Dating Pelikan fountain Pen

[Mercian]

  On 8/18/2024 at 9:19 PM, jungkind said:

https://thepelikansperch.com/2014/10/26/pelikan-nib-on-a-chain/

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Hurrah!
Thank you!

[jungkind]

[Cjtamu]

That’s awesome.

[Inkyways]

Wow ... thank you for identifying this.. and the link. So This is an original -limited edition pen then???? I am surprised ... 

I am not sure if this pen is M250 or 140. the nib is Vintage Pelican 14c 585 -M nib and the nib on the chain is the same nib- F point. I have a very little knowledge about Pelican Vintage pens .

This my pen . It need a little CLC ... need to clean and polish it . It has a M nib and the ( Ear-ring )  that is what I am going to call it.  Nib is a Fantastic 14c F 585.

Sorry I could not post this before 

[OCArt]

I think it's a M250 as the tail end is too square for a 140.

[Inkyways]

Thank you @OCArt and @Mercian for the helpful  answers. 

@jungkind thank you for the photo and the interesting link.  By the way What Hasselblad you are using? I am also a photographer  and Use Hasselblad analog cameras.

 

I am adding a photo of my  small Pelican pens collections. I know now they are M200 and one m400.

Also I have this pen with a  calligraphy nib ( Steel stub ) it is the one with the plain Green body  leaning on the Key board. Is it 120 0r 205M series.

Also here I have a mechanical pencil. and a ball point pen and a rollerball pen it has a cap no clip. ( it was missing when it came to me. 

 

In my future lis to this collection I want to add 

100M/ and perhaps a 100nn / AND AS MY GRAIL PEN  600M VINTAGE  , ALL PENS IN FINE OR EF NIBS. a mission impossible  ?? you'll never know .

I got to the " pen hobbit"   some times back and I am in this Rabbit hole in it's deep end.  All my missions were MISSION-IMPOSSIBLES and that is how it was always  from the beginning.  Thank you all for all the helpfulness in finding facts on pens and writing.

_ Cyril

[jungkind]

@InkywaysSorry to disappoint you, but the camera reference comes from my smartphone that seems to have a camera module supplied by Hasselblad.

[inkstainedruth]

Thanks for posting the article link, jungkind.  That was fascinating reading!  I learn stuff all the time on FPN, thanks to the breadth of knowledge to be found -- and the generosity of the people who hang out here in the sharing of that knowledge.

And thanks to everyone who posted pix as well.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Inkyways]

  On 8/19/2024 at 3:00 PM, jungkind said:

@InkywaysSorry to disappoint you, but the camera reference comes from my smartphone that seems to have a camera module supplied by Hasselblad.

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O.k I got it . Now a days Ai get to cheat us in anyways. Propaganda is driving in many ways .

 Thanks for the reply.

[tacitus]

I recently got a Ductus pen. So, I again post it with some photos.

 

Pelikan Ductus P3110 (2008-2012)

 

The Dactus⁽¹⁾ was introduced in the last year of the Epoch (2007), and had the same cartridge filling mechanism as the Epoch. The Ductus was effectively the successor to the Epoch. But, the Ductus was available only in silver (P3100) or gold (P3110) finish that the Epoch did not have. So, as it were, the Ductus was positioned as a high-end version of the Epoch, targeting at the high-end writing instrument market⁽²⁾.

Like the previous cartridge pens, the Ductus had a metal body. "The barrel is first lacquered, then turned into the right form, and then polished to a high sheen. Afterwards, the lines are created through engraving which is filled with precious metals - for the silver color we take Palladium, for the golden color 24 carat gold is used. The last step is a coating of clear lacquer which makes the surface not only smooth but also robust (Pelikan Ductus P3100)". The stripe design on the cap and barrel was intended to suggest exclusiveness and give a timeless accent (pelikan-collectibles) (Fig.1). Thus, Ductus had both a robust and luxurious appearance. With the Ductus, the design returned to a somewhat more classic direction (Pelikan: Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte). The design of the pen was hailed at launch and won Stylus Magazine's Stylus Icon Award 2009 (Pelikan Ductus P3100). The Ductus has a snap cap. A metal logo was added to the cap top in 2010 (pelikan-collectibles) (Fig.3 right). The nib is wide and rugged, with striped lines engraved on it⁽³⁾. The nib was probably intended to harmonize with the body of the pen. The nib is 18 carat gold and is rhodium-plated. On both sides, the specifications of the nib is engraved. The collar and the feed seem to be the same as the Epoch (ぺん★ぱれーどっ！) (Fig.2). Like the Epoch, the Ductus uses a unique cartridge system⁽³⁾. By unscrewing the blind cap from the back of the barrel, the cartridge holder is pulled out. Cartridge holders were made of plastic in the Epoch, while in the Ductus, they were made of metal. The cartridge holder hold one long or two short international cartridges. According to Pelikan Ductus P3100, the Ductus accepts converters(Fig.4 bottom), but there is no bottle filling with the converter. It is only possible when the converter is pre-filled with a syringe (or directly from the bottle ink) and then inserted into the holder, but this is not practical. The filling system fits snugly, so there is no risk of misfitting cartridges (Pelikan’s Perch). This is an improvement over the Epoch. The Ductus is slightly heavier than the M1000, and the pen is slightly longer than the M800 (Pelikan’s Perch, pelikan-collectibles). Due to the heavy cap, the center of gravity is shifted backwards when the cap is posted (ぺん★ぱれーどっ！).

 

Overall, the Ducus is based on the Epoch, but is much more upscale than the Epoch.

The Ductus line was discontinued in 2015. Subsequently, Pelikan discontinued the high-end line of cartridge pens that had been in production since the Signum⁽⁴⁾. The cartridge pens were integrated into the Classic series (P200/P205). No matter how many great cartridge pens Pelikan made that won the design awards, did they not contribute to Pelikan's sales?

Note;⁽¹⁾The name "Ductus" was derived from the Latin "ductus" (military leadership, command, the conveyance of water, etc.) (Pelikan Ductus P3100, Oxford Latin Dictionary).
⁽²⁾In the same year (2007), the Majesty, positioned as a high-end version of Souverän, was launched.
⁽³⁾According to several reviewers (Pelikan’s Perch, Fountain Pen Network, etc.), they were attracted by its design, while they were disappointed by the nib when the cap was opened and the cartridge filling mechanism when the blind cap was opened.
⁽⁴⁾Pelikan still makes the Pelikano, Pura, and Classic, but the model that encompasses both the entry-level and the luxury line have disappeared.

 

Fig.1

 

Fig.2

 

Fig.3

 

Fig.4

[tacitus]

Pelikan Majesty M7000 (2007-2012)

 

In 2007, for the first time in a long time, since the Toledo model, Pelikan introduced a new model Majesty: the M7000 and the M7005. Both are massive pens that incorporate a piston filler mechanism concealed in a sterling silver sleeve; the M7000 features a sterling silver cap with gold-plated accents and a two-tone nib. Based on this model, a limited edition of 170 fountain pens was released in 2008 to commemorate the company's 170th anniversary. It has three diamonds embedded in the pelican nest on the cap top and is entirely gold-plated. The nib was also monotone gold. The M7005, on the other hand, has eliminated gold plating and is characterized by its black resin cap and monotone nib.

Both the M7000 and the M7005 feature a Jugendstil style frieze on the cap top, a design taken directly from the façade of the stone walls of the Pelikan headquarters factory in Hanover, Germany, and depicts a pelican motif (Pelikan’s Perch)(Fig.3). The sleeve is striped and uneven, recalling the striped shafts of Pelikan's traditional Souverän series. The sleeve creates a sense of unity in the design, but opinions may differ because the traditional ink window is not directly visible. The barrel that secures the sleeve have a locking mechanism that makes a clicking sound at the end of the rotation (Fig.4 arrow). The sterling silver is platinum coated throughout, making it resistant to tarnishing. Turning the sleeve to remove it from the body shaft reveals a large ink chamber, a piston, and a turning knob. The section and piston knob are also made of sterling silver. The beak clip is spring-loaded. The cap band is stamped "Pelikan Germany Ag925" and the cap top is adorned with the current Pelikan single-chick logo (Fig.3). The cap has a plastic inner cap that prevents the section and the turning knob from being scratched when capped or posted. The nib is the same size as the M600, but the nib of the Majesty has a slightly wider shoulder (Fig.5). The scrollwork of the nib is concentric (Fig.2), which sets it apart from the Souverän series, and may be an attempt to match the Jugendstil style of the cap. As can be inferred from the metal construction, the pen is quite heavy for its size, with the M7000 weighing about 62 g, much heavier than the M1000; posting is possible, but in that case the pen's center of gravity is further back. In size, on the other hand, the Majesty is slightly larger than the M600 and slightly smaller than the M800 (Fig.5).

As indicated by the model numbers and the catalog of the time, the Majesty was positioned as the top-of-the-line pens over the models Toledo and Souverän (Pelikan-collectibles). At the same time, the cartridge filler Ductus was also launched. Probably, Pelikan planned to market its top-of-the-line fountain pens as a dual line of the Majesty and the Ductus (Fig.6). However, the launch of the Majesty drew mixed reactions, and like its counterpart the Ductus, opinions were split down the middle (Pelikan’s Perch, Fountain Pen Network, Fountain Pen Network). The nib was small and the price was high, and so on. In the end, the Majesty was not well received by the market? Production ended in 2012.

Unfortunately, no novel fountain pens with piston fillers have been developed since then, and most of the fountain pens released since then have been "self-reproduction" of the existing Souverän and Classic series or reproduction of the vintage models. I hope to see another fountain pen with an ambitious and innovative design/mechanism.

 

Fig.1

 

Fig.2

 

Fig.3

The frieze with a pelican motif on the cap top (left).

 

Fig.4

The removed sleeve (left) and the barrel (right). The protrusion on the barrel (arrow) acts as a locking system when securing the sleeve.

 

Fig.5

Comparison with M800 (left) and M600 (right).

 

Fig.6

Majesty and Ductus.

 

Pelikan M7000 the 170th anniversary edition

 

 

 

Pelikan M7005

[tacitus]

Pelikan Toledo M700 (1986-          )

 

Pelikan Toledo M700 was first introduced in 1986 (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). This marked the return of the Toledo model after 46 years since Pelikan 100N Toledo was discontinued in 1942.

 

Here is a quote from the Pelikan catalog (1986) that introduced the Toledo. 

"For centuries, the goldsmiths of Toledo in Spain have a world reputation for exquisite jewelry work. Many historical examples are convincing proof of this. The Pelikan Toledo was created following the example of Toledo craftsmanship⁽¹⁾. It was first presented to the public in 1935 as a classic piston filler fountain pen. Then as now the noble and artistic chasing of the Toledo sleeve is masterfully designed by hand, piece by piece. The motif is lovingly crafted and embellished in great detail engraved in a solid 925 sterling silver sleeve. Gold-plated in 24 carat top quality.

Pelikan Toledo. Each piece is unique.
The Pelikan Toledo bears the personal signature of the master who designed the Toledo binding in traditional craftsmanship. His signature guarantees perfect quality and the individual numbering of the workpieces is an expression of the highest exclusivity: Each Pelikan Toledo is only available once in the world. Each Pelikan Toledo takes over 100 operations and more than 1 month to create. The handcrafted band, the finely chiseled, hand-formed 18-carat gold nib, the elaborately designed Pelikan beak clip and the many loving details make the Pelikan Toledo a timelessly valuable piece of jewelry.

Writing with the Pelikan Toledo. A great experience.
Especially in an age of mass products and computer printing, individuality is becoming increasingly important. Those who see their handwriting as an expression of their personality enjoy the the elastic sweep of the handwritten, finely chiseled 18-carat gold nib.

The Pelikan Toledo Certificate.
It documents the individuality and exclusivity. The certificate documents the individuality and exclusivity of each Pelikan Toledo with the original workpiece number, the name and address of the purchaser and the address of the handler. With his signature, the Pelikan production foreman shows that the Pelikan Toledo has successfully passed the careful final inspection.

Pelikan Toledo. A masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. Available in 8 nib widths: EF, F, M, B, BB, OM, OB, OBB."

The size and build of the Toledo M700 were based on the Souverän M400. Consistent with all the Toledos in the successive generations are the black resin cap, section, turning knob, and a sterling silver sleeve⁽²⁾ with 24 carat gold plated pelican bird motifs on it. Each pen has a green ink window. The section has no trim ring. Different from the M400, the two thin gold cap bands are reminiscent of the original T111 Toledo and 100N Toledo design from the 1930s⁽³⁾. The pelican bird motifs on the sleeve shows an attempt to reproduce those of the original Toledos⁽⁴⁾. Historically, they were engraved by one of three artists (initials CT, EH, & JB) (Pelikan’s Perch). The gold plating on the clip, cap crown, and cap bands is matte-finished⁽⁵⁾. The sleeve near the piston knob bears a unique serial numbers and the engraver's initials. On the other hand, the specifications of the Toledo pens have changed slightly over time. Earlier versions had a monochrome 18 carat gold nib, and no engraving on the turning knob. Later, the rounded end of the turning knob was stamped "Pelikan W.-Germany" (Pelikan’s Perch). From March 1990, the nib became a bicolor rhodium-plated 18 carat gold nib (Pelikan-collectibles), and in 1997, the cap top was gold-plated.

 

The M710 was slightly younger than the M700 and was first introduced in 1992. M710 had black resin parts with sterling silver sleeve, but was not gold plated like the M700. The trim was glossy silver, not matte finish and appeared to be palladium plated (Pelikan’s Perch). The cap had two bands, the larger of which is engraved "Pelikan 925 Germany". The nib was a bicolor rhodium-plated 18 carat gold. Interestingly, the silver pelican bird motifs of M710 was different from those of M700. The ring near the piston knob was engraved with the unique serial and engraver's initials like M700. The M710 was discontinued in 1997, but was revived for three years as a limited edition model from 2009 to 2011 (Pelikan-collectibles). 

 

Since 1986, The Toledo has been produced in small quantities for almost 40 years and has become one of the icons of the Pelikan fountain pens.

 

Note;⁽¹⁾As stated in Pelikan T111 Toledo (ca.1933), Pelikan Toledo was inspired by and paid homage to the “Toledo Technique” or Damasquinado , it was not made with the Toledo technique in the strict sense (PENEXCHANGE).
⁽²⁾The sleeve of the original Toledos in 1930s was made of steel (see Pelikan T111 Toledo and Pelikan 100N Toledo).
⁽³⁾Their material is now brass instead of 14 carat gold, and the surface is smooth, not milled (see links above).
⁽⁴⁾Because the pelicans are hand-engraved, there are slight variations in their faces from artist to artist and from period to period when they were made (万年筆評価の部屋, 万年筆おやじの備忘録). Probably, this was true of Toledo in the 1930s, but no one would have seen dozens of original Toledos.
⁽⁵⁾Unlike the Toledo in the 1930s, the pelican head motif on the clip was not adopted (see links above).

 

 

[tacitus]

As I didn't have access to Pelikan-collectibles, information was not available. This post much owes to Pelikan’ Perch. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude.

 

Pelikan Toledo M900 (1991-          )

 

In 1991, Pelikan introduced the Toledo M900. The model was similar in design and motif to the Toledo M700, but was based on the larger M800. So, the M900 is sometimes referred to as the "big Toledo". The construction of the Toledo M900 was almost identical to that of the M800, the main differences being the sleeve (made of sterling silver and engraved with 24 carat gold pelican motifs, the two cap rings (made of staring silver, and the wider ring was engraved with ”TOLEDO”"925"), and the two rings on the turning knob (made of sterling silver). As with the Toledo M700, the ink window was green, and there were a unique serial numbers and the engraver's initials on the sleeve near the piston knob. Unlike the Toledo M700, the clip, crown, and rings were not matte-finished, but glossy.

Interestingly, the early Toledo M900 had slight differences in specifications from lot to lot. The cap ring of the early production lot was engraved “W.-Germany,” while later lots were engraved "Germany". The engraving near the piston knob lacked the "925" seen from the second lot onward. It should also be noted that the early some Toledo M900 had a 20 carat gold nib⁽¹⁾(Pelikan’s Perch).

Unlike the Toledo M700, the Toledo M900 was initially a limited edition; the M900 was labeled the “TOLEDO M900 COLLECTORS' EDITION” and was sold in a limited 500 pieces for the North American market at $1,200⁽²⁾. These 500 pens came with a certificate declaring their exclusivity and rarity. The certificate was signed and dated by the inspector. A sales brochure advertising the rarity of this release was also available at the time. These Pelikan documents unmistakably show how the model was intended to be a limited release (Pelikan’s Perch). The limited edition sold out quickly. However, Pelikan re-released the M900 as a regular model⁽³⁾. As of 1997, the price was $1075, $125 less than the original. It is not hard to imagine that collectors who purchased the first limited edition felt betrayed by this re-release and felt that the value of the limited edition had been compromised (Pelikan’s Perch)⁽⁴⁾. However, this was not the first case for Pelikan fountain pen that an initially limited edition later became a regular model⁽⁵⁾. In any case, the Toledo M900 has been in production for a long time since then, with slight specification changes. Limited edition buyers may have ended up with an unfavorable deal, but the rest of the community certainly benefited from the wider availability of this gorgeous pen (Pelikan’s Perch).
 
The Toledo M910 was introduced in 1992 (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). Originally, the Toledo M910 (and M710) were produced for Ebel watch company, and were only later listed in Pelikan's own catalog (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). In Japan, it was listed as "Gran Toledo M910 Silver"("gran" is Spanish and means the same as grand) (Euro Box, 万年筆評価の部屋). Except for a bicolor rhodium-plated 18 carat gold nib, the model had an all-silver finish. Like the Toledo M700, the pelican motifs on the sleeve were different form those of M900. The M910 was discontinued as a regular product in 1999, but has since been re-released as a limited edition product in several different colors. In recent re-release, the nib was changed to a monochrome rhodium-plated 18 carat gold to match the design (KINGDOM NOTE).

Since 1991, the Toledo M900 has been produced in small quantities for more than 30 years and has become one of the icons of the Pelikan fountain pens.

Note;⁽¹⁾A 20 carat gold nib was first used in the Souverän M800 commemorating the 120th anniversary (1989) of Maruzen, one of Japan's leading bookstore and stationery store. Next, it was used in the Souverän M800 commemorating the unification of East and West Germany (1990). "The 20 carat nib has a shallower engraving and smaller scroll pattern than the 18 carat nib. The position of the feed relative to the nib is the same, but in the 18 carat nib, the tip of the scroll pattern and the tip of the feed are the same, while in the 20 carat nib, the tip of the feed comes out a few millimeters in front of the tip of the scroll pattern (Fig.7) (万年筆評価の部屋)".
⁽²⁾It is also mentioned that another 500 pens were sold to foreign markets (Pelikan’s Perch).

⁽³⁾It was not clear from the available source when the M900 was re-released. Does anyone know anything about it? In Japan, the M900 and M910 can be found as regular products in Pelikan catalog dating back to at least 1995 (万年筆評価の部屋).
⁽⁴⁾One such disgruntled collector filed a lawsuit against Pelikan-USA. For more information, please refer to Pelikan’s Perch.
⁽⁵⁾The M760 and its sibling, the M750, were introduced to commemorate Pelikan's 150th anniversary (1988). The early models had "1838-1988" engraved on the cap tube rim. Later, the engraving of the Jubilee years was omitted on becoming regular models.

 

I've used up my allotted attachment space so I'm posting pictures using the Gallery.

 

 

For further images, please see Pelikan Toledo M900 (1991-      ).

 

[tacitus]

I think I have listed almost all of the modern Pelikan pens to be mentioned. Then, I will pick up a few limited editions from my own collection. This is a far cry from my goal of "dating Pelikan pens", but the limited editions are so closely related to the great Pelikan pens of the past that I think they are worth mentioning here.

[tacitus]

Four Gods series - Asia Limited Edition

 

According to ancient Chinese thought, all things were born of the two types of chi, 'yin' and 'yang', and the best of these were called 'spiritual objects'. The ancients divided animals into four categories (birds, beasts, fish and reptiles) based on their characteristics of flying, walking, swimming and crawling; their feathers, hair, scales and shells; and the extent of their activities in heaven, earth, water and soil, and assigned a representative to each category. These are the "four spirits", namely the phoenix, the tiger, the dragon, and the turtle snake (Xuanwu). According to Chinese tradition, there are 28 constellations in the sky, and seven of them are scattered in the four directions - east, west, south, north and south - to form the animals. The east is shaped like a "dragon", the west like a "tiger", the south like a "phoenix" and the north like a "turtle". Later these "four animals" were combined with the "four colours" to form the colourful "four beasts". These are the "Dragon" in azure, the "Phoenix" in vermilion, the "Tiger" in pure white and the "Xuanwu" in black. In addition, since the center was missing, the "Kirin" was placed in the center and combined with yellow. This is based on the Wuxing (Five Phases philosophy) (FULLHALTER).

 

The Asia Limited Edition, the famous Pelikan series, was based on these great Chinese legends, with an Asian edition of only 888 pieces for five animals each. The number "8" is considered a lucky number in China and the Far East. 

[tacitus]

Pelikan Golden Dynasty (1995) - Asia Limited Edition

 

The first release of the Asia limited edition was the Golden Dynasty (1995), based on the dragon motif. Although changing its appearance and standing in different countries and eras, the dragon has consistently existed as a symbol of power and wealth. In particular, the dragon was the symbol of the emperor in many Chinese dynasties. In the Qing dynasty, the emperor's dragon was yellow or gold (it was red in the Ming dynasty, as the emperor's last name was “朱(Zhu); vermillion”). The dragon had one thing in common: it was a dragon with five claws, called the five-clawed dragon and was used as the symbol of the emperor during the Qing dynasty, as the highest-ranking dragon. Then, the five-clawed dragon became one of the most representative symbols of the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, only four-clawed dragons were allowed to be used by the imperial family, and only three-clawed dragons were allowed to be used by officials and commoners as a symbol of the lower classes. If anyone other than the emperor used the five-clawed dragon, he was punished severely as a criminal. Even when performing the role of an emperor in plays, only four-clawed dragons were allowed to be used, and the fact that the four-clawed dragon is often used in the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac in the calendar shows how widely the five-clawed dragon was recognized as a symbol of the emperor (KINDOM NOTE).  
 
The Golden Dynasty was made on the Toledo M900 basis, with the sleeve made of 925 solid sterling silver, which was plated with 24-carat gold, was decorated with artful engravings. Two dragons are depicted that are playing with a ball in the sky, shortly before disappearing behind rain clouds. According to Chinese mythology, this playing of the dragons calls the rain (Pelikan Passion). Naturally, the two dragons have five claws.
 
The outer box and the pamphlet depict the third Qing emperor, Shunzhi in 袞龍袍 (Dragon robe) decorated with the five-clawed dragons. The emperor, Shunzhi was the first Qing emperor to rule over China proper. He was responsible for solidifying the foundation of the Qing dynasty and guiding it through the next three dynasties of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong emperors, the Golden Age of the Qing dynasty. By the way, his portrait is reversed left to right from the original (Fig.6) preserved in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Unlike the series that followed, this model was made of black resin instead of the azure color symbolizing the dragon, and it does not have animal in its name. But, needless to say, the Golden dynasty is closely related to the “dragon”.

 

[tacitus]

 

Pelikan Golden Phoenix (1996) - Asia Limited Edition

 

The second release of the Asia Limited Edition was the Golden Phoenix (1996), based on the Chinese phoenix motif.

 

The phoenix appears in many Western cultures and legend, such as Greek, Egyptian and Persian mythology, where the phoenix is an immortal bird that cyclically regenerates. Associated with the sun, it gains new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor. 

 

The phoenix of the East is somewhat different. The phoenix of Western legend resembles an eagle, while the phoenix of Eastern legend resembles a chicken or pheasant. Also, in traditional Chinese mythology, the phoenix is not said to be reborn from ashes. In Chinese tradition, the phoenix is also described as Fenghuang (鳳凰). The Chinese phoenix, or Fenghuang, is a symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, and a symbol of world peace. The ancients believed that when times were peaceful and prosperous, phoenixes would fly over. The Chinese phoenix is the king of all birds in ancient Chinese legends. Its status in Chinese culture is the same as that of the dragon. It has been often depicted with a male dragon. For generations, it has been regarded as a role model, especially for women, because it encompasses the traditionally idealized feminine qualities of modesty, fidelity, chastity, and compassion. In emphasizing the connection between the heavens and the imperial family, the phoenix has represented the empress, the ideal companion to the dragon, the symbol of the emperor, the son of heaven (Shen Yun Performing Arts). Thus, the phoenix was the main decorative motif in costumes of the empresses of China. The cover picture of the pamphlet depicts the empress Xiaohuizhang (孝恵章皇后), the wife of the third Qing emperor, Shunzhi (順治帝). She was empress consort of the Qing from 1654 until her husband's death in 1661, after which she was honoured as Empress Dowager Renxian during the reign of her step-son, Xuanye, the Kangxi Emperor. She was posthumously honoured with the title empress Xiaohuizhang.

 

The pen paid tribute to the Chinese phoenix. It was crafted from resin of bright red symbolizing the Chinese phoenix, and featured an intricate vermeil phoenix against the matte black backdrop of the Toledo-style sleeve (Bonhams). The name "Golden Phoenix" obviously  indicates that this pen was a counterpart to the "Golden Dynasty". Both the outer paper box and the inner wooden box are similar in design to the Golden Dynasty. However, the pamphlet and the certificate are red.

 

 

[tacitus]

Pelikan White Tiger (2000) - Asia Limited Edition

 

The third  release of the Asia Limited Edition was the White Tiger (2000), based on the Chinese White Tiger motif. 888 pieces went into production.
 
The White Tiger originated from the ancient Chinese worship of the stars. The White Tiger originally symbolized the seven western constellations of the twenty-eight constellations. It is the Shaoyin (少陰) in the Four Symbols and the metal (金) in the Five Elements. It is the deity of the west and autumn. The White Tiger is the god of war who controls weapons. It has many powers, such as warding off evil, averting disasters, praying for a good harvest, punishing evil and promoting good, making money and getting married. For a more detailed explanation, please see the attached pamphlet (Fig.5).

The barrel is made of solid 24 carat gold-plated 925 sterling silver. The tiger's technical drawing for the engraving of the barrel overlay was made by Pelikan Malaysia on the basis of the existing motifs (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). On the barrel, the tiger is staring menacingly. Interestingly, a Japanese pen enthusiast and fountain pen master examined several White Tigers and reported how much of the engraving on the White Tiger was machine-engraved and how much was hand-engraved. He concluded that their engravings were almost identical and that 100% of the White Tigers were machine-engraved. He also reported that the Xuan Wu and Kirin that follow the White Tiger also have no hand-engraved parts. On the other hand, he reported that the preceding Golden Dynasty and Golden Phoenix clearly have hand-engraved parts. All Asia Limited Editions sell at a premium, but the Golden Dynasty and Golden Phoenix are most popular and extremely overpriced on the used market. He speculates that one of the reasons is that they have more intricate designs and hand-engraved parts (万年筆評価の部屋). Whether you believe this story or not, I recommend that owners of these series take a closer look at how the designs are engraved.

The caps and sections are made of white resin, as befits a white tiger. However, the color is not pure white, but rather a pearly white, and when the light shines on it, you can see it shimmer from different angles (Fig.3-4). You can see that the appearance is very different compared to other white colors. This pearly white gives the white tiger a graceful and luxurious appearance.

Starting with the White Tiger, the cap ring is now stamped “Ag 925” (Fig.2). The parts made of sterling silver are the barrel, two cap rings, and two turning knob rings.

Incidentally, unlike the Golden Dynasty and Golden Phoenix, the White Tiger came in an outer gray box made of paper and cloth(?) (as I recall) that was much larger than the inner box. At that time, I was not in the habit of keeping all the accessories of my pens, so I threw away the outer box because it was too bulky (now I regret it). The inner box also used to be black wood, but it has been replaced by gray paper and cloth. See here for the outer box. Unlike in the past series, the inner box has a motif of the White Tiger (either as a deity or as a constellation) on the top.