Pelikan - What Am I Missing?

[MX5l]

I don't really like the Classic (Elegance?) range, with the exception of the M215 and do think they're probably a bit overpriced, especially when you consider that pens like the Custom Heritage 92 and Lamy 2000 exist within the same price range (better constructed in my opinion, gold nibs and also piston fillers). I do think the Souveran models are worth their asking price though.

[Tanzanite]

$200 is expensive. In Europe the M200 can be bought for about half that price. What makes them cost that much in the US?

Edited April 1, 2014 by Tanzanite

[biancitwo]

I bought a Pelikan 100N for $126 on eBay. I have seen a 100N like mine for $350 and up. I would not have paid that much for mine. I could not justify that much. Besides, with patience and good fortune, exquisite pens can be obtained for much less than their value. Nonetheless, my 100N is definitely worth the higher price. It is superb. It has delivered excellent performance for nearly 70 years, and is capable of performing another 70. I have numerous wonderful Pelikans, though no M200s. I take issue with anyone saying a Pelikan is not worth it's price.

[dornblaser]

I have owned Pelikans since the '80's but never a M200. Pelikans are the sweet spot for me for fp's. But, I understand the OP's concerns, some pen brands just don't resonate with me even though they are very popular and well regarded. Vive la difference!

 

Post-Script: at the top of this page the ad in rotation is for a M205 for $97.50.

Edited December 10, 2014 by dornblaser

[Dickkooty2]

Re: What am I missing ...

 

I can only speak for myself. I am not a collector in the sense of the word of filling in gaps in color ranges, sizes, models.

 

Two years ago I bought my first vintage Pelikan, a 140 in the striped-pants black. This was a pen I had seen when it was introduced in Germany and I was a Spec4 in the 4th Armored Division in the 50's. Just receiving the pen and holding it felt like history.

 

Then I saw that what I wanted were representative samples of these pens with that sense of design and history. I now have a representation of the Pelikan and the Pelikano and their competitors with their design changes and some typical samples of the advertising ephemera that went along with the times.

 

Two more disclaimers. I do not adjust pens or have much desire to do so. If a pen doesn't work, I send it out to Pentiques and in a few weeks it comes back fixed. I also am not judging the pens (and pencils) by their writing ability. I want pens of the people as they were used. The range of nib sizes is interesting in variety but not a major concern to me. My favorites for writing are a 100N and a 500 rolled gold because they both happen to have very flexible nibs.

 

But you ask what you are missing: The sense of history of the times and the company. I am very happy and reassured the Rick Propas has the serious collection well in hand. It is important that these survivors of the times are not lost and, indeed, that they can be enjoyed today.

Edited December 10, 2014 by Dickkooty2