If you inspect the nib of a vintage Montblanc 149, you’ll most probably see it marked “14C”. The “C” stands for “carat”, which uses the European spelling convention as opposed to the US “karat” that is currently being used. Pens that carried “C” were released from the 1950s (tri-color) until the late 1980s (bi-color). 

It’s said that the earlier iterations of “C” nibs had more flex and spring, which made them more desirable for people who enjoyed line variations and flourishes. This, however, doesn’t automatically mean that all “C” nibs are flexy, but the consensus is that many have a satisfying give. 

Try a “C” nib out for yourself. We have for sale a pre-owned Montblanc 149 with a tri-color, 14C nib in EF with fading on the nib. It has a split ebonite feed that’s perfect for that slight flex and is installed with brass filler threads. It has no serial number. We’re offering only the pen, no box or papers. 

Length capped: 14.7 cm. 
Length uncapped: 13.2 cm.