38 Black Resin & Gold Lever Mechanism 11th “Eleventh Finger” Ballpoint Pen. 38 – Lever Mechanism. Year of production: Mid 1960s to Early 1970s. Filling system: Standard giant refills. Material: Burgundy red Resin – high shine and gloss; Gold plated trimmings. Montblanc model 38 ballpoint pen is a mid-60s production, the predecessor to many such models to come in the 1970s and even 1980s. This was one of the high-end ballpoint pens at the time to match the 2xx fountain pen series. The Montblanc patented mechanism, also known as the “11th finger mechanism”, is a special design feature where a lever is located under the clip, thus when the pen is placed/hanged into a pocket the pocket fabric passing under the clip will push the lever up and turn the pen off. This is a very convenient feature that makes sure the hanged pen will always turn itself off, thus prevent incidental line marks on the jacket fabric (especially a good feature for people in white coats). The pen is made out of the Montblanc signature material, the Black Resin, which gives the pen a superb luster/shine, but it’s also scratch-resistant. The mechanism is a joy to use, very easy, pushing the lever down will turn the pen on; pushing it up or hanging it into the pocket will turn it off. It is a very precise mechanism easy and fast to deploy with a very nice distinct clicking sound. All trimmings are thick gold plated so gold wear off is very unlikely. Large Montblanc star located on top of the pen. Ideal as a daily writer and a collection piece. Please read the entire description section and review all pictures as they are also part of the description. If you need any more information or pictures about the item, please feel free to ask before offer just to be sure the item you will receive is according to your expectations >> I will respond quickly. My name is Jose. Based in Buenos Aires. I sell vintage writing instruments (mostly restored but also as is). In respect of restoratios, I do all of the restoration work myself. I enjoy restoring these vintage pens and sending them on to someone to use and enjoy. Like Richard Binder says “Making the world better one pen at the time”.