Montblanc Meisterstuck Doue Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen 164DS 17329

Have owned this pen for at least 20 years, and I actually think it's been longer than that. It has perfomed *flawlessly,* with the exception of ME breaking a part. I looked into how to get MB to repair it, and then thought I'd do a little exploring on the internet. A part they wanted over $100 for, plus shipping & insurance, I found used and in great condition on eBay for less than $20. I probably would never spend the money for the same thing again, but I'm sure glad I did way back when. One of my kids will probably end up with it someday ... probably 30 years from now.

I've owned this pen for five years and like the way it feels. The problem is the lower black plastic piece. The gold plating tarnished within a year and the barrel cracked a few years later. Montblanc will not sell you replacement parts, you have to mail in the pen to get it fixed. The piece is the same as on the regular 164 ball point pen and its $70. BUT because you sprung for the silver top they nail you for $135 for the exact same part. Hows that for sticking it to your customers?I still use my broken and tarnished pen and they can take the $135 they want to charge for a twenty five cent piece of plastic and stuff it.