I have enjoyed writing with fine pens ever since I was in high school. That’s when I received my first Mont Blanc Meisterstück fountain pen as a gift, and I’ve been hooked on expensive writing instruments ever since. I have two Meisterstück fountain pens in my collection now, as well as a Meisterstück mechanical pencil and a Cartier ball point. A few weeks ago, I purchased a Mont Blanc Noblese Oblige Rollerball. Here are my impressions of it thus far.
The things that really attracted me to this pen, strangely enough, were the cap and the clip. I actually am not a big fan of the barrel shape, but the platinum-plated open clip and the large white star on the cap are very distinctive looking.
I also like the weight of the pen. It’s hefty enough so I know I’m not writing with some cheap Bic number, yet it’s much lighter than the Meisterstück series so I don’t get cramps or anything even after extended periods of writing.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of things that I don’t like about the Noblesse Oblige Rollerball. For example, I think the ink cartrigdes are only available in Fine and Medium, but the Medium is too fine for my tastes. I wish the ink came out just a bit thicker with this cartridge. Another thing I don’t like is the way the Noblesse Oblige looks when I’m writing with it. When the cap is on the other end, the pen looks overly long and a bit inelegant. That’s probably a minor point that most people wouldn’t notice, but it jumps right out at me.
Overall, I think the Noblesse Oblige Rollerball is a good pen for the money. I believe Mont Blanc has discontinued this particular series, so you ought to be able to pick up a Noblesse Oblige for a very good price these days. I found mine on eBay, brand new in the box with the papers and everything, for less than $150.
I carried my Noblesse Oblige to an interview with George Clooney back in the 90s. After getting his autograph, he asked if I wanted the pen back. It was a congenial moment.
That’s a pretty good story! Wish I had something similar to tell. Unfortunately, my Noblesse Oblige has been sitting in its box for the past six months or so, as I have no real occasion to use it.
Would you be willing to part with your pen? I received my beautiful black/platinum Noblesse Oblige as a gift from my sweetie. I lost it on a business trip last November and I’ve been trying to replace it ever since with no luck on the auction sites, Craig’s List, etc. Would be willing to give yours a fine home and daily exercise.