A bit scary that what I might be best known for after my demise is "Happy...". Could be worse I guess ![;)](http://fountainpenboard.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
LOL You are better known for your great knowledge of Vacumatics, Sheaffer's and great pictures ( some of pens)
![Posted Image](http://fountainpenboard.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Is the 742 one of a larger family of similar pens (much as Parker and Sheaffer offered certain pens that were structurally similar save for increasingly expensive gtrim levels), or did it stand alone, different from other period MBs? (eg, was it "just" a gold filled 142, etc?)
When was this made/sold.
The Montblanc 74X along with the 64X series was produced and sold during the 50íes. I am not sure but I think they started in 1951 and went up to the beginning of th e60íes, although I am not sure when they ended.
The first ones had the ski-slope feed and nibs like the MB142 and MB144 models, later in he 50íes they changed the nibs to the famous wing nibs.
They had two sizes, the smaller 742/642 and the bigger 744/644.
The difference is that the 64X series had celluloid barrel ( black, striated green and striated grey) ans the 74X series was all metal ( gold plated or solid gold). Tomorrow I will take and upload pictures of the other sizes, colors, overlays and nibs. I don't have all, but I have some... I will also take measurements to post.
They are very well proportionate pens, excellent balance in the hand and with flex nib that give you a great line variation, typical from the MB nibs made in the 50íes.
The 64X and 74x line was part of the top of the line production pens from MB back on those days. probably only surpassed by the MB 149.
They do shared the same tri stage piston filling system, nibs, feeds with the 142 and 144, but the resemblance ends here.
Best
Vasco
Note: I am no expert, although I think I am being accurate in my post. If any member has more or different information, please tell.
Edited by piscov, 29 April 2013 - 09:49 PM.