Dating Pelikan fountain Pen

[tacitus]

Pelikan M800 (1987-          )

 

In 1982, the old model 400 was re-introduced in its typical black/green alternating stripe pattern under the name of Souverän ("sovereign") M400, which was the beginning of the renaissance of classical style fountain pens. M400 was the great success (Pelikan Schreibgeräte), which led to the sequential introduction from 1983 to 1985 of models M481, M150, M100, M200, M250, and Souverän M600. M600 was a higher line of M400, but in the same size as M400⁽¹⁾.

 

In 1987, Souverän M800 was presented for the first time in Frankfurt Spring Fair (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). Technologically and physically, M800 was a higher line of M600. M800 was not merely a larger version of M400 or M600. Worthy of the flagship model of Pelikan fountain pens, there were several changes/upgrades in M800. The model has been in production over 35 years, and various specification changes have been made until now. Basically, the earliest or early features of M800 are focused on here. For a transition table of each part thereafter, please see Pelikan M800 parts transition table (スティロ プリュム). The table has not been updated recently and there may be some corrections, but it is very helpful.

 

• Dimension: When introduced in 1987, M800 was longer (with cap closed) than M600 (and M400) by 15 mm (Fig.1-1) and heavier by 15 g. The size was comparable to Montblanc 146 and Parker Duofold centennial (released later in 1988).
• Nib unit: Initially, M800 had a bi-color rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib (Fig.2-1)⁽²⁾. From 1990, the model had had a bi-color rhodium-plated 18 carat gold nib (Fig.2-3 right). The inside of the nib was also rhodium-plated where it came in contact with ink, presumably for ink flow or ink affinity (万年筆評価の部屋) (Fig.2-2). The initial nibs had "tightened-up waist"(in my opinion), but later slightly changed (since 1997 when nibs went from in-house production to outsourcing to Bock?) (Daniel Pi.com)(Fig.2-3 left). The feed was equipped with a large-capacity compensation chambers consisting of numerous fins (Fig.2-4). The air channel had a complex flow independent of the ink channel(Fig.2-5). The collar was reinforced with a metal ring and had two notches on the inside, one of which was deeper than the other (Fig.2-6). The two notches were for special pliers to tighten or remove the nib unit？⁽³⁾. On the other hand, there was a protrusion on the belly of the feed (Fig.2-7). By aligning this protrusion with the deeper notch when setting the feed into the collar, the feed was secured in a specific position (Fig.2-7). If you do not set the feed into the collar carefully, you may push the feed in too far and cause this protrusion to be detached. This protrusion was not present on M400 and M600. The collar has one additional notch for air channel (Fig.2-6, 2-8) (that's why the feed should be set at the correct position).
• Cap: The cap unit consists of four parts: a cap tube, an inner cap with a cap top, a clip, and a crown that holds those three parts in place. The cap tube was decorated with two metal rings as in the M600. The broad ring was engraved "PELIKAN W-GERMANY". In 1991 it was changed to "PELIKAN GERMANY"(Pelikan-collectibles). The cap top had an embedded metal plate, which was cut out in the shape of a pelican and two chicks. The "Pelikan logo" was probably cut by hand, so there were individual differences in shapes. In 1989, the plate was punched out in the shape of the Pelikan logo (the design of the logo was slightly changed) (Fig.3-1). Cap top metal plate was then discontinued in 1997 (Pelikan-collectibles). The clip resembles the head and beak of a pelican, as in its predecessors (Fig.3-2). It is necessary to know the construction of each part before assembling the cap. The end of the cap tube has protrusions inside, and the end of the inner cap has notches (Fig.3-3). When the inner cap is inserted into the cap tube from below, they engage to hold the inner cap in place (Fig.3-4). Also, there is a protrusion on the outside of the tip of the cap tube (Fig.3-3). When the clip is placed on the cap tube, the protrusion engages with the base of the clip (Fig.3-4), and the clip doesn't rotate around the cap tube. Basically, the inner cap is set so that the protrusion of the cap tube is at the 6 o'clock position of the Pelikan logo. Finally, the cap tube, inner cap, and clip are firmly secured by the crown⁽⁴⁾. As shown in Fig.3-1, the correct position for the clip is considered to just below the Pelikan logo.
• Body:The body consists of two parts: the section and the barrel. The barrel further consists of an inner transparent tube (made of acrylic resin) and a outer translucent green stripe layer (made of cellulose acetate)(Pelikan’s Perch, Collectors Weekly)(Fig.4-1, 4-2)⁽⁵⁾. You can see in the video how the outer green stripe layer is made (YouTube, YouTube). The sections were threaded to hold the caps in place, and the tip was decorated with a metal ring (Fig.1-2). Sometimes I hear that the metal rings have been corroded by ink.
• Filling system: The spindle and turning knob are not fixed, but are separate parts (Fig.5-1), which may contribute to serviceability and productivity. Such a method has been adopted since the introduction of M400. The most significant difference is the method of fixing the filling mechanism to the barrel, which is now a screw-in method (by using a special pliers, the mechanism are fixed or removed. The piston guide has a flat part to which the pliers are applied) (YouTube). In M400 and M600, the filling mechanism was still fixed with a friction fit. The piston seal was initially white transparent nylon (Fig.5-6), but was changed to black one in 1999. The piston guide was stamped with a three-digit number (my pen has "802")  indicating the year and month it was made. We can tell that this M800 was manufactured around February 1988 (Fig.5-4) (currently, alphabets are used to indicate the month) (スティロ プリュム). The turning knob had an embedded metal plate (Fig.1-3). In 1998, the embedded metal plate was abolished. The turning knob also had two metal ring decorations near the barrel (Fig.1-3). Surprisingly, despite the larger body of M800, the ink capacity was 1.35 ml, which was a bit smaller than the 1.4 ml of old style M400 and M600 (Pelikan-collectibles). Ink capacity may have been reduced to ensure stable ink flow and to prevent blotting (M1000 also has an ink capacity of 1.35 ml) (Pelikan-collectibles).

 

As mentioned above, this model has been in production for over 35 years. However, no essential changes have been made to the specifications, and no successor to M800 has been produced to this day. It is clear how M800 has been perfected as the piston filling fountain pen and how much support it has received from users.

 

M800 not only served as the flagship model, but was also the basis for various limited editions. Today, M1000 has replaced M800 as the largest fountain pen in the Souverän series (it would be fair to say that it is the flagship of the series), but many people still think of M800 (or M400) when they think of Souverän series.

 

Note;⁽¹⁾In 1997, M600 was enlarged to a size between M400 and M800 (Fig.1-1).

⁽²⁾As M600 had a monochrome 18 carat gold nib until 1987, a reversal occurred in M800, where the gold content of the nibs was lower than that of M600 for a short time. This reversal was resolved when the M600 had a bi-color rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib in 1988 (Pelikan-collectibles).

⁽³⁾M400 and M600 collars did not have these notches.

⁽⁴⁾M400 and M600 caps had a similar mechanism, but it was more complete in the M800.

⁽⁵⁾Please see Pelikan’s Perch or Fountain Pen Network for recent M800 barrel "translucent to opaque" issues.

 

If you have difficulty viewing the figures and the captions in the album, please see Pelikan M800 (1987- ).

 

 

[tacitus]

Thank you for viewing😄.

 

Next post will be Pelikano (model 1) (1959-1965).

[tacitus]

On 7/19/2023 at 8:35 AM, tacitus said:

Pelikan P1 RG (1959-1963)    4/5

...

Fig.26

A special plier to remove the piston filler mechanism.

 

 

 

Correction

 

Hello all, thank you for viewing.

 

About this post, @christof told me that this plier is NOT for friction-fit mechanism of P1 but for screwed-in mechanism of M30 (et al). Please see below from @christof.

 

 

Thank you for correction and new information, @christof.

 

[tacitus]

Pelikano (model 1) (1960-1965)

 

On May 23, 1955, Pelikan entered the market of school fountain pens with model 120. The model was modified from adult fountain pen (model 140), and had a piston filler mechanism.

In 1959, Pelikan conducted a large scale survey regarding writing education in schools (Pelikan Schreibgeräte, 万年筆評価の部屋). Based on the results, Pelikan developed the school pens of the next generation, and named it "Pelikano". Pelikano was modified from adult fountain pen (model P1), but the model adopted a cartridge filling mechanism, easy for even children to handle. The model was the first cartridge pen from Pelikan. Pelikano was launched on March 22, 1960, and sold together with 120 (e.g. "PELIKANO Schulfüller mit verdeckter edelstahlfeder (PELIKANO school fountain pen with concealed stainless steel nib)" and "Schulefüller 120" (Pelikan catalog No.100A/4 (1962)), "Kolben (piston) -Schulfüller 120" and "Patronen (cartridge) -Schulfüller Pelikano" (Pelikan catalog No.110B (1963)).

Pelikano, modified from P1, had a hooded steel nib (Fig.3)⁽¹⁾ with Pelikan thermic-regulator. Even with a child's hot hand, the Pelikano did not leak ink. The most important difference between Pelikano and P1 was that Pelikano was a cartridge filler. At the rear end of the feed, there is a protrusion not found on the P1  (Fig.4) , which probably served to guide the ink in the cartridge into the feed. For users of other cartridge pens, the construction of Pelikano would have been unique (Ravens March Fountain Pens). While a typical cartridge fountain pen requires remove the entire barrel from the grip section in order to change cartridges, Pelikano had a blind cap in the back third of the pen that allowed the cartridge to be changed by just removing it (Fig.7, 8). Pelikano was supposed to use an international short cartridge. The advantage of this blind cap is that it allows the cartridge to be changed without the cap being removed and the nib being exposed. This obviously would have been a consideration for the children who were expected to use Pelikano (Ravens March Fountain Pens). The downside is that it was difficult to check the ink level in the current cartridge. Not only was there no ink window, but when the blind cap was opened, only about 5 mm of the rear end of the cartridge was exposed. To compensate for this shortcoming, Pelikano was able to keep a spare cartridge in the blind cap (Fig.8). This would have helped to cope with sudden runs out of ink. The barrel had a pinhole in it. This was probably to regulate the pressure on the cartridge inside the barrel. Thanks to cartridge fountain pens, children no longer need to open ink bottles to fill ink or wipe nibs with a cloth. Cubbyholes for ink bottles have disappeared from children's desks, and schools no longer purchase ink.

In Pelikano, the dimensions, weight, materials, and design were considered for children. The pen shouldn't be too heavy for a small hand. The cap tube was made of aluminum (Fig.5, 6), which was less breakable and lighter than materials such as celluloid or plastics utilized in the production of pens until then. The crown of the cap was omitted (Fig.6). The center of gravity was placed in the front even when cap posted so that children can handle it. The color scheme of silver and light blue was decided after the survey of more than 1,000 students (according to the survey, the traditional green and black combination was not preferred at all) (Pelikan Schreibgeräte, 万年筆評価の部屋) (Fig.1, 2).

In 1961, Pelikan introduced cartridge filler models P25 and P15 for adults based on Pelikano. Pelikan continued to produce cartridge filler pens for adults based on the Pelikano⁽²⁾.

Pelikan made great efforts to persuade reluctant dealers who were not used to the new nibs, color schemes, and cartridges. Pelikan ran the world's first TV commercial for fountain pens, which made millions of people familiar with the advantages of the new fountain pen. Finally, by 1964, Pelikano was such a big hit that production could not keep up. "Pelikano" became almost synonymous with school fountain pens (Pelikan Schreibgeräte, 万年筆評価の部屋).

Pelikan continued to research and support writing education and, based on the results, improved Pelikano. In 1965, Pelikan introduced new Pelikano (model 2) with a new, larger, curved nib, a new section and a sturdy friction-fit cap. Despite being a cartridge filler, it also featured an ink window (thus, the first Pelikano is now considered model 1).

Subsequent model changes of Pelikanos modernized their appearance, but the nibs, sections, and caps continued to be improved. A new type of nib that could withstand high pressure was introduced in 1968 (model 3). The nib was used in fountain pens for adults until 1979. In 1973, the pen was redesigned with an improved section, and a left-handed Pelikano was also introduced (model 4). In 1979, the design and nib were changed again (model 5). However, these changes made Pelikano too large in size and weight for first graders. So, the shorter, lighter, but thicker Pelikano Jr. was introduced in 1993, targeting complete beginners in writing. New colors were also introduced, including a more flamboyant yellow and violet. By the way, early Pelikano Jr. had an air hole in the cap. This was because of an accident in England in which a child choked on a fountain pen cap, and it was decided that student fountain pen caps in England should be at least 16 mm in diameter, or if less, have an angled cap or an "air hole" to allow for breathing (Pelikan Schreibgeräte, 万年筆評価の部屋). 

Note:⁽¹⁾Presumably, the nib was modified at some time point. Although Pelikan was not listed, according to Pelikan Schreibgeräte, the late nib of P1, P15, and P25 had slightly longer tines, and the area out of the section was increased slightly. The nib of my Pelikano seems to be the late nib (Fig.3).
⁽²⁾The colorful cartridge fountain pens that had been so well received by students were not so accepted by the general market. Despite this, Pelikan stopped producing models 400NN and 120 in 1965 and discarded their manufacturing equipment. Thereafter, Pelikan concentrated on "the Pelikano business". Moreover, with the rise of Lamy, a company that specializes in modern pens, Pelikan's position in the fountain pen market declined further. The popularity of model 400NN was evident in its re-release for the Japanese market from 1973 to 1978, but Pelikan did not have the necessary manufacturing equipment and had to outsource its production to another company, Merz & Krell (万年筆評価の部屋). This was a symbolic event in Pelikan's "dark" 1970's (Ravens March Fountain Pens).

 

Fig.1-2
Pelikano with cap posted or closed.

 

Fig.3
The nib of Pelikano (left). "F" is seen. The tines are longer than those of the early nib of P1 (1959) (right), 

 

Fig.4

The feed of Pelikano. The protrusion at the rear end (arrow) seems to guide the ink in the cartridge into the feed.

 

Fig.5

The traditional pelican head and beak pattern is recognizable. "GERMANY PELIKANO" engraved on the cap lip.

 

Fig.6

The cap unit of Pelikano. From left to right, cap top, clip, inner cap, and cap tube.The cap unit has almost the same structure as P1. "P3" is seen on the back of the clip.

 

Fig.7-8

The body of Pelikano (top). To change the cartridge, remove the blind cap (arrow head). There is a pinhole (arrow) in the barrel, which is thought to be for regulating the pressure inside the barrel.

 

Blind caps removed (bottom). The cartridge for writing (Montblanc Burgundy Red) and a spare cartridge (inside the blind cap) are visible.

 

Pelikano (model 2) (ca.1965)

My collection. The new Pelikano had a larger curved nib, a new section and a sturdy friction-fit cap.

 

Pelikano (model 2) (ca.1965)

The cap of Pelikano (model 2). The pattern of the pelican's head and beak can be seen, but it became somewhat abstract.

[OCArt]

Thank you for this well-written article.  I have one of these pens but my satin-finished-cap has multiple dings that have marred the finish.  Can I correct these blemishes in any way? I don't know if the original finish was anodized or sandblasted.

[tacitus]

54 minutes ago, OCArt said:

Thank you for this well-written article.  I have one of these pens but my satin-finished-cap has multiple dings that have marred the finish.  Can I correct these blemishes in any way? I don't know if the original finish was anodized or sandblasted.

 

Hello, @OCArt.  Thank you for your comment. My pen have a lot of dings in the caps, too. I don't know how to repair them. I'll leave them as they are because school pens will get scratched if a child uses them, let alone if it's NOS.

[OCArt]

@tacitusOK, I will try to appreciate the wabi-sabi. It's a learning experience!

[tacitus]

On 7/15/2023 at 1:07 PM, tacitus said:

Pelikan P1 RG (1959-1963)    2/5

 

• Hooded nib and Pelikan thermic-regulator:

 

 

Fig.6

P1 feed (top) and 400NN feed (bottom).

 

 

 

 

Addendum

 

According to Pelikan Schreibgeräte, nibs for P1, P15, P25 (and presumably Pelikano) were modified at some time point. The left nib is from my P1 (1959).  The nib from my P1 (1959 or after) (right) has slightly longer tines.

 

 

So the area that is out of the section is slightly increased (right).

 

Please see also Pelikan P1 RG (1959-1963)

[tacitus]

I wasn't going to feature Pelikano because it was a school pen, but I posted this because it was Pelikan's first cartridge fountain pen. Next up is P25, Pelikan's first fountain pen for adults.

[tacitus]

Pelikan P25 (1961-1965)

 

After the great success of cartridge filler Pelikano for children, Pelikan decided to produce cartridge filler pen for adults. In July, 1961,models P25/P15 were introduced. In the same year, the matching ballpoint pens R25/R15 and the matching mechanical pencils D25/D15 were launched (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). Befitting adult fountain pens, P25/P15 had a hooded gold nib, and P25 had a rolled gold cap, while P15 had a Silvexa (nickel silver) cap. Like Pelikano, cap safety device was not incorporated. Thus, except for the materials of nib and cap tube, P25/P15 were identical to that of Pelikano. Considering their structure and appearance, models P25/15 were virtually higher-end models of Pelikano, but they were positioned in the catalog as lower-end models of P1 (Pelikan catalog 110B (1963))⁽¹⁾. The initial color scheme was exclusively "sapphire blue", which was an attempt to promote a new fountain pen "brand color", just as Pelikan's earlier fountain pen brand color was green. This attempt, however, failed. At the request of the market, in October, 1961, Pelikan introduced the two models in black, too (Pelikan-collectibles). At some time point, the nib was modified. The new nib had slightly longer tines, and the visible area of the nib out of the section was increased slightly. Thus, P25/P15 were introduced with a fair amount of Pelikan's expectations, but they did not seem to be as successful as Pelikano.

At the end of 1964, Pelikano underwent a fundamental revision (model 2). The nib became larger, more elastic, and semi-hooded. The sections was equipped with an ink window. The cap became friction-fit. Accordingly, the design and construction of adult fountain pens were modified similarly in 1965. In the same year, P25/P15 was discontinued, and Pelikan introduced P30 with a rolled gold cap and P12/P20 with a Silvexa cap for the cartridge fountain pens.

Note:⁽¹⁾in the catalog, the prices of P1 RG, 400NN, P25, and Pelikano were 38 DM, 25 DM, 23.5 DM, and 6.9 DM, respectively.
⁽²⁾Probably, "R" stood for "Roller" (at first, Pelikan called ballpoint pen "Roller"), and "D" for "Druchstift (mechanical pencil)" (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). Thus, in 1961, "P" probably meant "Patronen (cartridge) Füllhalter" rather than Pelikan.

 

 

Pelikan P25

My collection

 

The nib of P25 before modification.

 

 

The cap unit of P25. From left to right, cap top, clip, inner cap, and cap tube.The cap unit has almost the same structure as Pelikano. "P25" is seen on the back of the clip.

 

Pelikan P15

[tacitus]

Pelikan M30 (1965-1970)

 

At the end of 1964, Pelikano underwent a fundamental revision from model 1 to model 2. The nib of model 2 became larger, more elastic, and semi-hooded. The barrel was equipped with an ink window. The cap became friction-fit. Accordingly, the design and construction of adult fountain pens were modified similarly in 1965. In the same year, All previous piston filler models (400NN, 140, and 120) were discontinued. With this, fountain pens with "classical design (open nib plus green and black combination)" disappeared from the catalogs, and in turn Pelikan introduced M60/M30 with a rolled gold cap and M20 with a Silvexa cap for the piston filler fountain pens. While all previous piston filler models were based on their predecessors and improved/modified upon them, M60/30/20 for adults was more a development of the school pen Pelikano (model 2) (Fig.1-3) than a development based on 400NN or 140. As the school pen Pelikano was a model based on P1 fountain pen for adults, just the opposite situation seems to have occurred. Come to think of it, these were the pioneering models of the era when Pelikan began to concentrate on the "Pelikano business". The piston filler models no longer dominated even in Pelikan (万年筆評価の部屋)⁽¹⁾.

Models M20/M30/M60 have some changes from Pelikano (model 1) and its original model P1 (naturally, they had much in common with Pelikano (Model 2)).

 

• Model name: The model naming system changed from those models. For piston filler pen, "M" was placed before the model number to denote "Mechanik-Kolbenfüllsystem" (mechanical piston filler system)⁽²⁾. M30 had a rolled gold cap and a black body. In terms of color and material, M30 was the successor to P1 RG (Fig.1-4)⁽³⁾. M60 had no direct predecessor, but in terms of color and material, it was the successor to 520NN. M20 with a Silvexa cap was the successor to P1 S. 
• Nib and thermic-regulator: The nib became larger than P1. The nib was greatly curved and its rear part was hidden in the section (semi-hooded)⁽⁵⁾. This made the nib more elastic than P1. As with P1, the nib had a slit but no vent hole (there was a circular imprint at the beginning of the slit: was it a marker for putting a slit in the nib?). There was also thin lines engraved on the edge of the nib (Fig.2-1)⁽⁴⁾. The models also had a new "thermic-regulator" that claimed leak-proof system⁽⁶⁾. The new thermic-regulator consists of the new designed feed and two tubes (the inner tube and the outer tube) around the feed (Fig.2-6). The ”thermic-regulator" is connected to the ink chamber by the perforated bulkhead (Fig.5 arrow head). The shape of the feed became more complex to fit the curvature of the nib (Fig.2-4). Therefore, unlike P1, the nib cannot be pulled out or inserted by itself. Still, cleaning and replacing nibs and feeds was easier than in P1⁽⁵⁾. There are two grooves on the underside of the feed. These are ink channels, and these grooves lead halfway through the feed to the top surface of the feed, where they feed ink to the nib (Fig.2-7). There is a hole at the front end of the feed like P1. This hole extends further back into the feed (Fig.2-7). This hole is a main air channel and serves as an air intake during writing. Air enters the ink chamber through the openings of the feed and the tubes (Fig.2-7, 2-8). There is also a groove on the underside of the feed, which seems to be an auxiliary air channel (Fig.2-9). As was in P1, there are gaps around the feed and tubes  (Fig.2-8, 2-9), which seems to serve as a compensation chamber (a ink reservoir) and buffers against changes in air pressure and temperature, making it difficult for ink to leak (for further information, please see part1 and part2 (萬年筆グラフ 目録)). It is advised, after filling the reservoir, to drain a few drops and screw the piston seal back on while holding the nib upward. This will clear the compensation chamber of the thermic-regulator, and this can immediately control the ink flow. With the nib cleaned, the pen is ready (Ravens March Fountain Pens).
• Body: The body consists of the section, the barrel, and the filling system (Fig.5). The sections can be removed as described below⁽⁶⁾. There are no threads, instead, a metal ring to hold the cap in place is fitted onto the barrel (Fig.3-1). The barrel is also equipped with a circular ink window (Fig.3-1). What is different from the P1 is that the filling system is fixed to the barrel by a screw-in system (Fig.3-2). The filling system can also be removed by applying the special wrench and rotating it clockwise (Fig.3-3). Unlike before, the tip of the turning knob is now indented (Fig.3-4)⁽⁷⁾.
• Cap: The cap became friction-fit. When the cap was closed, friction between the metal inserted inside the cap (Fig.4-7) and the metal ring on the barrel hold the cap in place. The clip became so abstract in shape that it was no longer recognizable as the head or beak of a pelikan (Fig.4-1). Instead, the cap top was flattened and a pelican and two chicks were on it (Fig.4-6).
• Design:The tapered shape toward both ends was like P1, but the ends have been cut off, and the clip has become abstract, made entirely of straight lines. Thus, the new design became more linear and modern (Fig.1-4).M30 was redesigned in 1970 (Pelikan-collectibles.com) and continued to be one of the Pelikan's standard piston filler pens.

 

If you have trouble seeing the images below, please see Pelikan M30 (1965-1970).

 

Note:⁽¹⁾Nevertheless, M30 was a fountain pen designed for contemporary design, usability, and maintainability.

⁽²⁾"P" was placed before the model number to denote "Patronen-Füllsystem"(cartridge filler system) (e.g. P30). Likewise, "D" before model number stood for "Druckstift (mechanical pencil)" and "K" for "Kugelschreiber (ballpoint pen)". 

⁽³⁾This period and after, Pelikan developed similar models for both piston fillers and cartridge fillers, except for the luxury models. No longer were piston filler models the only flagships. If I may say so, the flagship model was M30 and P30, and M60 was rather the luxury model.

⁽⁴⁾The lines were probably meant to be decorative, but they were also meant to distinguish the gold nib from the gold-plated nibs. Gold-plated nibs did not have these lines.

⁽⁵⁾Was the semi-hooded nib inspired by Parker 45? The model was introduced in 1960 and became very popular. Both fountain pens had an easily replaceable nib unit.

⁽⁶⁾The nib and thermic-regulator can be completely disassembled (not recommended). First, slowly rotate the section clockwise to remove it. Then, you can see the white gasket and black bulkhead from the ink chamber side. Carefully remove the gasket and bulkhead with tweezers. Next, carefully pull out the nib and feed with something like a rubber plate. Finally, the inner and outer tubes can be pulled out.

⁽⁷⁾To distinguish between piston filler pens and cartridge filler pens, a short metal cap was attached to the end of the barrel of cartridge filler pens.

 

 

 

 

[tacitus]

Addendum to Pelikan M800 (1987-          )

 

 

I already state in the original post that initially, M800 had a bi-color rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib. According to Pelikan-collectibles, a bi-color rhodium-plated 18 carat gold nib was introduced around 1990.

 

This seems to have been the case only for the domestic market. According to 万年筆評価の部屋(in Japanese), the 1988 Japan Import Writing Instruments Catalog shows that the price of M800 with a bicolor 14 carat gold nib was 40,000 yen and the price of M800 with a bicolor 18 carat gold nib was 45,000 yen. This indicates that M800 with 18 carat gold nib was available as early as 1988 at least for the export market such as Japan.

 

At the same time, the nib of M600 for the domestic market was "downgraded" in 1988 (the model had was equipped with a monochrome 18 carat gold nib until 1987 and from 1988, a bi-color rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib (Pelikan-collectibles)). I will mention this when I post about M600 in due course.

 

Please remember that when Parker Duofold was reintroduced in 1987, the customers had a choice between 14 carat or 18 carat nib, but 14 carat nibs were discontinued in March of 1989 (Parkerpens. net).

 

[tacitus]

Pelikan P30 (1965-1970)

 

At the end of 1964, Pelikano underwent a fundamental revision (from model 1 to model 2). The nib of model 2 became larger, more elastic, and semi-hooded. The barrel was equipped with an ink window. The cap became friction-fit. Accordingly, the design and construction of adult fountain pens were modified similarly in 1965. All previous cartridge filler models (P25/P15) were discontinued, in turn Pelikan introduced P30 with a rolled gold cap and P20/P12 with a Silvexa cap for the cartridge filler fountain pens. In design and technology, P30/P20/P12 for adults was more a development of the school pen Pelikano (model 2) than P25/P15. Come to think of it, previous P25/P15 were based on Pelikano (model 1). At the time P series were introduced, Pelikan had begun to concentrate on the "Pelikano business"⁽¹⁾. "Parallel to the new Pelikano from 1965, the corresponding adult models P20 and P30 were introduced. As a concession to the supposedly "eternalists", the pens were also offered with piston mechanism under the designation M20 and M30... (bold type by tacitus)"(Pelikan - ein unternehmen schreibt geschichte). Thus, cartridge filler P30 at last formed the flagships of the Pelikan fountain pens⁽²⁾. However, no luxury model was ever produced for the cartridge pens. M100 in all solid gold was produced for piston filler pens, but "P100" was not (P60 all in rolled gold was not produced until 1969).

 

P30 had many similarities and some differences with the corresponding piston filler M30.

 

• Model name: For cartridge filler pens, "P" was placed before the model number to denote "Patronen-Füllsystem"(cartridge filler system). P30 had a rolled gold cap and a black body. In terms of color and material, P30 was the successor to P25, so to speak, while P20/P12 with silvexa cap were the successors to P15. 
• Nib and thermic-regulator: The model had the same nib and the thermic-regulator system as M30 (please see M30 for more information)⁽³⁾. The only difference from M30 was the bulkhead (please see M30 Fig.5). It had a protrusion with a hole on it to hold the cartridge in place (Fig.5) .
• Body: The body consists of the section and the barrel (Fig.4). The section is same as M30. There is a metal ring on the barrel to hold the cap in place. The barrel is also equipped with a blue circular ink window like M30. The model accepted both long and short standard international cartridge. The barrel was rotated and removed to replace the cartridge. There was no vent hole that existed in P1 and P25/P15. To distinguish from piston filler pens, a short metal cap was attached to the end of the barrel (Fig.3).
• Cap: The model had the same cap as M30.
• Design:The design was same as M30, except for the barrel end (Fig.1,2).

 

In 1966, PK series (PK10, PK30) were introduced (Pelikan-collectibles.com). They were less expensive models with plastic cap (K denoted "Kunststoff"(plastic)) and steel nib.

 

In line with the revision of Pelikano in 1968, P/PK series was revised between 1969 and 1970⁽⁴⁾. P30 was redesigned in 1970 (Pelikan-collectibles.com) and continued to be one of the Pelikan's standard cartridge filler pens.

 

Note:⁽¹⁾Pelikano was so successful that it became synonymous with school pens.

⁽²⁾In 1950's, the ink business of Pelikan had taken a hit with the spread of ballpoint pens, and Pelikan stopped shipping 5-, 10-, and 25-liter basket bottles for schools and offices. But the ink business was revived thanks to the advent of cartridge pens (Pelikan - ein unternehmen schreibt geschichte).

⁽³⁾P25/P15 had a different feed from P1. P30 had the same feed as M30.

⁽⁴⁾According to Pelikan Schreibgeräte, P12 received the revised nib in 1968, ahead of other models.

 

Fig.1, 2

Pelikan P30 (top) and M30 (bottom).

 

Fig.3

The barrel end of Pelikan P30 (left) and M30 (right).

 

Fig.4

The barrel (left), the cap (middle), and the section (right) of Pelikan P30. The section has an ink window (arrow head) and a metal ring (arrow) to hold the cap in place.

 

Fig.5

The inside of the section. The bulkhead has a protrusion (arrow) to hold the cartridge in place.

[tacitus]

Pelikan MK10 (1967-1970)

 

In 1965, all previous piston filler models (400NN, 140, and 120) were discontinued, and M series (piston filler pens with the letter M at the beginning of the name) were introduced (e.g. M20, M30, M60). In 1966, the luxury model M100 (all in solid gold) was introduced. In 1967, M10 was introduced.
 
Between 1966 and 1967 (1968?)⁽¹⁾, less expensive MK⁽²⁾ series (piston filler pens with plastic cap and steel nib) were introduced (MK10, MK20, MK21, MK30)(Pelikan-collectibles.com). 

Different from other pens, MK10 had a stylized beak clip (Fig.3)⁽³⁾. MK10 with black and green barrel (Fig.1, 2) was also sold as "120 black / green" (Pelikan-collectibles.com)⁽⁴⁾. The cap top was integrated with the clip (Fig.4). This pen also has two features⁽⁵⁾. 

• The piston seal, in addition to the conventional white seal, had a green seal added to the back and was held in place by a metal ring (Fig.5). This is thought to be a measure to prevent ink from leaking backwards.
• The piston shaft locking system was added to the filling mechanism (Fig.6). The turning knob is turned clockwise to suck in ink, and while turned all the way to the end, the piston shaft is locked with an "click" sound. Again, turning it counterclockwise a little more than one turn, it unlocks with an "click" sound and the piston shaft are allowed to move. This is thought to be a countermeasure against ink leakage due to unexpected rotation of the turning knob and movement of the piston shaft.

 

In line with the revision of Pelikano in 1968, M/MK series was revised between 1969 and 1970 (Pelikan-collectibles.com).

Note:⁽¹⁾According to Pelikan Schreibgeräte, MK30 (also known as M25) was introduced in 1966. MK10 was introduced in 1968.
⁽²⁾"K" denoted "Kunststoff"(plastic).
⁽³⁾Only M10 and MK10 had a stylized pelican beak clip (Pelikan-collectibles.com).
⁽⁴⁾The green barrel and black cap were reminiscent of the previous model 120.
⁽⁵⁾Presumably, these updates were made not only to MK series, but to the entire late piston filler pen.

 

Fig.1
Pelikan MK10 with cap posted.

 

Fig.2

Pelikan MK10 with cap closed.

 

Fig,3

The stylized pelican beak clip.

 

Fig.4

The cap top was integrated with the clip.

 

Fig.5
The piston seal, in addition to the conventional white seal, had a green seal added to the back and was held in place by a metal ring.

 

Fig.6

The piston shaft and the seal are locked (top) and unlocked (bottom). There is a gap between the barrel and the turning knob. Only in this state does the piston rod begin to move.

 

[tacitus]

Pelikan P28 (1971-1973)

In late 1968, Pelikano was revised again (from model 2 to model 3) (Fig.1). The model was most characterized by flat and angled nib. Accordingly, the design and construction of adult fountain pens were revised similarly in 1969. As for cartridge filler pens, Pelikan revised P12 and P30, introduced P21, and reintroduced PK10 and P15. In design and technology, they were developed from Pelikano (model 3). There had been no luxury model for P series for years, but in 1970, P60 in all rolled gold was introduced. From August 1970 (Pelikan-collectibles.com) (or 1971 (Pelikan Schreibgeräte)), P30 and P60 were equipped with 18 carat gold nib. Looking at the number of models offered, it is clear that Pelikan was focusing on cartridge fountain pens in 1970's (Pelikan-collectibles.com). Also, cartridge pens were placed before piston filler pens in the catalog (Pelikan catalog No.200E (1971)).

 

The features of redesigned P/PK series are as follows,

• Nib and thermic-regulator: As stated above, the nib became even more visible and flatter, its lateral edges more acutely angled (Fig.2-1, Fig.4). The nib has high stability under pressure, but remained elastic. The feed and the thermic-regulator was also updated (Fig.2-2). It was no longer able to pull off the feed (I can't disassemble the section). So, please see Pelikan-collectibles.com for more information. Around 1971, the structure of the thermic regulator was again changed in secret (the nib remained unchanged) (Pelikan-collectibles.com). Now, the one piece feed with numerous fins and a protrusion also served as a thermic regulator. The feed was permanently installed in the section as before (Fig.2-3).
• Body: The structure of the section was changed with the change of nib and the thermic regulator⁽¹⁾. The metal ring on the barrel to hold the cap became narrower (Fig.5). Otherwise, the structure and design of the body remained unchanged.
• Cap:The structure and design of the cap remained unchanged.

 

P/PK series was further expanded. P28 and P18 were introduced in 1971 and 1972, respectively. Both are very similar in appearance, but the materials of the body and nibs were different. P28 was all in brushed silvexa (nickel silver) and had 14 carat gold nib, while P18 was all in brushed chrome and had stainless steel nib (Fig.6). The prices of P28 and P18 were 40.0 and 19.5 DM, respectively (Pelikan catalog No.210E (1972)).

 

In 1972 (Pelikan Schreibgeräte) (or 1971 (Pelikan-collectibles.com)), two models (P11 and P16) with special stenography nib were introduced. They were named "Steno".

 

Starting in 1973, all models had three-digit model numbers.

 

Note:⁽¹⁾It has been noted that the section may be prone to cracking for a structural reason (Fig.7) (Ravens March Fountain Pens).

 

Fig.1

Pelikano (model 2)(top) and Pelikano (model 3)(bottom).

 

Fig.2-1
The nib and the section of Pelikano. Pelikano (model 2)(left) and Pelikano (model 3)(right). 

 

Fig.2-2

The thermic-regulator as from 1968 (pelikan-collectibles.com).

 

Fig.2-3

The thermic-regulator as from 1971 (pelikan-collectibles.com).

 

Fig.3
Pelikan P28.

 

Fig.4
The nib of Pelikan P28. 

 

Fig.5
The section of Pelikan P30 (top) and Pelikan P28 (bottom). Redesigned P/PK series had a narrower section ring.

 

Fig.6

Pelikan P28 (left) and Pelikan P478 Silverstar (formerly P18)(right).

 

Fig.7

The cracked section of MK10? (ebay.com)

 

[tacitus]

Pelikan P495 (1973-1979)

 

Beginning in 1973, the model naming system was changed. Model numbers were converted from two digits to three digits (e.g. P30→P490, P18→P478, P28→P488). The letter "K" was dropped from the alphabet(s) before the model number (e.g. P491 with plastic cap and 18 carat gold gold nib) (Pelikan-collectibles.com, 万年筆評価の部屋). Seeing that the number of models was expanded (Pelikan-collectibles.com), it is clear that Pelikan focused on cartridge fountain pens in the 1970s⁽¹⁾

 

As stated above, the most luxurious model P60 was renamed P495 in 1973. The model was all in striped guilloche pattern (from July 1975 only in square guilloche pattern instead of striped guilloche (Fig.1)). Looking at my P495, it tells me that several specification changes have been made since the naming system was changed.

• The cap tube used to have the model number engraved on it, but that was no longer the case.
• Three protrusions were added to the section to hold the cap more securely (Fig.2).

Cartridge pens were also offered for the export market. Please see Japanese Pelikan catalog as of April 1974 (万年筆評価の部屋, 万年筆評価の部屋)⁽²,³⁾. Cartridge fountain pens for the Japanese market had the letter "M" in front of the model number instead of the original "P", and came with a factory fitted ink converter (PAULO'S PEN POSTS)⁽⁴⁾. It had been recommended in this period to directly suck in ink through a converter (Japanese Pelikan catalog as of March 1975 (万年筆評価の部屋))⁽⁵⁾. By turning the turning knob clockwise, the piston rod and piston seal are retracted and ink is sucked in. When the red piston rod is visible through the turning knob, you know that the ink has been sucked in (Fig.4).

 

P series was produced until approximately 1979, after which it was replaced by Signum series introduced in the same year. However, in Japan, P series was sold together with Signum for a while, along with 400NN Merz & Krell. Please see Japanese catalog as of 1980 (万年筆評価の部屋, 万年筆評価の部屋).

 

Note:⁽¹⁾Was the large number of regular models the result of Pelikan's trial and error efforts to get more generations and classes to use their fountain pens?, or was it because Pelikan didn't have a hit product like 400 or Pelikano, so Pelikan had to increase the number of models to ensure sales?
⁽²⁾It is assumed that the reason for such numbering was because the pens came with a factory fitted ink converter. Also, since the piston filler M100 was still being imported, Japanese distributor may have wanted to unify the model numbers with "Mxxx".

⁽³⁾Some of the models sold in Japan were not available in Germany.

⁽⁴⁾My P495 obtained in Japan came with a converter (Fig.3).  It would have been sold under the name "M495".

⁽⁵⁾This was probably because ink that had accumulated in the section tended to fall out when a cartridge was installed and ink was sucked in from the nib.

 

Fig.1

 

Fig.2

Protrusions on the section to hold the cap securely'(arrow).

 

Fig.3

My P495 came with a converter.

 

Fig.4

By turning the turning knob clockwise, the piston rod and piston seal are retracted and ink is sucked in. When the red piston rod is visible through the turning knob, you know that the ink has been sucked in (bottom).

[tacitus]

Pelikan 400NN (Merz & Krell) (1973-1978)

 

Since the late 1960s, Pelikan had been producing piston filler pen M series (e.g. M30, M60). These were a competitor to Montblanc's two-digit fountain pen series (e.g. No.14, No.22) (Pelikan Pens: History). However, while Montblanc kept its classic flagship No.149 in its lineup, Pelikan did not have a classic style flagship model in its true sense after 400NN was discontinued in 1965. This situation remained the same in the 1970s.

In Japan, the classic style piston filler pen model 400NN, which had long since been discontinued, continued to enjoy great popularity. Under these circumstances, in response to strong demand from Japanese retailers, Pelikan decided to reissue 400NN (and 120) for the Japanese market. However, after stopped producing models 400NN and 120 in 1965, Pelikan had abandoned its manufacturing facilities and concentrated on "the Pelikano business". So, Pelikan did not have the necessary manufacturing facilities and had to outsource their production to another company, Merz & Krell (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte)⁽¹⁾. 400NN was finally produced by Merz & Krell in 1973, eight years after 400NN was discontinued. There were four types of barrels: green striped, brown striped, plain black (with green ink window), and black striped (万年筆おやじの備忘録).

Merz & Krell version had many subtle to notable differences from the original 400NN (万年筆おやじの備忘録,  万年筆おやじの備忘録, 万年筆おやじの備忘録, 万年筆おやじの備忘録, 万年筆おやじの備忘録, Pelikan’s Perch).

 

• The cap top had a different diameter (M & K: 7.25 mm vs. original: 7.35 mm).
• The crown had a different construction (M & K: solid metal vs. original:plastic and metal) (Fig.5).
• The clip had different shape (slightly wider and longer) and different engravings (M & K: Rg 400NN vs. original: VR) (Fig.6) .
• The collar had a different construction and a thread (incompatible with the section of original 400NN, and vice versa) (Fig.2).
• The feed had different construction and diameter (M & K: 5 mm vs. original: 5.5 mm)(incompatible with the collar of original 400NN, and vice versa) (Fig.2).
• The nib had a different Pelikan logo (M & K: one chick vs. original: two chicks) (Fig.2).
• The nib had no positioning hole at its base (Fig.2).
• The section had a different thread (incompatible with the cap tube of original 400NN, and vice versa) (Fig.1).
• The section had a different edge shape (Fig.1).
• The barrel was shorter, while the turning knob was longer. The overall length was 2 mm longer for M & K (Fig.1).
• The turning knob was larger in diameter (as a result, there was no step between the turning knob and the barrel)(Fig.1).
• The piston mechanism was screw-in fitted rather to the barrel (original: friction fitted) (Fig.8).
• The piston seal was integrated with the piston rod (!) (Fig.7).

 

Given these differences, it is clear that Merz & Krell did not simply make a copy of 400NN, but went to great lengths to produce the best fountain pen possible at that time.

 

Fortunately, 400NN (Merz & Krell) hit the jackpot in the Japanese market. At that time, not only Pelikan but also the fountain pen industry was in a dark age (Ravens March Fountain Pens, Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte), and although I do not know how much the 400NN (Merz & Krell) contributed to Pelikan's performance⁽²⁾, there would be no doubt that it led to the reissue of 400 as Souverän M400 in 1982⁽³⁾ and the subsequent revival of Pelikan in the 1980s.

Note:⁽¹⁾The official name was Merz & Krell GmbH & Co. KGaA. The company (was founded in 1920 and began manufacturing writing instruments. Except for having to stop production during World War II, the company has continued to grow and prosper. It is best known for its Melvi, Senator, and Diplomat lines of pens. In January 2006, the company changed its name to Senator GmbH & Co. KGaA and continues to manufacture pens today (Pelikan’s Perch).
⁽²⁾In 1978, Pelikan became to a stock corporation, with all shares owned by the Beindorf family, and the company was reorganized. However, the company's 40 subsidiaries, which published books, manufactured toys and cosmetics, and even produced animal feed, continued to operate at a loss, and under the leadership of new president Kurt Hackel, who took office in 1982, unprofitable businesses were liquidated (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). 
⁽³⁾In Japan, 400NN (Merz & Krell) was simply sold as "400". 400NN (Merz & Krell) was sold in Japan at least until 1980 (万年筆評価の部屋). When Souverän 400 was introduced in 1982, it was called "500" in Japan for a while to avoid confusion with the Merz & Krell version of 400 (万年筆評価の部屋).

 

Fig.1
Pelikan 400NN (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 400NN(right). The two pens have different threading on the section.The two pens have different barrel and turning knob length.

 

Fig.2
The nib of Pelikan 400NN (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 400NN(right). The nib of pens 400NN (Merz & Krell)(left) has only one chick in the Pelikan logo and no positioning hole. The collar of 400NN (Merz & Krell) had no notches to apply the special wrench.

 

Fig.3

The dorsal view the feed of Pelikan 400NN (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 400NN(right). The two feeds have different construction and diameter.

 

Fig.4
The cap top logo of Pelikan 400NN (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 400NN(right). Both cap top logo have two chicks.

 

Fig.5

The crown of Pelikan 400NN (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 400NN(right). The original crown is consisted of metal and plastics.

 

Fig.6
The internal view of the clip of Pelikan 400NN (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 400NN(right). The two clips have different shapes and engravings

 

Fig.7

The piston rod and piston seal of 400NN (Merz & Krell). They are integrated to one part.

 

Fig.8

The piston guide of 400NN (Merz & Krell). The piston guide is threaded.

[tacitus]

Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell) (1973-1977)

 

The Pelikan's first school fountain pen model 120 was characterized by a partially transparent non-striped green barrel. The model  was discontinued on May 23, 1965.

 

Model 120 revived for a short period of time. The piston filler MK10 with a steel nib and green barrel was sold as 120 from 1967 to 1969 for the export market (Pelikan-collectibles)⁽¹⁾.

 

In Japan, the classic style piston filler 400NN continued to enjoy great popularity even after it was discontinued in 1965. In response to strong demand from Japanese retailers, Pelikan decided to reissue 400NN for the Japanese market. Model 120 was to be revived accordingly⁽²⁾. However, after stopped their production in 1965, Pelikan abandoned its manufacturing facilities and concentrated on "the Pelikano business" (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). So, Pelikan had to outsource their production to Merz & Krell (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). 120 (and 400NN) was finally produced by Merz & Krell in 1973. There were three types of barrels: green, black, and green-striped (Pelikan-collectibles).

Merz & Krell version had many subtle to notable differences from the original 120 (万年筆おやじの備忘録)⁽³⁾.

 

The cap top had no Pelikan logo (Fig.3-1).

The cap top was smaller in size (Fig.3-3).

The clip had different size (wider and longer), design (Pelican head), and different engraving (M & K: (none) vs. original: m) (Fig.3-3).

The clip had a thinner ring (Fig.3-3).

The cap tube became longer (Fig.1).

The cap tube ring was beveled (original: straight) (Fig.3-3).

The cap tube "Pelikan 120" logo had a different character style (Fig.3-2). 

The collar had a different construction and a thread (incompatible with the section of original 120, and vice versa) (Fig.2-1).

The feed had different construction and diameter (M & K: 5 mm vs. original: 5.5 mm)(incompatible with the collar of original 120, and vice versa) (Fig.2-2).

The nib had a different Pelikan logo (M & K: one chick vs. original: two chicks) (Fig.2-1).

The nib had no positioning hole at its base (Fig.2-1).

The section had a different thread (incompatible with the cap tube of original 120, and vice versa) (Fig.1-3).

The section had a different edge shape  (Fig.1-3).

The turning knob was larger in diameter (as a result, there was no step between the turning knob and the barrel)(Fig.1).

The barrel and the turning knob was longer. The overall length was 7mm longer for M & K (Fig.1).

The overall look is more streamlined (Fig.1).

 

In 1977, the Merz & Krell version of 120 was discontinued.

 

In 2016, 120 again revived as M120 (Pelikan-collectibles) (Fig.4).

 

Note:⁽¹⁾" The cap is also amended, lacking the Pelikan logo on the derby and having a beveled band similar to that seen on the MK10, for which this pen might well have been meant as a replacement… although the MK10 had a more literal descendant in the 1970s under the name of M480" (Ravens March Fountain Pens). MK10 with a steel nib and green barrel revived as "M480" in 1973 (Pelikan-collectibles). 

⁽²⁾Nostalgia for old fountain pens in the West also seems to have contributed to the revival (Ravens March Fountain Pens).

⁽³⁾In 400NN Merz & Krell, the piston mechanism was screw-in fitted to the barrel and the piston seal was integrated with the piston rod; the 120NN Merz & Krell probably had a similar construction (not confirmed because it could not be disassembled).

 

Fig.1

Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 120(right) with cap posted. The two pens have different have different barrel and turning knob length, and different threading on the section.

 

Fig.2-1

The nib unit of Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 120 (right). The collar of 120 (Merz & Krell) had no notches to apply the special wrench. The nib of 120 (Merz & Krell) has only one chick in the Pelikan logo and no positioning hole.

 

Fig.2-2

The dorsal and ventral view the feed of Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell).

 

Fig.3-1

The cap top of Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell)(left) and original 120 (right). The cap top of Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell) has no Pelikan logo.

 

Fig.3-2

The cap tube of Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell)(top) and original 120 (bottom). "Pelikan 120" character styles are different.

 

Fig.3-3

The clip of Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell) (left) and original 120 (right). They have different size, design, and different engraving.

 

Fig.4

Pelikan M120 Green-Black.

 

[tacitus]

This is the 4th generation of fountain pens (just by my standards) from this post.

I am posting Signum, which has been out of favor along with P1.

 

Pelikan Signum P560 (1979-1988)

 

Pelikan had been concentrating on the "Pelikano business" in the 1970's. The fountain pens for adults had been treated rather "stepmotherly"(Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte) for years⁽¹⁾.
 
At the end of the 1970s, there was a slight upturn in the adult fountain pen business⁽²⁾: a new initiative was launched in 1979 with model Signum⁽³⁾. The name "Signum" was derived from the Latin "signum" (a mark written, impressed, affixed, etc., for establishing position, ownership, etc.) (Oxford Latin Dictionary). The model was characterized by a slim metal body⁽⁴⁾. There was no longer anything on the slim stick clip that reminded one of a pelican's head or beak.  On higher-end models thanp530, the clip has a spring with it, and the spring pushes the clip against the cap tube, which in turn pinches the pocket (this type of clip was not subsequently adopted). P520 and P530 had the Pelikan logo on the cap tube, not on the cap top. Pelikan adopted a snap-on cap for the first time. All models had a black grip section. The model kept the cartridge filling system which was thought to be appealing to adults. The model also featured an open nib⁽⁵⁾. A lot of ground had to be made up in the trade: extensive advertising support in the form of brochures, decorations and product presentations was intended to facilitate the introduction and sale of the new series Signum⁽⁶⁾. By 1982, there were 14 variations in materials and colors, all for adults (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). Despite Pelikan's efforts and expectations, Signum was not a success. Although there are still consumers who write with Signum to their complete satisfaction, Pelikan finally succeeded in returning to its former greatness in the fountain pen business with the reintroduction of model 400 in 1982 (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte)⁽⁶⁾. 

 

After the success of M400, Pelikan decided to fade Signum from the market. 1983 saw the Signum lineup reduced to 8⁽⁶⁾.

 

Signum was discontinued in 1988. Its fountain pen concept was carried over to model New Classic, introduced in 1992.

Although Signum was not a success and is not often talked about today, it can be positioned as the first of the "fourth generation" of Pelikan fountain pens that returned to an adult-oriented, classic style fountain pen. Signum was also the first modern fountain pen with a model name.

Note;⁽¹⁾In the Pelikan catalogs, the school pen Pelikano was presented before the adult fountain pens (Pelikan catalog No.250W (1977)).
⁽²⁾This was not least due to the designs and successes of Lamy 2000 (1966) (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte), Aurora Hastil (1970) (PAULO'S PEN POSTS), and Montblanc Noblesse (1974) (PAULO'S PEN POSTS).
⁽³⁾In the same year, the P series cartridge fountain pen was discontinued.
⁽⁴⁾The shape is characterized by the designs of the Ulm School, based on the Bauhaus style, which combines practicality, functionality, and design (PAULO'S PEN POSTS). 
⁽⁵⁾Aside from the cap and barrel, the nib was a bit closer to the classic style (open nib; e.g. 400, 140) compared to its predecessors.
⁽⁶⁾In the 1982 catalog, Signum was listed before M400, but the order was switched in the 1984 catalog (Pelikan catalog No.S300 (1982), Pelikan Schreibgeräte-Collection 1984/1985 (1984)).

 

Fig.1
Signum P560.

 

Fig.2-1
The cap top of Signum P560.

 

Fig.2-2

P530 (rightmost) had the Pelikan logo on the cap tube, not on the cap top. 万年筆おやじの備忘録

 

Fig.2-3

The clip of Signum P560. The clip has a spring in it, and the spring pushes the clip against the cap tube, which in turn pinches the pocket (right).

 

Fig.3

The nib of Signum P560 (left) and P495 (right). The Signum nib has two "EF" engravings, one at the base and the other on the side.

 

Fig.4

Aurora Hastil. aurorapen.it

 

Fig.5

Montblanc Noblesse. pencluster.com

[tacitus]

 

Pelikan Souverän M400 (1982-          )

 

The fountain pen market was in decline in the 1970s. The ballpoint pen was the writing instrument of choice in a rapidly changing world. Pelikan was also clearly in trouble. Like other pen manufacturers such as Parker, the company did not simply develop new lines within traditional markets, but moved more aggressively into an ever-broader range of products, including steps into the emerging field of information technology. However, in the waning days of the industrial age and before the information age had fully emerged, diversification for its own sake was not enough. Nor was Pelikan unique. A costly failure, emblematic of the company's challenges, was its attempt to enter the photocopier business. Pelikan's product was expensive and did not work well (Pelikan Pens: History).

 

In 1978, Pelikan became a stock corporation, with all shares held by the Beindorf family, and the company was reorganized. At that time, the company's 40 subsidiaries, which also manufactured products from outside the industry, such as books and even cosmetics and pet food, generated worldwide sales of 930 million DM. However, many of the new products, which were designed to meet or set current trends, had short life spans. While some product divisions were successful⁽¹⁾, other parts of the Pelikan Group and some of the worldwide subsidiaries did not make a profit. In particular, Pelikan Informationstechnik GmbH & Co KG (the photocopier division) made losses (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). 

 

By the early 1980s, the company, still undercapitalized, was in trouble. Pelikan went into receivership in 1982 (Pelikan Pens: History). Three days after the new CEO, Kurt Hackel, took office in 1982, he filed a petition for composition with the district court in Hanover. A lack of cooperation between the heirs of the Beindorf family, a lack of capital and a loss-making photocopier business were quickly identified as the causes of the crisis. The reorganization plan that was drawn up provided for a return to the company's traditions (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte)".

 

Under Hackel's leadership, unprofitable businesses were liquidated. On the other hand, the old model 400 was reintroduced in 1982 under the name Souverän (sovereign) M400, which was the renaissance of the classic full-open nib pen in its true sense⁽²⁾. According to the brochure for the launch of Souverän M400 (Fig.6)

 

"Die zeit ist reif für den neuen, alten Pelikan.
Pelikan Souverän 
Eine Antwort auf die Suche nach werten".

(The time is ripe for the new, old Pelikan.
Pelikan Sovereign
A response to the search for values).  

 

"Here is the new, old Pelikan Souveran, new because it is now being manufactured again after a creative break of many years. It is also new because we have refined its equipment wherever technical progress has made it useful. The same finely engraved 14 karat gold nib, the original green/black surface texture, the same gold-plated Pelikan Schnabel clip, the original classic piston mechanism. The new original".

 

Although because of the settlement payment, the company could not afford the advertising costs, the pen was a huge success. The retailer enthusiastically stocked and sold the pen. Thanks in large part to the pen's sales, the company was back in the black by the end of the year (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte).  

 

In spite of the difficulties, Pelikan advertised with the slogans "Pelikan, for the office of the future" and "From youth on with Pelikan" on the carriages of the Hanover tram from 1982 on, and wanted to convey one thing above all: the company was getting back on its feet. The comeback of model 400 was one of the reasons for this (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). The revival of the 400 helped the revival of Pelikan⁽³⁾.

 

M400 was an exact copy of the old 400: although the manufacturing innovations in the filling mechanism, feed, and cap construction were not visible (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte), each of them was in its ultimate perfection.

 

• Nib unit: Like the first version of original 400, the nib unit was friction fit: the collar was reinforced with a metal ring, which was not threaded (Fig.3-1). After a while, it reverted to a traditional screw-in fit. Initially, the nib was a monochrome 14 carat gold (Fig.3-1). The feed has large-capacity compensation chambers consisting of numerous fins (Fig.3-2). This multi-finned feed format has been in use since 1971 and was further modified for model 400. Numerous fins serve as a "thermic-regulator" to prevent ink leakage even with changes in temperature and air pressure. The feed has a complex air channel independent of an ink channel (Fig.3-2).
• Cap: the cap unit consists of four parts: a cap tube, an inner cap with a cap top, a clip, and a crown that holds these three parts in place. The cap tube was decorated with a wide metal ring, which was engraved "W-GERMANY PELIKAN". The clip resembles the head and beak of a pelican, as in original 400 (Fig.2). The end of the cap tube has protrusions inside (Fig.2), and the end of the inner cap has notches (Fig.2). When the inner cap is inserted into the cap tube, they engage to hold the inner cap in place. Also, there is a protrusion on the outside of the tip of the cap tube (Fig.2). When the clip is placed on the cap tube, the protrusion engages with the base of the clip, and the clip does not rotate around the cap tube. Finally, the cap tube, inner cap, and clip are firmly secured by the crown. When in the correct position, the clip comes just below the Pelikan logo.
• Body: Like original 400, the body consists of two parts: the section and the barrel. The barrel further consists of two layers: an inner transparent tube (made of acrylic resin) and a outer translucent green striped tube (made of cellulose acetate)(Pelikan’s Perch, Collectors Weekly) (Fig.4). 
• Filling system: the spindle and turning knob are not fixed, but are separate parts (Fig.5-3), which may contribute to serviceability and productivity. Such a method has been adopted from M400. The filling mechanism is friction-fit to the barrel (Fig.5).

 

This model has been the backbone of the Pelikan fountain pen business. The variants M600, M800, and M000 were developed on its basis (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte).

 

Note;⁽¹⁾The adventures of TKKG, which were published by the company's own Pelikan-Verlag and presented at the 31st International Frankfurt Book Fair in 1979, became a success. In 1980, the first five titles in the youth book series were published and became bestsellers. 

⁽²⁾At the end of the 1970s, there was a slight upswing in the fountain pen business for adults. Pelikan started a new initiative in 1979 with model Signum. This slim pens had an open nib. But, Signum was not so successful as Pelikan expected. With the reintroduction of model 400, Pelikan was finally able to return to its former greatness in the fountain pen business (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte

⁽³⁾In 1984, however, the company itself was taken over by the Swiss Condorpart AG, a member of the Metro Group (German wholesale and retail group offering food and non-food products). Pelikan not only had to part with a number of unprofitable products, but also with 30% of its employees. The German Pelikan AG was now one of 40 companies of the Pelikan Holding/Switzerland, whose majority shares were held in 1996 by the Malaysian multimillionaire Hooi Keat Loo with his company GOODACE SDN BHD (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). 

 

Fig.1
M400 (left) and original 400 (right).

 

Fig.2

The cap unit. The inner cap has notches (arrow).The cap tube has protrusions inside (arrow). There is also a protrusion on the outside of the tip (arrow head).

 

Fig.3-1
The nib unit.

 

Fig.3-2

Top view (left) and ventral view (right) of The feed. Ink flow (blue) and air flow (yellow) on the the feed.

 

Fig.4
The "translucent" ink window.

 

Fig.5

The exploded view of the filling mechanism.

 

Fig.6

The Pelikan M400 launch brochure.