Originally, I intended to write about the key differences between an authentic Montblanc Meisterstück pen and a counterfeit one. However, during my search for the best fake Meisterstück pen, I was genuinely surprised. Dubious websites are flooded with new collections and special editions I had never seen before—entire ranges from the Origin collection, Writers Edition, and even Special Characters series. I immediately chose the Olympic Heritage collection since I own one of these pens. My goal was to quickly provide you with a guide on how to avoid being deceived into purchasing a counterfeit pen.
For this comparison, I’ll use the Montblanc Meisterstück Olympic Heritage Doué Chamonix 1924 as an example. But don’t worry—I’ll summarize everything so you can apply these tips to compare any pen from a special collection.
It took about two weeks for the pen to arrive, which was expected. It came without a box, simply wrapped in bubble wrap. Honestly, the lack of packaging didn’t matter much to me, as I wasn’t planning to compare the boxes—counterfeiters can easily repackage a fake pen in an original Montblanc box.
As soon as the pen arrived, I handed it to my wife, who knows exactly how these pens should look and feel. Even she couldn’t immediately tell it was a counterfeit, which highlights just how tricky it can be to identify a fake. This is especially true when you’re only looking at photos in an online listing.
Let’s go step by step and examine the differences—how to spot an authentic pen both in person and through photos.
First Impressions and Size
At first glance, if you’re only looking at a counterfeit pen, it’s surprisingly easy to mistake it for the real thing—especially if you’re relying solely on photos. However, if you have the opportunity to compare it side by side with an authentic pen, the differences become much more apparent. That’s why I strongly recommend studying the authentic pen thoroughly on Montblanc’s official website to familiarize yourself with its design and details.
If you’re purchasing a pen in person, always bring an original Montblanc pen with you for comparison. This will make it significantly easier to verify its authenticity. When examining a pen in photos, pay close attention to the size and thickness. Counterfeit pens are often slightly smaller and match the dimensions of the standard “Classic” size, whereas the “Doué” version is noticeably larger and thicker.
Be cautious with your initial impression. Don’t immediately conclude that it’s authentic just because it looks convincing at first glance. Instead, question it and carefully analyze its key features to ensure its legitimacy.

Packaging
The pen I received came without any packaging, but I’ve noticed that most counterfeit pens typically come in a standard black box resembling the older Montblanc packaging. However, I advise against placing too much importance on the packaging itself, as it may not be indicative of the pen’s authenticity.
That said, pay attention if the pen arrives without packaging or if the packaging doesn’t align with what Montblanc typically uses for that specific model. While packaging alone isn’t enough to verify a pen, inconsistencies should raise a red flag and prompt a closer inspection.
Color
I was genuinely baffled when it came to the colors. The counterfeit pen’s color was nearly indistinguishable from the original, and I couldn’t identify it based solely on the color. Counterfeiters have clearly improved their craftsmanship in this area, and it’s evident they pay close attention to getting the color right. However, this level of accuracy doesn’t extend to the red detail near the emblem—it’s noticeably off. Still, the precise replication of the blue shade is unsettling.
Interestingly, color can often be a strong indicator of whether a pen is counterfeit. While counterfeiters tend to mimic the colors of genuine models, they often go overboard by creating pens in outrageous colors that never existed in Montblanc’s lineup. This makes it relatively easy to spot a fake. For example, I’ve seen Meisterstück pens in unusual shades of blue or Writers Edition Victor Hugo pens in brown—colors that were never part of the official collections. Always check the official color offerings for the model you’re interested in. If it’s a color that doesn’t exist, it’s undoubtedly a fake.

Nib
The nib is perhaps the best and most reliable indicator for spotting a counterfeit pen, especially when it comes to special and limited editions. As seen in this example, counterfeiters often fail to replicate the intricate engravings on the nib. Instead, they typically use a generic design that they apply to all their pens. This makes it easy to spot a fake immediately.
In addition to the engraving, the size and shape of the nib are often different from the original. However, identifying these differences can be challenging unless you have an authentic nib for comparison.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking to purchase a ballpoint or rollerball pen, this method isn’t applicable, as those pens don’t feature nibs.
For fountain pens, I highly recommend referencing the official Montblanc website or consulting with collectors to confirm how the authentic nib engraving should look. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to me—I’d be happy to help.

Montblanc Emblem
The snowflake emblem—or the white star at the top of the pen—is another useful detail for identifying an authentic Montblanc pen, though spotting discrepancies requires a keen eye. For some reason, counterfeiters consistently distort the emblem, resulting in a slight asymmetry or elongation. While this is a reliable indicator, it’s not the easiest to catch, especially in photos.

Clip
In the past, one of the telltale signs of an authentic Montblanc clip was the engraved “PIX” and “Germany” on the underside. Unfortunately, that’s no longer a foolproof method, as counterfeiters now replicate these engravings as well.
When it comes to the clip, focus on its shape, particularly where it attaches to the pen’s body. This base area is often larger or poorly proportioned on counterfeit pens. For example, with this pen, the authentic clip has a much simpler design, while the counterfeit version features a noticeable “step” or transition, which deviates from the original. Always refer to photos of the genuine model to spot these differences.
If you’re inspecting the pen in person, the clip can be a highly reliable feature to examine. Pay close attention to the upper section where the clip bends—this area often reveals poor craftsmanship or subtle imperfections on counterfeit pens. Low-quality manufacturing is usually evident here. For this reason, never overlook the clip when verifying authenticity.

Cap
The cap on the counterfeit pen I examined was completely off. On the authentic version, the cap screws onto the body, while on the fake, it simply pulls off. This is an obvious difference, and it’s something you can easily spot in photos, making it a reliable way to identify whether a rollerball pen is counterfeit as well.
In terms of design, the counterfeit cap closely resembles the original. The real issues lie in the materials used and the quality of craftsmanship. For instance, the engraved areas on the fake cap have a completely different texture than the original and lack the same level of detail. The engraving of letters is also far less precise. In this particular case, the engraving even reflects a different shade due to the material and the depth of the etching. If the engraving looks unusually dark or inconsistent, that’s a strong warning sign.

Meisterstück Band
I remember when I ordered my first fake pen to study the differences from the original. Back then, the engraving on the Meisterstück band was a clear giveaway—counterfeiters couldn’t replicate the fine grid texture inside the letters. Nowadays, however, they’ve improved significantly, and the engraving on this band is nearly identical to the original.
If you examine the individual letters closely, you can spot minor differences, but it’s extremely difficult to discern without the original for comparison or in photos. Because of this, I wouldn’t rely on the engraving of the Meisterstück band as a reliable way to confirm authenticity. In most cases, I recommend skipping this step entirely when assessing a pen’s legitimacy.

Pen Body
When it comes to the pen body, identifying a fake can be challenging if the pen doesn’t feature engravings or other intricate elements where flaws are more obvious. For resin pens, however, you can rely on the material itself. If you shine a phone flashlight through an authentic resin pen, you’ll see a reddish glow as the light passes through. With a counterfeit pen made of plastic, no light will pass through—the material blocks it entirely.
For limited editions, pay extra attention to the finer details. Montblanc pens in these editions often feature unique design elements that reference various themes, and these intricate details are a nightmare for counterfeiters to replicate. A thorough study of the original pen’s photos can often reveal inconsistencies in the fake, making it easier to spot.

Threads
If you have the chance to inspect the pen in person, always check the threads. Authentic Montblanc pens use metal threads, whereas counterfeit pens almost always have plastic threads. This is a major giveaway and can be clearly seen, as demonstrated in the photos. Threads remain one of the most reliable indicators of authenticity.

Converter/Refill
Counterfeit pens never feature the same converter or refills as an authentic Montblanc. Differences are apparent in the logo design, lettering, spacing, and even the holographic stickers on Montblanc refills. However, this isn’t always a reliable indicator, as refills can easily be swapped.
Interestingly, some fake rollerball or ballpoint pens are manufactured in such a way that authentic Montblanc refills don’t fit properly or sit awkwardly when inserted. If you’re inspecting a pen in person, bring a spare Montblanc refill with you to test it out—it’s an easy way to confirm authenticity.

Details
Pay close attention to the details that set an authentic pen apart—missing features, subtle differences, misaligned letters, or imperfections. One excellent indicator is the pen’s serial number. Montblanc engraves serial numbers with remarkable precision in small, crisp lettering. While counterfeit pens have improved their ability to mimic the font, the difference in quality is still obvious upon close inspection.
Another red flag is that many counterfeit pens use identical serial numbers across multiple units. To verify, simply search the serial number on Google. If the same number has been questioned online, it’s almost guaranteed to be fake, as someone else has already discovered it. This quick search can save you from making a costly mistake.

Quick Checklist: How to Spot a Fake
Let’s summarize the key indicators to quickly identify if a pen is fake:
1. Suspicious Pricing: An unusually low price, especially in the range of €100–150, is a clear red flag that something isn’t right.
2. Packaging: The box doesn’t match the edition of the pen, or there’s no packaging at all.
3. Engraving Design: Limited edition fountain pens often have incorrect or poorly executed engraving designs.
4. Color: The pen’s color doesn’t match the photos of the authentic model.
5. Engraving Quality: Engravings appear imperfect or overly dark (almost black).
6. Montblanc Emblem: The iconic Montblanc snowcap logo is often stretched or asymmetrical.
7. Research Fake Models: Check sites like AliExpress and search for terms like “MB pen” to see common counterfeit models and designs.
If you’re unsure about a pen’s authenticity, it’s better to avoid the purchase altogether. Instead, opt for an affordable pen from a trusted brand rather than risking a counterfeit.
Pens to Watch Out For
Here are the most commonly counterfeited Montblanc collections and their quick giveaway signs:
1. JFK
• Color: The shade is often slightly off.
• Engraving: The “JFK” engraving on the clip is poorly done.
• Ring Design: The triple-banded ring on fakes is shallower and less defined.
2. Montblanc M
• Hard to Detect: These are especially difficult to spot in photos.
• Red Edition: The fake versions have a more orange hue.
• Magnet Quality: Inferior magnet mechanism and turning action.
3. Meisterstück
• Ring: Look for inconsistencies in the Meisterstück engraving on the band.
• Threads: Fakes often have plastic threads instead of metal.
• Emblem Fit: The emblem on the cap doesn’t align properly with the pen body.
4. Writers Edition (All Versions)
• Colors: Incorrect or mismatched colors.
• Nib Design: Nibs often deviate significantly in design.
• Packaging: Low-quality or incorrect box.
• Overall Craftsmanship: Poor attention to detail.
5. Starwalker
• Challenging to Detect: These are notoriously difficult to identify as fakes based solely on photos.
6. Bohème
• Gemstone Cut: Original gems have a specific precision cut, while fakes do not.
• Gemstone Colors: Fake gemstones often have incorrect or inconsistent coloring.
7. Enzo Ferrari
• Color: The shade doesn’t match the original.
• Details: The fake air intake imitations (inspired by Ferrari design) are of noticeably poorer quality.
8. Ernest Hemingway
• Box: The packaging often doesn’t match the original.
• Gold Elements: The gold accents are a different tone.
• Engraving: Hemingway’s signature is inaccurately engraved.
• Color: The pen’s orange hue is off.
9. Little Prince
• Engraving: Look closely at key collection symbols (stars and foxes)—the engraving quality often gives away a fake.
10. Heritage
• Snakes: Fake pens often lack gemstones in the snakes’ eyes and are missing the serial number on the snake detail.
• Nib Design: Fakes sometimes feature a snake on the nib, but the colors and finish are wrong.
• Overall Craftsmanship: Poor execution of the snake design.
Older Pens
It’s harder to authenticate older models, but the good news is that counterfeit editions from before 1990 are nearly non-existent.
Other Brands
If you collect pens from brands other than Montblanc, be cautious as well. Counterfeits exist for other luxury brands like Cartier and even Pelikan.
3 Comments:
Luisa Says: on 26. January 2025
Excellent!
Thanks
Daniel Says: on 26. January 2025
Your comparison of authentic versus counterfeit fountain pens was incredibly insightful and well-articulated! The level of detail you provided, from the material differences to performance and design, really highlights your expertise and thoroughness. I appreciate how you broke it down in a way that was not only informative but also accessible to those who might be new to fountain pens. It’s clear that you put in significant effort to ensure the comparison was fair and objective, which adds so much value to the discussion. Great job on creating such a helpful resource!
Jose Pena Says: on 26. January 2025
You performed an authopsy, amazing. Many thanks!