib size, offering the flexibility and the smooth, liquid flow that only the historical ink flow could provide.

Authenticity note: The body of the piece corresponds to model Nº 3, bearing a Montblanc Nº 2 nib from the same era, a historically fully functional combination that was very common in writing instruments of the time that withstood years of service in official workshops. A luxury design milestone intended exclusively for serious collectors.

Condition: Collection Rarity / Excellent Historical Condition
The aesthetic, cosmetic, and mechanical condition of this specimen is Excellent for a piece approaching a century of age:

Body and Cap in Ebonite: The ebonite structure retains its original deep black color with a magnificent natural patina, completely free of cracks, fissures, or deep scratches. The historical identity engravings on the rear cap ("M 3") and the cap side ("Montblanc") remain sharp, clean, and perfectly legible.

Gold Details and Nib: The gold-plated clip maintains its fixation and historic luster. The solid gold Montblanc Nº 2 nib is immaculate, with no deformities in the tines or welds.

Filling Mechanism (Button Filler): By unscrewing the rear section, the press button is firm and functional. The inner sac has been inspected/replaced to ensure optimal ink suction, allowing the pen to be completely clean and ready to write if its future owner desires.

Curious Fact for the Collector
For appraisers and Catawiki experts, button-filler nibs of the 1930s series “Nº 3” in ebonite represent one of the most stable, secure, and highest-appreciation categories in the international market for exclusive antiques. What makes this lot stand out with extraordinary value is the absolute clarity of its catalog historical engravings and the perfect functioning of its original brass button, a historical contrast between interwar ebonite and German mechanical sophistication that makes this piece a high-level investment with a wild bidding ratio in international auctions.

Wishing you the best of luck with your bids and an excellent auction to all Catawiki participants!