Dating Pelikan fountain Pen

[christof]

Tom Westerich told me that it's not uncommon for Milano and EMEGE pens. I would be interested to know more about. Was it just made because of economic reasons?

[tacitus]

4 hours ago, christof said:

Tom Westerich told me that it's not uncommon for Milano and EMEGE pens. I would be interested to know more about. Was it just made because of economic reasons?

 

I thought the Milan barrel was for aesthetic reasons. But it is just my guess. It might be for durability reasons or economic reasons. I hope someone who is more familiar with the pens will tell us about that. 

 

As for EMEGE imprint, the article by Vasco Pisco is very informative.

[tacitus]

AUCH-Pelikan 200 (ca.1937) - the second generation

Green indicates the changes from AUCH-Pelikan (ca.1935).

Cap top; material: ebonite, logo: new two chicks logo on the top.
Cap top holder; material: celluloid, logo: AUCH-Pelikan D.R.P. on the side.
Clip; shape: gold plated fluted clip.
Grip and barrel; material: one piece celluloid, shape: additional black celluloid ring and green marble celluloid ring. 
Sleeve; material: green marble celluloid.
Cone; material: gold plated brass, shape: three slits.
Dimensions;

Length      Width    Weight
123 mm    10 mm   13 g

 

On February 22, 1937, new AUCH-Pelikan 200 was introduced. The pencils became decorated with a color sleeve and two rings in the mid-portion (Fig.2), reminding us of model 100. Different from model 100, there is no step between grip and sleeve (Fig.2). The conventional all black 200 remained in production (Fig.8) (Pelikan catalog No.70 (1938)). In addition, new "Pelikan logo" and fluted clip were introduced (Fig.3, 4). In the new design, the imprint was on the cap top holder⁽²⁾ (Fig.4). The material of body was changed to celluloid except for the cap top⁽¹⁾. Fig.5 is the exploded view. Internal structure is basically same as the previous versions, but metal parts are different. Accordingly, click sound and feeling are different⁽³⁾ (Mov.1, Mov.2). Please listen to click sounds of my pencils😘. The cone had three slits (not four) (Fig.7).

 

 

On march 25, 1937, the lineup was expanded.

• black/gray (grip/sleeve)
• black/lizard
• red brown/turtles shell (model 201)⁽⁴⁾

In the same year, model 209 and model 205 were renamed model 210 mit Öse (Fig.9) and model 210, respectively.

In 1940, the mechanism was changed so that the shaft and the chuck body had flexible connection, resulting in the smoother action of the mechanism (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). By that time, cap top should have been replaced by celluloid⁽¹⁾. 

On the other hand, the war effort had begun to cast a shadow over the production of pencils.

• As from August 29, 1942, only model 200 black/green were produced (model 200 lizard and model 210 mit Öse were discontinued).
• In wartime, the clip and  the cone were no longer gold-plated (Pelikan Schreibgeräte).

 
At the end of World War II, the production of the pencils should have been suspended. But no detailed information is available.
 
As from September 1948, mechanical pencils were available again. On October 10, 1948, announced was that as from the end of that month, metal parts would be gold-plated again.

The production of model 200 was resumed, but it did not last long. Instead, new models emerged. 

• In March 1950, model 450 (mechanical pencil to match model 400) was introduced (Fig.11).
• In October 1950, model 350 (mechanical pencil to match model 100N and later model 140) was introduced (Fig.12).
• In February 1951, model 250 (mechanical pencil to match model 100N) was introduced (Fig.11).

In June 1949, model 210 was discontinued. Mid-1951, announced was that model 200 was "available until further notice". In October 1951, model 200 and 201 were finally discontinued.

Note;⁽¹⁾In late 1930's, Günter Wagner was switching from ebonite to celluloid (click). Contrary to fountain pens, the company stayed with ebonite for the cap top. Probably, that was because ebonite was more durable than celluloid and suitable for the cap top that is repeatedly pushed. 
⁽²⁾Other possible imprints were "Pelikan Günter Wagner Germany" and "Pelikan D.R.P Pelikan D.R.P" (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). 
⁽³⁾New AUCH-Pelikan makes a higher sound and more crisp feeling (to me).
⁽⁴⁾In Pelikan Schreibgeräte, this model is presented as model 201 to match model 101, but with parentheses. Probably, it was an export model (Pelikan catalog No.75 (1939)) (Fig.10).

 

Mov.1

 

Mov.2

 

Fig.1

AUCH-Pelikan 200 (ca.1937).

 

Fig.2

Two celluloid ring between the grip send the sleeve. Two rings and sleeve are on the celluloid barrel (bottom).   

 

Fig.3

New two chicks logo on the cap top.

 

Fig.4

The fluted clip and "AUCH-Pelikan D.R.P." on the side of cap top holder.

 

Fig.5

The exploded view of AUCH-Pelikan 200 (ca.1937).

 

Fig.6

The shaft and chuck body. Top; ca.1937, bottom; ca.1935.

 

Fig.7

Three slits around the cone-tip.

 

Fig.8

AUCH-Pelikan 200 in all black with pencil lead box (Minenbüchse). By courtesy of Christof Zollinger.

 

Fig.9

Top; AUCH-Pelikan 210 mit Öse, bottom; AUCH-Pelikan 200 black/lizard. Please note the "Pelican" imprint.

 

Fig.10

AUCH-Pelikan 201 (ca.1937).

 

Fig.11
Top; AUCH-Pelikan 200, second from the top; model 250, third from the top; model 250 (variation), bottom; model 450. By courtesy of Christof Zollinger.

 

Fig.12

Model 350 (third from the right). The pencil has a beak-shaped clip to match model 140. By courtesy of Christof Zollinger.

[tacitus]

Now, I finished AUCH-Pelikan series, meaning that the first generation of Pelikan fountain pens are done. Let me tell my opinion about the vintage Pelikan Pens.

 

When I started posting here, I made a website on Google Site basis. At first, I listed only model 100 series (100/100N) and their economy pens. Model 100 was the first fountain produced by Günter Wagner, and model 100N was the revision of model 100. Both models have their origins in prewar time (Golden age of fountain pens). Without doubt, model 100 and 100N should be the vintage Pelikan fountain pens (to be continued).

[tacitus]

Upon renewal in April, 2022, however, I changed my mind, and added model 400 series (400/400N/400NN)  and their economy pens to my website. Indeed model 400 series were introduced after WWII (The Fall of Fountain Pens), but the glass negatives in the Pelikan archive indicate that design study for the model 400 had been started in late 1930's (Pelikan Schreibgeräte), and the model has inherited much heritage from model 100 series. 

 

I would say that model 100 series and their economy pens are the first generation of Pelikan fountain pens. Model model 400 series and their economy pens would be the second generation of Pelikan fountain pens.

 

Both the first and the second  generations have much in common. For example;

• The filling system; almost all the fountain pens in both generations had a piston filler system (the only exception is bulb filler Rappen). In the following generations, new filling system was introduced (e.g. cartridge/converter filler, Level pens).
• The style of nibs; the first and the second generations had traditional open nibs. In the following generation, hooded/semi-hooded nibs dominated, probably reflecting the tastes of the time.
• The numbering system; we can see that model 100 series and model 400 series were numbered after the same concept. All fountain pens except for Rappen had three digit model number. New model was denoted by "N" that was placed after the model number (e.g. 400N). Other alphabet letter(s) were placed after the model number to denote other variation or model  (e.g. 100Na, 100Nf). In the following generations, model numbers had one to four digits. Alphabet(s) were placed before the model number to denote the filling system (and the grade of the fountain pen) (e.g. MK30, P490, L5. M7000).

 

So, both generations taken together are vintage Pelikan fountain pens for me (to be continued).

[tacitus]

From a viewpoint of "generations" and flagship/economy model, I rearranged them, as shown in the top page. Please note that "generation" and my ”arrangement" are just my opinion, and are basically for descriptive purpose. But there are so many vintage Pelikan fountain pens produced ever. I hope that my website is any help for the better perspective and the better understanding of vintage Pelikan fountain pens.

 

Modern Pelikan fountain pens started, in my opinion, from model P1. Although the model was introduced in 1958, the middle of the second generation and sold concurrently with model 400NN, P1 had novel nib/feed system and new  model numbering system. Moreover, its companion model P25/15 were the Pelikan's first cartridge/converter filler. So, I included model P1/25/15 in the third generation of modern Pelikan pens. The website is still under construction and and only its framework is complete. 

[amberleadavis]

Is it strange that every time I read the title, I think, I wouldn't date a pelican .... but my Pelikan M1000 writing experience was more satisfying than my last date?  OH TMI.

[tacitus]

 

"Emegê" model (for the Portuguese market)

"Emegê" imprint was engraved on the fountain pens sold by Monteiro Guimarães⁽¹⁾ Filho Lda, the Günter Wagner’s licensed Portuguese distributor from 1935 to at latest the end of WWII (Fountainpen.it). Reportedly, this was done as the company wanted to give full warranty to only pens they imported and sold. But, it may be more reasonable to think of commercial reasons and promotion of its own brand (Pelikan-collectibles). Most of "Emegê" pens were thought to be sold in Portugal. But, the company was the exclusive distributor for Portugal, Spain, Brazil and other Portuguese colonies in Africa, and the legal representative of Pelikan in those countries. So these pens may have been sold in these countries (Fountainpen.it).

 

The most famous "Emegê" pens would be Pelikan Magnum. Initially, Pelikan Magnum had Pelikan logo and the markings “Pelikan-Emegê (Emegê in block letter)” on the cap top. In the following version, "Emegê (in cursive letter)" markings were made either on the cap tube or the sleeve. In 1935-36, there were a good number of them made, most of which were sold in Portugal. For more information, please see Pelikan Magnum. Also produced were Emegê pens for model 100 family (please see below). 

 

Note;⁽¹⁾In Portuguese, the initials of Monteiro Guimarães was EME (M) and GÊ (G), phonetically. 

 

Pelikan 100 (ca.1935)

 

 

Pelikan 100 (ca.1936)

 

 

Pelikan 101N short cap top (ca.1937)

 

 

 

Pelikan 100N (ca.1954?)

[christof]

I can ad two pictures of a gray Pelikan 100 if it's allowed:

 

Pelikan 100 Emegê by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Pelikan 100 Emegê by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

[tacitus]

5 hours ago, christof said:

I can ad two pictures of a gray Pelikan 100 if it's allowed:

 

 

@christof, thank you so much😘.

Of course, additional photos are welcome.

 

[tacitus]

I'm posting variant models of vintage Pelikan fountain pens. 

 

"Pelican" model - for the English/French-speaking market

 

There exists Pelikan products with unusual "Pelican" imprint (instead of Pelikan). For certain export markets, the brand name went by Pelican until mid-1950's. One may remember that Montblanc Meisterstück was Montblanc "Masterpiece" for the export market, although the situation was different,

As the Pelikan products expanded outside Germany, advertisements, price lists, packaging were translated into important trading languages for the foreign markets. For the entire English-speaking markets, their English versions were provided, in which the brand name had been translated into English form Pelican (Pelikan catalog No.75 (1939)). For the French-speaking markets, the brand name was French form Pélican from early 1900's to early 1920's⁽¹⁾. For other countries, the brand name was not consistent, dependent on what language was most important for international trading. While there exist Spanish advertisements with "Pelican", the brand name was "Pelikan" in Italy.

The pictorial mark of pelican was one of Germany’s oldest registered trademarks (Pelikan’s Perch), and had been used for advertisement, price lists, packaging, and logo on the products. Later, the design was simplified to be distinct and identifiable even on the products (PELIKAN – THE BRAND). The pictorial trademark, however, was gradually supplanted in the leading role by the typography of "PELIKAN" with better legibility and recognizability.
 
After the WWII, the reconstruction of Günter Wagner began, and the company gradually established the Pelikan brand as one of the world's leading vendors of school and office supplier. As early as 1946, "Pelikan Werke" was added to the company name "Günter Wagner" in letterheads and other printed matters. By the beginning of 1950's, the PELIKAN name had been associated with Günter Wagner company by the majority of German people. Initially, Pelikan was only "a bird", then emerged as a famous reliable brand before the WWII. After the WWII, PELIKAN was regarded as the global brand by the German Patent office (PELIKAN – THE BRAND). By the mid-1950s⁽²⁾, the brand name was at last unified under the name of PELIKAN all over the world (Pelikan’s Perch).

Note;⁽¹⁾After then, it seems that the brand name was changed from Pélican back to Pelikan, but that "Pelican" was also used. "Pelican" is seen on ink bottle (Pelikan catalog No.67 (1935)) and on AUCH-Pelikan (Pelikan leaflet (ca.1936)). We can see that the notation of the brand name was not uniform.
⁽²⁾"Pelican" imprint is found on model 100, 100N, 400, 140 etc, but not on the following models. It is also seen on AUCH-Pelikan (please see below).

 

Pelikan 100 (ca.1937)

18 carat gold nib was exclusively for the French market, which also indicates that this pen was destined for the  French market.

 

 

Pelikan 101N

 

Pelikan 400 (ca.1953)

 

Pelikan 500 (ca.195?)

"Pelikan" and "Pelican" are seen in the same pen.

 

PELICAN and PELIKAN - no. 81S inkwell

[tacitus]

I'm posting variant models of vintage Pelikan fountain pens.

 

"Germinia" model - for the Italian market

 

Unusual "Germania" imprint is found in model 100N and 100Nf. According to Penboard.de, these pens were produced in Germany around 1938 for the Italian market⁽¹⁾.

Note;⁽¹⁾Around 1940, Günter Wagner relocated its hard rubber machinery from Hannover to Milan, Italy (Pelikan Schreibgeräte), where local production started up. "Germania" imprint is also found in Milan plant products (→ Milan model).

 

Pelikan 100N (ca.1938)

 

Pelikan 100Nf (ca.1938)

 

Pelikan 100N (ca.1938)

 

Pelikan 100N (ca.1938)

[stoen]

Discussion:

Pelikan 100 (ca. 1937)

(“Pelican” model )

 

On 6/25/2022 at 4:43 AM, tacitus said:

Pelikan 100 (ca.1937)

18 carat gold nib was exclusively for the French market, which also indicates that this pen was destined for the  French market.

 

 

Please observe:

Either the photos posted don’t match the title, or the pen seems misdated, or unknown facts worth some extra consideration have just surfaced. Here’s the evidence, according to what we know for so far:

 

1. As of 1937. milessimal fineness seemed mandatory for all the nibs. Since “740” designation is missing, the nib is likely earlier than 1937.

 

2. The slanted nib script embossing indicates an even earlier nib year (pre-1935).

 

3. The cap tube with double air pressure compensation holes engineering indicates a yet even earlier pen “generation”, 1931 perhaps, presuming that photos are of the same pen taken apart.

[tacitus]

Thank you @stoenfor raising points for discussion. As you pointed out, dating pens based on relevant information is important, but sometimes difficult.

 

The original photo set of this pen included its cap top photo. It was a new type logo. So, I thought the pen was produced in 1937 or later (I didn't realize two holes on the cap tube😅). I should have attached it. 

 

 

I don't have enough knowledge about nib script embossing and its date. Thank you for information.

 

As for milessimal fineness, I agree with you. BTW, there was an exception to this. As far as I have experienced, all 18 carat gold nibs for 100N and 400 lack milessimal fineness. https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Nibs/Nibs/index.html   

 

As a whole pen, it seems to be consisted of parts from different generations, so it is difficult to date this pen. If 18 ct gold nib and cap top ("Pelican" and new cap top logo) were original parts (and they are consistent), the pen can be dated 1937.

[tacitus]

I'm posting variant models of vintage Pelikan fountain pens.

 

18 ct gold nib model - for the French market

In the French market, only nibs made of 18 carat gold or more were referred as "gold nib" (Pelikan-collectibles)⁽¹⁾. Not an exception, Pelikan fountain pens were equipped with 18 ct gold nib for the French market. Here are some models with 18 ct gold nib (model 100, 100N, and 400). Some nibs have imprints "Angleterre" or "England"⁽²⁾. Interestingly, as far as I confirmed, all nibs lack millesimal fineness (e.g. 750), different from 14 carat nib of the same time. Some pens have "Pelican" imprint on the cap top in line with the nib (see "Pelican" model).

 

Note;⁽¹⁾Many sources mention it, but I was not able to track down its primary (original) sources. Why 18 carat gold or more? Was that regulated by law, decree, or commercial practice? How long was it in effect? Why the French market?
⁽²⁾They were made or engraved in England?

 

Pelikan 100 (ca.1937)

Nib imprint reads "Pelikan 18 KARAT K IMPORTED Angleterre".

 

Pelikan 100N (ca.1937)

The imprint reads "Pelikan 18 KARAT GERMANY" followed by an importer punch.

"Pelikan" imprint that is almost missing.

 

Old four chicks logo on the cap top.

 

Pelikan 100N (ca.1938)

 

Pelikan 100N nib only

 

Pelikan 400 nib units

18 carat gold nib (middle). The imprint reads "Pelikan 18 KARAT GERMANY".

 

Pelikan 400

Unusual "Günter Wagner" imprint.

 

Other manufactures
Here are some prewar and early postwar fountain pens with 18 carat nib from other manufactures. I am not sure if they were for the French market, but they are all precious fountain pens, no matter which market they ware made for.

 

Bayard Superstyle G2 (ca.1950)

 

Kaweco Spezial 36 (ca.1938)

 

Montblanc Meisterstück 25 (ca.1928)

 

Parker Duofold (ca.1930s)

[inkstainedruth]

On 6/12/2022 at 6:58 PM, amberleadavis said:

Is it strange that every time I read the title, I think, I wouldn't date a pelican .... but my Pelikan M1000 writing experience was more satisfying than my last date?  OH TMI.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[amberleadavis]

5 minutes ago, inkstainedruth said:

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

Thank you, I thought it was funny.   

 

[L. H. van Iwaarden]

Browsing the many pictures of pens and nibs, I somehow seem to have missed my own old Pelikan. Up until now it remains undated.

Reviving, reanimating my fountain pens after many years in a drawer, I recently came across this specimen with broken innards but still a fabulous, smooth 14K nib.

Can anyone tell me about when it was manufactured and about whether the nib might be transplanted onto a newer body?

Thanks!

 

Luke.

Amsterdam

 

 

Edited November 17, 2022 by L. H. van Iwaarden

[christof]

This is probably a black Pelikan 400* from the 1950's with a (wrong) Degussa nib.

 

*Pelikan-Collectibles

 

It should probably be possible to mount the nib unit to a modern M400 or M200. ...or just to repair your pen.

[L. H. van Iwaarden]

Thanks! I'm expecting an M200 soon. Mmmm...