Dating Pelikan fountain Pen

[tacitus]

 

 

Pelikan Classic M481 (1983-1985)

 

Following the success of M400, Pelikan expanded its lineup. Pelikan introduced "Classic" M481 as an economy model of M400 in 1983 (Pelikan writing instruments collection 1984/1985)⁽¹,²⁾. This was the first fountain pen in the Classic series. M481 was the same size as M400, had a piston filler mechanism, but its nib was gold plated stainless steel. Interestingly, some early examples had a friction fit nib unit⁽³⁾. The model was available in black, green-black, burgundy and clear demonstrator. The clear demonstrator was not labeled as M481, but "Pelikan Demonstrator" (Pelikan’s Perch).

As M481 was the economy model, it had the insignificant blind cap instead of the crown. Noteworthy is that the cap top was smooth: there was no Pelikan logo on it. But underneath, the model had a hidden cap top with a Pelikan logo, which was identical to the cap top of M400 (please see M400)⁽⁴⁾. At first, the cap top was screwed on, later it was glued on. On the later versions, there was no logo under the cap top (Pelikan-collectibles.com).

Pelikan Milano was known to offer a special edition to companies, which was not for sale to the public. The special edition based on M481 had a bicolor rhodium-plated 12 carat gold nib and was labeled M150 (Pelikan’s Perch). In Japan, too, M481 was sometimes sold with a bicolor rhodium-plated 12 carat gold nib (please see below).

M481 was produced until 1985⁽⁵,⁶⁾. In the same year, the M200 was introduced. M200 can be seen as a successor to M481. M200 had the Pelikan logo on the cap top.

Note;⁽¹⁾M480 was discontinued in this year. This finally ended the M series.
⁽²⁾The number 481 is a bit of a half-assed number, but was it meant to be the successor to M480?
⁽³⁾The early M400 has a friction fit nib unit (see M400).
⁽⁴⁾The cap top of M400 was converted?
⁽⁵⁾M481 appears to had been produced for the export market thereafter. Interestingly, in Japan, instead of M200, M481 was still sold under the name #481 (not M481) in the 1990s (probably until around 1997). Pelikan Demonstrator was especially popular among Pelikan enthusiasts in Japan, where it was called "ペリスケ (peli-ske)" (Pelikan skeleton) (see Japanse Pelikan catalog as of December 1995 (万年筆評価の部屋). ペリスケ (Pelikan Demonstrator) was priced low (only ¥5,000 as of 1995, #481 was ¥10,000), perhaps because it was thought that it would not be popular in Japan. #481 (M481) was a long-lived and rather familiar model in Japan.
⁽⁶⁾When the M150 was launched in 1985, M150 was designated M150/481 (Pelikan Traditionelle Schreibgeräte (1986)), resulting in confusion with the original M481 model. Pelikan then changed the name to M150 for clarity. Thus, the numbering of Pelikan fountain pens was confusing in more than a few cases.

 

M400 (left), M481 (middle), and M200 (right).

 

The nib of M481.

 

The pen has "Germany" engraving on the cap ring. The smooth cap top of M481 (left). A hidden cap top beneath the cap top (right). The hidden cap top is identical to that of M400 (bottom).

 

Pelikan Demonstrator (ペリスケ)

 

"W.-Germany" on the cap ring. The cap top of Pelikan Demonstrator (right). There was no hidden cap top from the start.

 

Pelikan M481 with a bicolor rhodium-plated 12 carat gold nib (sold in Japan)

[tacitus]

Correction

 

On 8/26/2023 at 6:42 PM, tacitus said:

Pelikan MK10 (1967-1970)

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 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.

 

I would like to correct the above statement. Perhaps the correct one is,

• "The turning knob indicator" was added to the filling mechanism (Fig. 6). Turning it clockwise sucks in ink. Turning the knob counterclockwise again ejects ink, but after a little more than one turn, you will feel resistance. This is an indication of how far the knob should be turned to discard excess ink in the section and thermic-regulator. Finally, tighten the turning knob with the nib facing up. If these steps are not done, excess ink in the section may leak out during writing. The instruction manual recommends that you squeeze out 7 to 8 drops of ink after sucking. In the Souverän series that followed the M series, the feed was exposed so that excess ink could be wiped off with paper or cloth, eliminating the need for these steps.

[tacitus]

Pelikan Classic M200 (1985-         )

 

In 1983, Pelikan introduced M481, an economy model of M400. The model was produced until 1985. In the same year, M200 was introduced. M200 can be seen as a successor to M481⁽¹⁾. Although M481 was characterized by the absence of a Pelikan logo on the cap top, M200 now had it like M400. M400 and M481 had a single ring on the cap tube, while M200 had two rings. Except for the name of the country (W.-Germany→Germany), the specifications were changed for the first time in 1997: a ring was added to the turning knob and the cap tube had 0nly one ring. The Pelikan logo before 1997 had two chicks and was engraved, after 1997 the logo was embedded⁽¹⁾. Another specification change was made in 2003: there is only one chick left in the nest and nib (Pelikan-collectibles.com). M200 is still in production and has been the basis for many derivative models (see below), as shown on Pelikan-collectibles.com.

Note;⁽¹⁾According to 万年筆評価の部屋, the new Pelikan logo is embedded rather than printed on the cap top, so it will not disappear even if the logo is scraped off (don't try it).

 

The nib of gold plating has been removed😅.

 

Pelikan M200 Pastel-Green (Color Edition) (2020)

 

[tacitus]

Pelikan Classic M250 (1985-2006)

 

Pelikan introduced M481 in 1983. The model was an economy model of M400. In 1985, M200 wit a steel nib was introduced, replacing M481. In the same year, M250 was introduced. The model  had the same shape as M200, except for the nib. M250 basically had a monochrome 14 carat gold nib. It was probably introduced as a model to fill the gap between M400 and M200.

Interestingly, in Japan, the model was offered with a monochrome 12 carat gold nib under the designation #250 (see "The Pen 1986" (Japan Import Writing Instruments Catalog)(万年筆評価の部屋))⁽¹⁾. Also only in Japan, model #350 with a bicolor 12 carat gold nib was introduced around 1989 (see Japanese Pelikan catalog 1989 and 1990 (Pelikan’s Perch)). According to "The Pen 1993" (Japan Import Writing Instruments Catalog), the price of #350 with a bicolor 12 carat gold nib was ¥21,000, while #250 with a monochrome 12 carat gold nib was ¥20,000. The difference between a bicolor and a monochrome nib was only  ¥1,000. By the way, #500 (Japanese designation of M400) was ¥30,000. Around 1995, #350 was recovered from the storefront (in Japanese Pelikan catalog 1995, #350 was listed no more, only #250 was listed (万年筆評価の部屋)). Apparently, the company reorganized and consolidated its lineup to eliminate inconsistencies in its pricing policy (万年筆評価の部屋). Also, the monochrome 12 carat gold nib was probably discontinued by 1997 and unified with the monochrome 14 carat gold nib. One theory as to why 12 carat gold nib was discontinued is that the durability of nibs might have been a problem. In general, the lower the gold percentage in the nib, the stronger the nib, and thus the more pressure it can withstand. In 12 carat gold nib, the letter "H" was placed in front of the nib size (e.g. HF, HEF). Interestingly,"Hxx" nibs were not necessarily hard (Pen Cluster)⁽²⁾. "H" might have meant "capable of withstanding hard use" (Pen Cluster). There must have been a demand in Japan for nibs that were are resistant to high writing pressure and strong flexure. On the other hand, the nibs were very susceptible to corrosion, so it was necessary to keep the nibs clean at all times. Kubo Kogyosho: Japanese fountain pen manufacturer and repairer (probably repairing Pelikan fountain pens at the request of Pelikan Japan) had a mountain of cracked 12 carat gold nibs that were discarded when they were replaced (Pen Cluster).

In 1997, the specifications were changed: a ring was added to the turning knob and in turn the cap tube had a single ring. The Pelikan logo before 1997 had two chicks and was engraved, after 1997 the logo was embedded. Another specification change was made in 2003: there is only one chick left in the nest and nib (Pelikan-collectibles.com). M250 was discontinued in the late 2000s (the last catalog reference appears to be the Pelikan catalog (2006)).

Note;⁽¹⁾The Japanese Pelikan catalog used "#" instead of "M".
⁽²⁾My 12C HEF nib is also not harder than my 14C nib.

 

M250

 

#250

 

#350

 

 

[tacitus]

Pelikan Classic M150 (1985-2018)

 

In 1983, Pelikan introduced M481, an economy model of M400. The model was discontinued in 1985, and replaced by M200. M200 was the successor of M481. In the same year, M150 was introduced. Like M481, M150 had a single cap ring: it was a fountain pen one size smaller than M481, rather than a smaller version of M200. Interestingly, M150 was first called M150/481 (Pelikan Traditionelle Schreibgeräte (1986)). This may have been intended to be a fountain pen one step below M200, but inheriting the design of M481. However, this name led to confusion with the original M481. Pelikan then changed the name to M150 for clarity (Pelikan Hochwertige Schreibgeräte (1987)). Although smaller than M200, M150 had a piston filler mechanism. The trims were gold plated. Different from M481, the cap ring of M150 was beveled.

In 1997, the specifications were changed. The cap ring became straight, not beveled, and a ring was added to to the turning knob. The Pelikan logo before 1997 had two chicks and was engraved, after 1997 the logo was embedded (not printed). Another specification change was made in 2003: there is only one chick left in the nest and nib (Pelikan-collectibles.com). 

M150 was probably discontinued in the late 2010s (the last catalog reference seems to be the Pelikan catalog (2018)).

 

Pelikan M150

 

Pelikan M150 (new version)

[tacitus]

Pelikan Classic M100 (1985-1997)

 

In 1985, Pelikan expanded its fountain pen lines. One of these was the M100, which was the least expensive entry level model. At first, only black version was introduced, and other color versions were added later. M100 was the same size as M150, and had a single cap ring, steel nib and piston filler mechanism. The only difference was that the trim and nib was silver colored, but only white version had the black trim and black nib⁽¹.²⁾.

M100 was discontinued in 1997.

Note;⁽¹⁾The reason why only the white version had this color scheme is unclear, but it reminds me of Lamy Safari, which was launched in 1980 and gained popularity.
⁽²⁾"Pelikan stopped manufacturing the white Pelikan M100 in 1993.""Pelikan M100 White has been called the Stormtrooper by its fans due to its colors which strongly resemble the outfit of a Stormtrooper."(Fountain Pen Network).
 

Pelikan M100

 

 

Pelikan M100

 

Stormtrooper (Star Wars)

 

Lamy Safari

[tacitus]

Pelikan Souverän M600 (1985-          )

 

In 1982, the old 400 was reintroduced under the name of Souverän (sovereign) M400, which was the beginning of the renaissance of the classic style fountain pen. M400 was the great success (Pelikan Schreibgeräte), which led to the introduction of Souverän M600 in 1985. M600 was a higher-end model of M400 and was the flagship when it was introduced. However, the only difference between M400 and the early M600 was the nib specification and decorative rings.

 

• Dimension: Although a higher line of M400, M600 was the same size as M400. In 1997, M600 was enlarged in size, making it between M800 and M400.
• Nib unit: Unlike other models, M600 had its nib specifications changed several times. Initially, M600 had a monochrome 18 carat gold nib⁽¹⁾. The feed and collar were the same as M400, and the nib unit was screw-in fit from the start. In 1988, the nib was "downgraded" to a bicolor rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib (Pelikan-collectibles)⁽²⁾. In 1990, the nib was "upgraded" to a bicolor rhodium-plated 18 carat gold nib (Pelikan-collectibles)⁽³⁾. In 1997, the body was enlarged in size, however, the nib was again "downgraded" to a bicolor rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib (Pelikan-collectibles). In 2003, there is only one chick left in the logo on the nib.
• Cap: Basically, the cap was same as M400. The only difference was the cap rings: M600 had two (one thick and one thin) and M400 had one. The cap top Pelikan logo before 1997 had two chicks and was engraved. After 1997, the logo was embedded. In 2003, there is only one chick left in the logo.
• Body: Basically, the section and barrel were same as M400. The only difference was that M600 had a metal ring on the section.
• Filling system: Basically, the filling system was the same as M400. The filling system was friction fit to the barrel. The only difference was that M600 had a metal ring on the turning knob. After the size was increased in 1997, the turning knob had two rings.

When M800 was introduced in 1987, M600 relinquished its flagship position to M800. Since then, M600 has undergone nib specification changes three times and size change once. This was probably the result of Pelikan's attempt to distinguish M600 from M400 and M800, as well as to achieve consistency in price and grade. When introduced in 1985, M600 was the same size as M400, looked similar. Since M600 was enlarged in 1997, M600 began to claim its own position between M400 and M800. The model became the basis for many limited and special edition fountain pens, including the "City" series.

 

Note;⁽¹⁾When M600 was introduced in Japan in 1986. M600 had a bicolor rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib. The monochrome 18 carat gold nib became available in 1988. The 18 carat gold nib was often described as "soft" rather than "flexible" in Japan (万年筆評価の部屋). 

⁽²⁾This downgrade seems to have been made in response to the introduction of the higher-end M800 with a bicolor rhodium-plated 14 carat gold nib in 1987.⁽³⁾This upgrade seems to have been made in response to the introduction of a bicolor rhodium-plated 18 carat gold nib into M800 in 1990.

 

Pelikan M600 (old version)

M400 (left), M600 (old version) (middle), and M600 (new version) (right).

 

The cap of Pelikan M600.

 

The nib unit of Pelikan M600.

 

The metal ring on the section and turning knob.

[tacitus]

Pelikan Souverän M1000 (1997-          )

 

Souverän M1000 was introduced in 1997. Consumers had expressed a desire for prestigious but not ostentatious fountain pens (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). M1000 was the largest or "oversized" of Pelikan's fountain pens. It was probably designed to compete with the similarly sized Montblanc Meisterstück 149⁽¹⁾. But, when you actually write with it, you realize that M1000 is not simply a fountain pen that is a larger version of M800, and you also realize that the nib characteristics are different between M1000 and 149, even for the same oversized fountain pen. According to Pelikan’s Perch, "the nib is very springy and will require a softer touch than some of the other, stiffer modern nibs seen today. It puts down a very generous and wet line of ink". M1000 is larger than other Pelikans, so most people will probably write with the pen lying down rather than standing up⁽²⁾. As a result, writing pressure is reduced. The structure of the nib has been designed to be softer than its smaller counterparts. As a result, the nib flexes more with less pressure and produces more ink flow (called "wet nib") to accommodate this writing style. Note that the character width tends to be thicker due to the writing style of holding the pen flat and the wet nib. According to Pelikan-collectibles, M1000 "is often designated as a signature pen." This is probably because the wet nib prevents the letters from being grazed even when the signature is written quickly and with less pressure. The nib of M1000 makes it easy to change the character width in response to writing pressure, which may also be the reason for it. Interestingly, the ink capacity is 1.35 ml, the same as M800. Is this because increasing the ink capacity further would make the ink more likely to drip?

In 2003, the specifications were changed: there is only one chick left in the nest and nib (Pelikan-collectibles.com). 

Note;⁽¹⁾"...the history of Pelikan had been a history of small, light pens. Even as the company’s rivals, most notably Montblanc and Osmia, moved toward larger pens as early as the 1930s, Pelikan remained with its core size, ranging from the diminutive 4 3/4 inches of the 100 to a maximum of 5 1/4 inches for the slender 400NN. The 800, with a smooth brass filling mechanism, was neither small nor light and was, presumably, meant to go up against the larger contemporary Montblanc149. ... A decade later Pelikan again took on the legendary Montblanc 149 with an even larger pen the M1000..." (Pelikan Pens: History).
⁽²⁾This would be even more so with M1050, which had a heavy cap.

 

M800 (left), M1000 (middle), and Montblanc Meisterstück 149 (right).

 

The cap of Pelikan M1000.

 

The nib of Pelikan M1000.

[OCArt]

“…the nib is very springy and will require a softer touch than some of the other, stiffer modern nibs seen today.“

   Isn’t is curious that the largest (M1000) and the smallest (M300) have the softest and IMHO the best nibs.  I love the feel of writing with both of them.  Their soft and bouncy nature is very rewarding.  I wish other Pelikans were like these nibs.

[tacitus]

Thank you @OCArt for your comment😄 .

I suspect that the softness of the M1000 and M300 nibs has something to do with their size and weight.

I agree with you and would like to have the option of softer nibs on other models as well.

[tacitus]

Pelikan Souverän M350 (1998-2001)

 

Souverän M300 was introduced in 1998, and was the smallest piston filler fountain pen on the market at the time⁽¹⁾. It is said that the initial nib of M300, along with M1000, was one of the softer nibs in the Souverän series (万年筆評価の部屋)⁽²⁾. Since it could write even with low pressure, the nib would fit its small and light body. M300's small size and portability made it suitable for simple notes and organizer entries, but it was too small for long hours of work, such as writing letters or diaries. With advances in technology, paper organizers were no longer necessary for many people, and the popularity and demand for M300 declined (Pelikan’s Perch). M300 was discontinued in 2020 (Pelikan’s Perch). At this time, M300 is the only Souverän series that has been discontinued.

Note;⁽¹⁾All of the competitors of a similar size were a converter filler (Pelikan Schreibgeräte).
⁽²⁾The characteristics of the nibs changed in the mid-2000s (Fountain Pen Network).

 

 

 

 

[DrPlush]

1 hour ago, tacitus said:

 

 

Wow, what a beautiful cap!

[tacitus]

Thank you @DrPlush for your comment.

I think the black and gold logo matches the vermeil cap tube well.

[tacitus]

Pelikan New Classic P390 (1992-1995)

 

Although model Signum was discontinued in 1988, market research showed that a number of consumers still wished a slim metal bodied writing instruments (Pelikan Schreibgeräte).

In 1992, Pelikan introduced a slim metal-bodied fountain pen that reflected the tastes of the time (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). The model was named New Classic. As you can see from the nibs and clips, this model was intended to be a classic style: The nib was made in the classic full-open nib, as was seen in the Souverän M400 and the narrow tapered clip shape also resembled the M400 and was reminiscent of the head and beak of a pelican. On the other hand, the New Classic, like the Signum, had a very elongated cylindrical shape and a far more modern appearance than the Souverän series of the same period.

This model had a new feed like the Souverän series. All the versions had a black grip section like the Signum series. In the high-end lines above the P380 (the versions with gold nib), the bodies had an extra ring on the cap and the barrel end, and its cap top was engraved with the Pelikan logo, as was the M800. 

It should be noted that Pelikan adopted a new Parker-compatible converter (it is unclear to me what this converter is called) from the New Classic series. This new converter can be used with the Signum and P series, but it is loose and tends to leak ink.

This model was not as successful as Pelikan had hoped with all their efforts. The New Classic was discontinued after a short period of time.

 

 

 

[tacitus]

Pelikan Level L5 Gold (1998-2001)

 

In 1996, Pelikan introduced an completely new fountain pen, the Level fountain pen⁽¹⁾. The fountain pen was characterized by an oversized ink reservoir. The entire barrel served as the ink reservoir. The ink capacity of this fountain pen was about three times that of a conventional piston filler and five times that of an ink cartridge (Pelikan-collectibles.com). A special ink bottle came with the Level (Fig. 5). A new feature was that the filling did not take place via the nib, but from the rear. When refilling the ink, the ink bottle in the pen stand is put against the turning knob (Fig. 5) so that the metal nozzle at the tip of the ink bottle enters the hole in the turning knob (Fig. 5, 6)⁽²⁾. The ink bottle is made of plastic, and ink is injected into the storage ink reservoir when the ink bottle is pushed. See Figure 14 for more information. Near the nib was is writing ink reservoir (Fig. 4 arrow head), which is separated from the storage ink reservoir (Fig. 4 arrow) by a valve (an O-ring). Turning the knob at the end of the barrel opens the valve (Fig. 4 right), allowing new ink to flow from the storage ink reservoir into the writing ink reservoir, making writing possible again. By separating the storage ink reservoir from the writing ink reservoir, there was no longer any concern about ink spurting out of the nib when ink was injected to the storage ink reservoir. In addition, by limiting the capacity of the writing ink reservoir, the risk of ink dripping was eliminated.

 

The first Level fountain pen introduced in 1996 was the L65, designed for teenagers⁽³⁾. The cap had a flattened and widened cap top, which allowed it to stand with the rear end up. This was probably intended to allow the ink bottle to be pressed against the rear end in this position to refill it with ink. The nibs and the feeds seemed to be the same as those of Pelikano junior (万年筆おやじの備忘録). Dealers had to learn how the new pens worked. So the promotional pack was provided with the dealers (Pelikan-collectibles.com). One year after the introduction of the teenager model, the adult model L5 was introduced. The fountain pen returned to the modern and sophisticated appearance (Fig. 1) from its previous classic appearance (see New Classic)⁽⁴⁾. The stick clip with a spring came back (Fig. 4). The nib and feed were reminiscent of the previous new P series, although they were also unique (Fig. 3). Some models featured gold nibs. The Pelikan logo on the cap top and nib was eliminated and only "LEVEL" was engraved on them (Fig. 2, 3). All models came with a special pen stand to store the fountain pen in a safe and decorative manner (Fig. 1). The pen stand housed an ink cartridge, and the pen could be filled with ink without removing the ink cartridge. Technically, the mechanics of the two level models L65 and L5 were identical. However, the overall length of the L5 was slightly larger, and the rod between the valve knob and the valve was also slightly longer (Pelikan-collectibles.com). The first models of the Level L5 were all transparent blue body barrel. The cap, turning knob, and section were black (L5 black) or silver (L5 silver). Later, ceramic- and golden-coated models were introduced. In 2001, red and anthracite colored bodies were also produced. 

 

As stated above, the Level was a very innovative fountain pen, but it had both advantages and disadvantages.

 

Advantages

• A very large amount of ink could be stored. Nonetheless, the ink was difficult to leak.
• It was possible to refill ink without getting your hands dirty. There was no need to wipe the nib because the nib is not dipped into the ink bottle (no need to open the cap in the first place).
• The remaining ink level was easy to see.
• A special pen stand came with the Level 5 series.

 

Disadvantages

• The ink could not be refilled without a dedicated ink bottle. Yet, cartridges were only available in two colors: black and blue-black⁽⁵⁾.
• It was not easy to flush and clean the pen⁽⁶⁾. Sometimes the ink would clog and make it difficult to open the valve (maybe it was just my pen?) and reducing ink flow.
• When a large amount of ink was added, ink sometimes would leak from the turning knob (maybe it was just my pen?).
• The cap of Level 5 can not be posted to the pen (even if the cap could be posted, the balance of the pen would have been very bad).

 

Although adults were attracted by the technical innovation and the striking design, and the Level received several awards, overall customer base was too small to accept the model and it never grew to the point of economical production (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte)⁽⁷⁾. The production of the Level series ended in 2001 (Werner's Info-Page Pelikan-Pens), and the Level was taken off the market in 2006  (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte).

 

Note:⁽¹⁾What does the word "level" mean when it is used in the name of a fountain pen?

⁽²⁾"Like the gas cartridge in a gas lighter, the ink bottle had to be placed on a valve wheel and the fountain pen was filled" (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte).
⁽³⁾Initially, the advertising was aimed at young people. It was hoped that after winning over this group of buyers, they would be able to use it as a basis for appealing to adults. However, it failed to win the hearts and minds of young people between the ages of 12 and 16 (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte).

⁽⁴⁾Just to be clear, the successor to the New Classic was the Celebry released in 1997, not the Level. The Level and the Celebry were sold together for a while.

⁽⁵⁾Theoretically, it was possible to change the ink to other colors. The lid of the special ink cartridge could be opened, so that the ink could be replaced. Of course, Pelikan neither guarantees nor recommends this. You are on your own if you do it.

⁽⁶⁾Theoretically, it was possible to disassemble and clean the pen (Fountain Pen Network). Of course, Pelikan neither guarantees nor recommends this. You are on your own if you do it.

⁽⁷⁾The disadvantages made it difficult for the Level to gain popularity? For those who enjoy refilling their fountain pens with ink as if they were winding their hand-wound watches every day, was an overly practical Level not enough? I would like to see the LEVEL revived once again with Souverän's design.

 

Fig.1
The package of the Level 5. On the right, the package is opened.

 

Fig.2

The bar clip of the Level 5. Like the Signum, the clip has a spring in it.

 

Fig.3
The nib and the feed of the Level 5. The compensation chambers are on the dorsal side.

 

Fig.4

The barrel and the turning knob of the Level 5. The storage ink reservoir (arrow) and the writing ink reservoir (arrow head). The spring for opening and closing the valve (O-ring) is visible. The center of the barrel shows a slight bulge.When the turning knob is turned as indicated in the right, ink falls into the writing ink reservoir from the storage ink reservoir.. In that state, the center of the turning knob is retracted, so ink cannot be injected into the storage ink reservoir.

 

Fig.5
The pen stand of the Level 5. The nozzle of the ink cartridge is visible in the center. The Ink cartridge alone can also be used to inject ink. The ink cartridge with the lid removed. The airtightness is maintained by an O-ring.

 

Fig.6

The user instruction of the Level 5.

 

 

[Surlyprof]

I remember buying an early Level 5 from Levenger back in the '90's.  I hadn't owned a fountain pen since my beloved 120 had been stolen with my briefcase in '96.  The disadvantages outlined here, as well as a lackluster nib, killed my desire for a new fountain pen.  I kept it for a few years but ditched it during a move.  At that point it had become clogged with no easy way to clean it.  Even though I never loved the pen, I wish I'd held onto it, if for no other reason, its design and novelty.  Now that I've rediscovered fountain pens, I wonder if I could find enjoyment from it.  I was able to refill the ink bottle that came with it but, again, cleaning was problematic.  Unfortunately, I gave up the idea of buying another fountain pen until recently, over 25 years later!

[OCArt]

I've had a Level pen on my desk for ten-plus years. I have it filled with Noodler's 54th Massachusetts, a waterproof ink, and use it every few days for notes or envelopes. The pen has never failed me and I really like writing with the nib.

[tacitus]

Thank you  @Surlyprof and @OCArt for your comments.

 

The first LEVEL I bought was LEVEL 5 Silver. I stopped using it because the ink flow became worse and I couldn't clean it well.

I wonder if Pelikan made this kind of cartridge because they didn't want their customers to use only genuine limited colors of ink because of the ink flow problem and the difficulty of cleaning.

[Surlyprof]

44 minutes ago, tacitus said:

The first LEVEL I bought was LEVEL 5 Silver. I stopped using it because the ink flow became worse and I couldn't clean it well.

Mine was also the satin silver with a blue body.  I had the same problems so it languished in a drawer until it was thinned out during a move.  I'm not sure I could have gotten it to write if I tried.  Thanks for the history lesson.  I'm enjoying the thread.  I also had a question that I may have missed in the thread.  Did the 120 ever come with a gold nib option.  I could have sworn my previous 120 had an incredibly smooth gold nib.  I asked some people around the SF show and most said that it was offered with both gold and steel nibs depending when I bought it (1986).

[tacitus]

25 minutes ago, Surlyprof said:

Mine was also the satin silver with a blue body.  I had the same problems so it languished in a drawer until it was thinned out during a move.  I'm not sure I could have gotten it to write if I tried.  Thanks for the history lesson.  I'm enjoying the thread.  I also had a question that I may have missed in the thread.  Did the 120 ever come with a gold nib option.  I could have sworn my previous 120 had an incredibly smooth gold nib.  I asked some people around the SF show and most said that it was offered with both gold and steel nibs depending when I bought it (1986).

 

I didn't write about it because I couldn't find a clear reference, but I read somewhere on the web that a Pelikan 120 (Merz & Krell) with a 14k gold nib was made for the US market.