Montblanc (pens)
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Montblanc International GmbH is a German manufacturer of fine writing instruments, watches and accessories, often identified by their famous "White Star" logo.
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[edit] History
Founded by a Hamburg stationer in 1906, the company began as the Simplo Filler Pen company in 1908 before adopting the Montblanc trademark in 1911.
The company was subsequently acquired by Dunhill and now forms part of the Richemont group.
[edit] Branding
The trademark most clearly identified with Montblanc is the white stylised six-pointed star with rounded edges, representative of the Mont Blanc snowcap from above, the symbol being adopted in 1913. The number "4810" , the mountain's metric height, is a commonly recurring theme.
For decades Montblanc rarely deviated far from its flagship Meisterstück line of writing instruments, but in recent years has begun to establish new lines. The Bohème, Scenium and Starwalker ranges are recent additions to Montblanc product-line.
[edit] Ambassadors
Montblanc have appointed a series of "Ambassadors", who represent the brand and its values. These include [1]:
[edit] Special Editions & Other Product Lines
Montblanc produces limited edition in varying in design from its normal production. Editions include the "Patron of the Art" (4810/888 pieces annually) , the Writers Edition, Annual Edition, various Anniversary Editions and Donation Series as well as one-off and commemorative pieces.
Recently Montblanc has diversified into other luxury goods. Montblanc now sells watches, leather goods, female and male jewelry, perfume, and desk accessories in addition to writing instruments.
[edit] Criticism
Montblanc's 2 year warranty is often compared to the lifetime warranties of many other pen manufacturers (large and small). Similarly-priced high-quality writing instruments from other manufacturers are often perceived as offering more value with lifetime warranties.
Montblanc writing instruments are often stigmatized as being purchased for cachet as opposed to practical writing value; detractors of the brand often see them as inferior to other similarly priced pieces. There are generally two types of Montblanc users who reject this criticism. One type includes those who collect Montblanc and prefer the vintage models to the modern or limited edition models. The other type is the modern Montblanc user or collector who appreciates the styling and writing characteristics of this particular brand.
[edit] Authenticity and Third Party Retailers
Because of its popularity, the Montblanc name is often preyed upon by counterfeiters. If a Montblanc item is not bought from a Montblanc boutique, care should be taken to assure that the piece purchased is authentic. It is always best to buy the item from a reputable retailer.
The average Montblanc buyer would determine authenticity of the item by whether or not there is a serial number on the clip of the cap. However, counterfeiters have learnt to also fake serial numbers in hopes of fooling potential customers. As such extreme care must be taken in purchase.
The Montblanc company has a longstanding policy of prohibiting the sale of its products over the Internet and thus does not have its own website that sells items, though it does certify some internet dealers as officially-designated merchants. When shopping online for a Mont Blanc item, it is best to use a certified dealer so as not to be lured into buying a counterfeit writing instrument.
