The 12x Series
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An exquisite 12x lineup from Joudenali's personal collection
By the mid-1930s, the first generation of Montblanc Meisterstück pens had run its course. These early models were soon succeeded by the flat-top 10x series (link to article) — a line of safety pens that introduced a bold, modern silhouette that would go on to define Montblanc’s design language for decades. Very shortly after the 10x series came the 12x line, which carried forward the same iconic design but introduced a different filling system: the stoßfüller, or push-knob mechanism. Almost simultaneously with the 12x, Montblanc introduced the 13x series, which brought in the legendary telescopic piston-filler system. For a brief period in the late 1930s, all three series — the 10x safety pens, the 12x stoßfüller pens, and the 13x piston fillers — were available in the market. Eventually, the safety and push-knob systems were phased out, and the 13x series reigned supreme through the 1940s.
1938 catalogue presenting the 12x. series along with the 10x and 13x series
When the stoßfüller was introduced by Montblanc, it was marketed as a solution to the less effective filling systems found commonly in other brands. A sales manual published by Montblanc in 1930 explains to its sales team how the stoßfüller is superior to the simple button filler or even piston filler. It explains... "Manufacturers are increasingly favouring eyedropper-filler pens with pressure mechanisms — known as pressure fillers — which are activated from the barrel end and avoid the need to open the barrel sleeve. Most are filled by pressing a button under a screw-off cap, but this design is inconvenient and the button can be easily lost. An alternative is the piston filler, which draws ink directly into the barrel via a pump-like mechanism. However, piston fillers have several drawbacks: they can leak if the seal (often cork) dries out, ink may be forced out due to pressure or heat, and repeated use can wear down the seal. In contrast, the Montblanc stoßfüller (plunger filler) features an air buffer between the barrel and ink tube that stabilises ink flow despite temperature changes. It allows full filling with a single press at the barrel end and, thanks to its smart design, prevents leakage even if the ink tube is damaged — offering a cleaner, more reliable solution". If you're wondering why Montblanc portrayed the piston filler in such a negative light, my guess is because they didn’t yet have one of their own as yet! The 13x would be released a few years later. The stoßfüller system continued to be produced in Germany up to 1938, and in Denmark until as late as 1949.
1930 sales manual explaining why the push-knob filler is a superior mechanism
The Push-Knob filling system was essentially a more luxurious adaptation of the simpler Push-Button mechanism, widely used by companies like Parker. One drawback of this design, however, was that the blind cap could be easily lost.
By 1933, Stephens in London had begun advertising its own push-knob filler, and several other manufacturers also developed sophisticated filling systems based on the Push-Button concept — including the Matador Turbo Express (1930, Pat. FR701252, filed 27 August 1930), Astoria Dux, and Ancora, all of which offered various twist-filler adaptations.
The broader push to create more cost-effective filling systems may have been driven by the economic pressures of the Great Depression following the Wall Street Crash in October 1929. In general, it’s a sturdy system — but not without its flaws. Over time, moisture exposure can cause the push rod to get stuck, preventing the push-knob from moving when unscrewed. Additionally, if the push-button is turned too forcefully, it can break through the bottom of the knob. In some cases, overturning the push-button can even deactivate the mechanism entirely. When Montblanc introduced the Push-Knob filling system in 1929, it was supported by the brand’s largest international advertising campaign to date. The layout and the slogan — “Filled with a Push” — are believed to have been conceived by the Danish advertising agency Sylvester-Hvid. The campaign even included promotional aluminium tokens, produced in several versions with the slogan printed in different languages.
Patent of the push-knob mechanism from 1930
1936 catalogue depicting the inner working of the push-knob filler
Although the Push-Knob (Stossfüller) filling system is most commonly associated with Montblanc’s 1st series Meisterstück models, it was also used in several 2nd-tier pens and stylos. These include the Montblanc No. 15 and 17.5, later advertised after 1936 as models 222 and 224 (link to article), as well as the stylo models S421 and S422 (link to article). Additionally, the Danish-produced No. 25 (link to article) also featured this filling mechanism.
The earliest versions of the 12x series looked very similar to their round cap top, twin cap band, and ball or teardrop clip Meisterstück predecessors. But these were available for a very few months before taking on the flat cap top, single thick cap band, and tie-clip aesthetic of the 10X series (link).
Transitional 122, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
Transitional 124, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
Transitional 124, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
Aesthetically, the 12x series preserved many of the signature design elements of the era — most notably the flat-top silhouette and the refined “tie-clip” style clip, first introduced in the 10x series and later continued in the 13x line. These pens were produced in a variety of finishes, including classic black, elegant platinum-lined versions, and rarer pearl tones. Some were even offered with silver and gold overlay work done by German jewellers like Maenner, Sarastro, and Fend. Barrels came in both smooth and guilloched textures, offering collectors a range of visual and tactile appeal. The series included models 122, 124, 126, 128, and 129, each corresponding to different nib sizes and lengths. While the 13x series pens were found with a variety of nibs like gold, steel, and palladium, the 12x series pens were found mostly in gold because this model was produced before WWII and hence did not experience any restrictions over the use of gold.
The Montblanc naming convention explained in a 1936 catalogue.
In the sections that follow, we’ll explore each of these remarkable pens — not only through their technical features but also in the context of Montblanc’s evolving legacy. Let's start with the 122 and 124 models...
1938 catalogue
The 122 and 124 were the smallest sizes in the 12x lineup. They were meant to replace the No. 20 and No. 25 Mesiterstück push-knob filler models from earlier. Available colours included smooth black (G), platinum lined (PL), or pearl (P). There was also a guilloche finish (S). The 'P' and 'S' are quite difficult to find today.
122P, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
122S, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
122PL, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
The 122 and 124 were also sold in a short version identified as 'K'. The K122 was available in black, blue and green. I have yet to see any examples in blue, though the green (malachite) has been featured in multiple books on vintage Montblanc pens. The K124 was available in black and pearl too.
1938 catalogue
K122PL, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
K122PL, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
K122 in malachite green, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
K122 in black, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
The 124 model was also available in a special finish called "Extraklasse" (E) with Rosenmuster or the elegant rose motif — a design so distinctive that it earned the nickname Knight of the Rose. This rare pattern was applied to only two mid-sized Meisterstück models: the safety filler 104E (link) and the push-knob filler 124E. During the 1920s and 30s, it was common for manufacturers to decorate black hard rubber pens with surface engravings — a technique known as guilloché. This involved finely machined lines arranged into intricate, repeating patterns, most commonly a wave motif, though each maker brought its own stylistic variations.
In general, the chasing on hard rubber pens tends to fade over time - especially on pens that were well used. Considering this, and the fact that the production of this pen lasted a very short period of time, it is exceptionally difficult to find a near-mint Montblanc Extraklasse today! Finally, notice that the 124E has a rather special clip only made for this series!
A lovely 124E from the personal collection of Joudenali
1936 catalogue showing beautiful sets of the Extraklasse model
124PL with rare white gold clip and cap band, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
124PL, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
124P, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
Moving on the 126 model, this was meant to replace the No. 30 Mesiterstück push-knob filler models from earlier. This model was available in the 'G', 'S', 'PL' and 'P' versions.
An early 126 in hard rubber, from the collection of Kawuska
Later 126G, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
The platinum lined (PL) or pinstripe variant is a rather popular one among collectors today...
126PL from my personal collection
The 126 PL was produced for a limited period between 1935 and 1938. The “PL” stands for its striking platinum-lined finish, known in Montblanc catalogues of the time as platinschwarz. These pens feature a range of unique patterns — some with more widely spaced concentric rings, and others with a denser, more intricate design. The PL was advertised as "popular in this colour as a gift", in old catalogues of its time.
126PL from the collection of Kawuska
126PL made in Denmark, with "DE Luxe" imprint on cap top, as featured in Montblanc in Denmark 1914-1992 (p. 35) by Claus Holten and Poul Lund (link)
126 PLs from the collection of Marcwithac. Notice the "Chef D'Oeuvre" imprint on one of the pens, meaning it was made for the French market.
126PL, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
1936 catalogue
The three 126 models shown above vary slightly in length. The hard rubber 126S was originally designed with a longer body, and the German-market 126PL was sized to match it. However, this adjustment was not carried over to the 126P, which retained a shorter length.
126S, 126PL, and 126P from the personal collection of Joudenali
126P from the personal collection of Joudenali
126P, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
The 126P was produced in Germany for a brief period between 1935 and 1937. The example pictured here shows slight ambering of the barrel and cap — a natural and almost inevitable aging effect seen in pearl-colored pens that have been used over time.
126 with silver overlay and guilloche chasing, made by the Montblanc factory itself. This pen belongs to Joudenali.
126 with solid gold overlay and guilloche chasing, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
Now let's explore the 128 model...
Left to Right: 128G, 128S, and 128PL belonging to Joudenali
The 128 series was manufactured in Hamburg for a very limited time. According to the 1936 Montblanc catalogue, the 128 succeeded the No. 40 model — the second-highest offering from the original Meisterstück series. It was offered in the 'S', 'G', and 'PL' variants. The “S” and “PL” variants were produced between 1935 and 1937, while the “G” model remained in production until 1938.
1936 catalogue
128S, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
Advertisement from 1935 showing a 128S (I think!)
In terms of size, the 128 is as long as the L 129, but slimmer — making it slightly smaller overall than even the 138. It is actually closer in proportion to the 136. The 128 series came fitted with a 14C size 245 nib, the same nib used in the L 129, though smaller than the larger size 250 nib found in the L 139.
Interestingly, all three versions were priced equally in 1936 at RM 35 — the same retail price as the 108 series of that period. These pens are highly coveted by serious collectors and, in my view, are significantly harder to find today than even the 138 or the 139 models. According to Collectible Stars I, the “G” and “S” variants are rated at 9 out of 12 in rarity, with the “PL” scoring 8 out of 12. However, I believe these ratings may no longer reflect current market realities — particularly since the “S” model is now considered rarer than both the “G” and “PL” versions. All three are unquestionably scarce and desirable pieces today.
128G, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
128 with gold overlap and guilloche chasing done by a German jeweller. This pen belongs to Joudenali.
Finally, let's look at the 129...
L to R: 129, 128G, 128S, 128PL belonging to Joudenali
I cannot imagine any collector of vintage Montblancs that doesn't have the L 129 on their list of "Grail" pens. It isn't amongst the largest pens of its time. But, it is the quintessential flat top Meisterstück, and it introduced us to the legendary silver cap rings that were then carried forward by the 139 and celluloid 149! The 129 was only available in a black glossy and smooth finish. Simple, classy!
L129 form the personal collection of Joudenali
The L129 appears to have been introduced a few years after the smaller models in the 12x series had established their success. The 'L' in its name stands for luxus or luxury. Collectible Stars I assigns it a rarity score of 9 out of 12, but in my experience, the 129 is significantly harder to find — and often more expensive — than even the highly sought-after 139. A late-1930s advertisement lists the 129 at RM 50, which is notably higher than the RM 45 price typically quoted for the 139 in catalogues from the same period. This pricing difference reflects the premium status the 129 held in Montblanc’s lineup at the time.
The 129L shares the same overall dimensions as the 128. The main visual distinction between the two lies in the silver cap rings — a feature exclusive to the 129. Interestingly, both the 128 and 129 are fitted with the same size 245 (size 8) nib. In the photo above, the size difference is clear: the 129 measures 12.8 cm capped, the same length as the 138, but smaller than the 139.
A 139 (striped window and sliver rings), a 129 in the middle, and a 138 (single cap band and striped window), from the collection of Marcwithac
Finally, let's wrap up this article with a few prototypes...
Prototype 124, as featured in The Montblanc Diary & Collector's Guide (p. 66) by Jens Rösler
Four 124 with prototype hatching, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
A 124S in coral red, as featured in Collectible Stars I (link)
For bibliography, see Resources page -->link