Product Description
Type Limited Edition 3-Piece Set
Product Name Montblanc Writers Edition Alexandre Dumas. The fountain pen is #02642/20000 (15000 were sold individually and 5000 were sold in sets). The pencil is #2642/9000 and the ballpoint is #02642/16000.
NOTE: The Dumas model had an initial design error where it included the wrong Alexandre Dumas's signature on the cap. Both father and son were successful authors and playwrights, but the father is perhaps more widely read today, and associated with such classics as "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristo". The pens and pencils were initially released with the son's signature engraved on the caps. A comparison of the signatures and a description of what happened can be found here. Montblanc issued a correction letter on October 4th, 1996, and recalled all unsold items, but some had already been sold and remained in circulation. The corrected models bear the letter "N" after the serial number, as well as the father's signature. This set features the son's signature, which is the error that prompted the recall. This listing also includes the original sales receipt, dated Sept 11, 1996, futher corroborating its authenticity.
Manufacturer and Year Montblanc, Germany -- 1996.
Length Fountain pen is 5-3/8", and ballpoint and pencil are just a bit shorter at 5-1/4".
Filling System The fountain pen is a piston filler. It has been tested and is working well. The ballpoint pen uses a twist mechanism and takes Montblanc ballpoint refills. A working black refill is installed. The pencil uses a ratcheting "repeater" system and takes 0.7mm leads.
Color Dark brown cap, section, and end piece with a white marble body. It has lots of gold plated trim and the fine bands have designs. Alexandre Dumas fils (the son) signature is to the right of the clip.
Nib Medium 18k Nib. It's very smooth and slightly springy. The nib is decorated with rhodium masking and a fleur-de-lis imprint. The masking looks great.
Condition Superior condition set, near mint, in box with paperwork. All three pieces have no cracks, chips, or scratches. There are a few small marks in the cracked ice part of the ballpoint pen. The set ships in the three piece Montblanc Writers Edition Dumas box and the Dumas paper booklet, outer cardboard sleeve (also bearing a sticker with the incorrect signature!), and original sales receipt are included.