As for the MB pen, did you consider taking it to a boutique for MB service?...
Frank
Back then I knew nothing of such things as "boutiques" or Service, I was raised in the era of the Bic pen unfortunately and that was my first real pen purchase. Today I know better, but that comes too late for the MontBlanc as I have no idea if I even have it anymore. If I do still have it, it's buried so deeply in so many boxes I haven't a clue where to begin looking.
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"None of us can have as many virtues as the fountain-pen, or half its cussedness; but we can try." ~Mark Twain~