Dating Pelikan fountain Pen

[tacitus]

Pelikan 100/100N/101N barrel variation

Here, I focus on the variation of Pelikan 100N/101N barrels.

• As for material, it has been said that the barrel was made of celluloid (cellulose nitrate) until the material was replaced with acrylics in 1940. But, according to @stoen, there existed uncommon barrels made of cellulose acetate from early time (e.g. model 100 in the 3rd generation, model 100N in the 1st generation). So celluloid and cellulose acetate coexisted for years (Fig.1). In 1939-1940, Günter Wagner utilized cellulose acetate for other parts (e.g. cap tubes, cap tops, sections, piston guides and turning knobs) to replace ebonite as the company did so with celluloid. But, beginning in 1940, acrylics took over celluloid/cellulose acetate in a stepwise manner.

• When celluloid barrel was introduced for model 100 in 1931, it was without any protection (Fig.2 top). The barrel soon got reinforced with brass ring (Fig.2 bottom). Model 100N had the reinforcing ring from the beginning. But, there exist 100/Magnum/100N/101N barrels without ring (Fig.3, 4, 5 bottom, 6)⁽¹⁾. Without ring, the barrel is less resistant to crack, but sleeve looks tidy or clear. When acrylics barrel was introduced, reinforcing ring was not mounted anymore.

• As stated before, there exist barrels coated with white paint so that base barrel color would not show through the sleeve, most of which I know are tortoiseshell sleeve (Fig.3, 4,5 bottom)

 

Model 100N produced in Milan also can be called "variation" in every sense. I'll comment on it later.

 

Note; ⁽¹⁾ Please compare the first year 101N and the 2nd year 101N (Fig.5).

 

Fig.1. Pelikan 100 demonstrator with cellulose acetate barrel (cas.1933).

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 100 with or without the reinforcing ring (ca.1931).

 

 

Fig.3. Pelikan Magnum (ca.1935). Middle.

 

Fig.4. Pelikan 100 tortoise (ca.1935).

 

Fig.5. Pelikan 100N with or without the reinforcing ring. top; ca.1937, bottom; ca.1938. By courtesy of Christof Zollinger.

 

Fig.6. Pelikan 100N barrel (ca.1937). By courtesy of Christof Zollinger.

[tacitus]

Second generation

Pelikan 100N (ca.1938)

 

In February 1938, the use of gold nibs for the domestic market was forbidden by the government. Following it, as of May 16, 1938, pens were fitted with palladium nibs (Green Book).

 

As I don't own any 100N with Pd nib, I can't comment on it in detail. Presumably, like model 100, nib was gold-plated (Fig.2), and other specification were similar to those of Pelikan 100N (ca.1938). The pen in Fig.1 may be the white trim variant (click).

 

Fig.1. Pelikan 100N with Pd nib (Pelikan-collectibles).

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 100N with Pd nib (1938 RARE PELIKAN 100N VINTAGE PEN PALLADIUM NIB MINTY).

 

Fig.3. Timeline of the nibs for Pelikan 100N (Pelikan-collectibles).

[tacitus]

Second generation

Pelikan 100N (ca.1939)

Stating from 1938, Günter Wagner gradually replaced ebonite with celluloid (or cellulose acetate). The company moved toward newer material(s), first for cap tube, then for cap top, and finally for filler mechanism (Pelikan History) (Fig.4). By 1939, ebonite was gone from Pelikan pens, except for foreign production (e.g. Milan)⁽¹⁾. Probably, this pen is a transitional model made in this period. Cap top and cap tube are made of celluloid (Fig.4 right). There is no vent hole on the cap tube. The filler mechanism is ebonite. Please refer to Pelikan 100N (ca.1938) for other specification. If gold nib is original for the pen, this pen may be for the export market. There is no nib size specification on the pen.

 

As of 1939, precious metal model lineups were only 100N variants. By the end of March 1939, all precious metal models for the domestic market were discontinued (Green Book). From then on, precious metal model were exclusively destined for the export market ("Pelican” catalog 1939)⁽²⁾.

 

As from October 11, 1939, model 100N was was fitted with chromium/nickel (CN) nibs for the domestic market⁽³⁾ , as the use of palladium nibs was forbidden by the government (Green Book).

Note;⁽¹⁾ Pelikan Hannover sold its ebonite machinery to Pelikan Milan, Italy in 1939 (click).

⁽²⁾ All fountain pens in the catalog should be fitted with gold nibs, as IBIS130 in it had gold nib.

⁽³⁾ It seems that pens were were still fitted with gold nibs for the export market.

 

Fig.1. The nib of Pelikan 100N.

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 100N with cap post.

 

Fig.3. Pelikan 100N with cap closed.

 

Fig.4. Transition of material from ebonite to celluloid. Left; ca.1938, middle; ca.1939, right; ca.1939.

 

PS; Please see pages 144- 145 of this catalog ("Pelican” catalog 1939). Günter Wagner tells what they considered were the special features of new Pelikan fountain pen. The corresponding pages are identical to that of Pelikan catalog No.70 (1938).

[lionelc]

some broken photo links tacitus, excellent read - keep up the good work!

[tacitus]

1 hour ago, lionelc said:

some broken photo links tacitus, excellent read - keep up the good work!

Thank you @lionelc.

I fixed it.😄

[mana]

Still not visible, unfortunately. I checked the links to the images and get a 403 error (Forbidden). Could you check their permissions?

"403. That’s an error.

Your client does not have permission to get URL /ZAt...xSl=w1280 from this server."

[tacitus]

11 hours ago, mana said:

Still not visible, unfortunately. I checked the links to the images and get a 403 error (Forbidden). Could you check their permissions?

"403. That’s an error.

Your client does not have permission to get URL /ZAt...xSl=w1280 from this server."

 

Hello @Mama. Thank you for viewing and pointing out😉.

I fixed again and added one photo.

As you know, in case that FPN is down or working well, I have a website. 

Please see below👇

[mana]

5 hours ago, tacitus said:

I fixed again and added one photo.

As you know, in case that FPN is down or working well, I have a website. 

Please see below👇

Wonderful, thanks! And yes, your site is very nice! I can't wait for you to delve into my favorite vintage Pelikans, the 4th gen/"post war" 100N/101N.

Btw. if you need pics of my 100N just let me know, I will gladly take more "to order/spec" in case there is something specific that you want to illustrate. I will be off work/on summer vacation (at home though) for the next three weeks so I will have a plenty of time for such things.

[tacitus]

1 hour ago, mana said:

Wonderful, thanks! And yes, your site is very nice! I can't wait for you to delve into my favorite vintage Pelikans, the 4th gen/"post war" 100N/101N.

Btw. if you need pics of my 100N just let me know, I will gladly take more "to order/spec" in case there is something specific that you want to illustrate. I will be off work/on summer vacation (at home though) for the next three weeks so I will have a plenty of time for such things.

Please don't get your expectations too high😅. I just started to it for helping to share information. 

I'm now working on deskpens.

 

Thank you for your offer, @mana. I'll ask you for help in due time😄.

 

[tacitus]

Second generation

Pelikan 100Nf / 100Na (ca.1939)

 

In March, 1939, model 100N was expanded with two desk pen models.

• Model 100Nf; "f" stood for "fest (fixed)", as it had a fixed extension (holder) (Fig.1).

• Model 100Na; "a" stood for "abnehmbar (removable)", as it had a removable extension (Fig.2).

Green Book presents two types of customers Günter Wagner wanted to win over with these models.

• Companies that wanted to make a company fountain pen available to their office employees. The long extension was expected to prevent employees from putting the pen into their own pockets inadvertently.

• Customers who expected fountain pens for the shape of their accustomed long dip pen holder.

According to Penboard.de, "Desksets are mostly found in Italy, where such desksets were much more requested"(Fig.1). Please refer to Pelikan-guide for other variations.

I don't have normal Pelikan 100Nf/100Na. My pen (Fig.4) is a deskpen that Pelikan Milan produced to follow Italian demand, probably after WWII. The pens are based on the model 100Nf pens without grip threads (Fig.6) and cap unit, made to be deskpens only (Pelikan-collectibles). This pen may be one of the two pens that consisted of model 100S (ca.1950) (Fig.3) as listed in the Italian catalogues (Penboard.de). But, I don't have further information.

The specifications are as follows⁽¹⁾;

Nib; material: 14 ct gold, shape: round vent hole, logo:

Pelikan

・585・

14 KARAT

Feed; material: ebonite, shape: N/A, three lamellae without the recess.

Nib socket; material: ebonite, shape: N/A.

Grip section; material: ebonite, shape; flat top edge, slightly tapered, no threads.

Barrel; material: transparent celluloid without brass ring.

Sleeve; material: celluloid.

Filling system; material: ebonite with synthetic plastic seal, shape: smooth turning with elongated extension.

Dimensions;^(a)from grip section end to extension end, ^(b)from grip section end to barrel end

Barrel         Barrel         Barrel       Total

length(a)    length(b)   width        weight    

180.5 mm   88 mm      12 mm       16 g

 

Different from normal 100Nf, sleeve is incorporated into the barrel. So, there is no step between the sleeve and grip section (Fig.9). This is the typical characteristics of Milan model. I compared the total length between 100N and 100Nf (Fig.10). The total length of 100Nf is 203 mm (from nib to extension end). That of 100N is 117 mm (without cap), or 158 mm (with cap posted). Please imagine how long model 100Nf is.

 

I'll focus on Milan model variation in due time. 

 

Note; ⁽¹⁾ As I can't disassemble the pen, some data is not available.

 

Fig.1. Pelikan 100Nf with Italian nib.

 

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 100Na

 

Fig.3. Pelikan 100S

Fig.4. Pelikan 100Nf with pen stand. The pen stand is NOT original to the pen.

 

 

Fig.5. The nib of Pelikan 100Nf.

Fig.6. Pelikan 100Nf.

 

Fig.7. Pelikan 100Nf. "Pelikan" logo on the barrel.

Fig.8. The extension of Pelikan 100Nf.

Fig.9. The sleeve and grip section of Pelikan 100Nf.

 

Fig.10. Pelikan 100N (ca.1939) and Pelikan 100Nf.

[tacitus]

Third generation

Pelikan 100N (ca.1942)⁽¹⁾

Green indicates the changes from Pelikan 100N (ca.1939).

Cap top; material: celluloid, shape: conical, flat cap top edge, logo: new two chicks logo on the top and “Pelikan PATENT Pelikan PATENT” on the lateral side.

Cap tube; material: celluloid, shape: no vent holes, two narrow bands, grooved around the inner wall.

Clip; shape: gold plated drop clip.

Nib; material: chromium/nickel (CN) - steel, shape: round vent hole, logo: (“CN” is circled)

Pelikan

CN

Feed; material: ebonite, shape: flat tail, three lamellae without the recess.

Nib socket; material: ebonite, shape: 13.5 mm.

Grip section and barrel; material: one piece injection molded transparent acrylics, shape; flat top edge, slightly tapered, step near the thread, no brass ring.

Sleeve; material: celluloid.

Filling system; material: injection molded acrylics with black synthetic plastic seal⁽¹⁾, shape: conical, smooth turning knob.

Dimensions;^(a)with sleeve, ^(b)without sleeve, ^(c)ink chamber volume

Total         Cap           Barrel      Barrel    Barrel   Cap      Ink             Total

length       length       length     width^(a)  width^(b) width  capacity^(c) weight

112.5 mm 60.5 mm 99.5 mm 11.5 mm 12 mm  13 mm 2.0 ml       15 g

 

As from October 11, 1939, Pelikan fountain pens were fitted with chromium/nickel (CN) - steel nib, as the use of palladium nibs for the domestic market was forbidden by the government⁽²⁾. It is likely that early CN nibs were lightly gold-plated (Fig.4 third from left). Some nibs had the half round slit for flexibility (Fig.1,4). please refer to Pelikan 100 (ca.1940) for further information on CN nib.

 

Until 1940, the body was made of ebonite section (Fig.6 left) and celluloid / cellulose acetate barrel (ver.1)⁽¹⁾. In early 1940's, Günter Wagner introduced new material, acrylic plastic to the barrels (Green book). With the introduction of acrylic plastic, model 100N went into the "3rd generation". It seems that the material of the filling system was also (gradually?) replaced with acrylic plastic. According to @stoen's observation, at first, Günter Wagner manufactured injection molded acrylic plastic barrel with cellulose acetate stepped section (ver.2a)(Fig.6 right). Ver.2a section had narrower threading and could fit model 100 barrel, but the step would be too wide and collar / feed slot is of wrong type for model 100. Ver.2a bodies came with only black synthetic plastic seal (Fig.5 middle), because the “pork-pie-hat” piston nut of the cork seal cannot fit the back end of the section bore (Fig.7 bottom). Around the same time, the company manufactured injection molded acrylic plastic barrel with cellulose acetate stepless section (ver.2b) (Fig.8). Ver.2b is compatible with ver.1, meaning that the section and barrel of ver.2b can fit the barrel and ebonite section of ver.1, respectively. Ver.2b bodies came with either cork or black synthetic plastic seal. @stoen's observation suggests that black synthetic plastic seal was introduced sometime between 1940 and 1942, and coexisted with cork seal for a while. The reinforcing ring was no more installed on ver.2a and ver.2b. Around 1942, Günter Wagner engineered the injection molded one piece acrylic plastic body with step (ver.3). The section was painted black from inside. In October, 1942, the black plastic seal finally replaced cork seal (Green book).

 

Thereafter, ver.3 body had been unchanged until after WWII. Around 1949, the body was replaced with injection molded one piece acrylic body without step (ver.4).

My pen with all signs of model 100N with ver.3 body of the 3rd generation, may be dated ca.1942 or later.

 

Note;⁽¹⁾ Based on @stoen’s original research, I summarized the transition of the body of model 100N, showing its "evolution". To tell the truth, I didn't notice that evolution, until pointed out by @stoen. As you know, version is my arbitrary naming, and only for the descriptive purpose.

 

Ver.1; Ebonite stepped section / celluloid or cellulose acetate barrel (1937-1940) (cork seal)

↓

Ver.2a; Cellulose acetate stepped section / injection molded acrylic plastic barrel (1940-1942) (black synthetic plastic seal)

Ver.2b; Cellulose acetate stepless section / injection molded acrylic plastic barrel (1940-1942) (cork seal or black synthetic plastic seal)

↓

Ver.3; One piece stepped acrylic plastic body (1942-1949) (black synthetic plastic seal)

↓

Ver.4; One piece stepless acrylic plastic body (1949-1954) (black → white synthetic plastic seal)

 

According to @stoen, both, ver.2a and ver.2b are rather uncommon, but not prototype, and were likely transitional model to ver.3. The advantages of one piece injection molded acrylic bodies (at the cost of serviceability) is probably productivity, cost, and quality control. @stoen found ver.3 pens had slightly wider grip/cap threading and ink window than ver.4, as ver.4 caps that @stoen has tried couldn’t fit the ver.3 bodies. @stoen also found that in “stepped” bodies (no matter, one or two piece), the section wall were rather thin, and would easily crack there. In ver.4, such a “design weakness” was improved, and fewer ver.4 pens developed cracks in that part.

 

Whether there was a body evolution in model 100 remains to be elucidated.

⁽²⁾ Some export market pens had gold nibs (1940 Gray Pelikan 100N Set).

 

Fig.1. The nib of Pelikan 100N.

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 100 with the cap posted.

 

Fig.3. Pelikan 100 with the cap closed.

 

Fig.4. Timeline of the nibs for Pelikan 100N (Pelikan-collectibles).

 

Fig.5. The filling systems of model 100N. Top; ca.1937, middle; ca.1942, bottom; ca.1953. By courtesy of Christof Zollinger.

Fig.6. The grip section of model 100N. Left; ebonite (ver.1) (ca.1937), right; cellulose acetate (ver.2a) (ca.1940) with narrower threading. By courtesy of @stoen.

 

Fig.7. The grip section with piston rod. top; ebonite (ver.1) (ca.1937), bottom; cellulose acetate (ver.2a) (ca.1940). Ver.2a section has narrower threading, so the “pork-pie-hat” piston nut of the cork seal cannot fit its back end bore. By courtesy of @stoen.

 

Fig.8. 100N with cellulose acetate stepless section (ver.2b) (ca.1940). By courtesy of @stoen.

[tacitus]

Third generation

Pelikan 100N (ca.1942)

As from mid-1942 (green book), the only fountain pens that were allowed to be produced for the domestic market were standard 100s(1).

On August 13, 1942, Günter Wagner announced that only 100s without metal cap rings were to be produced for the domestic market. At that time, brass used for cap tube rings was a strategic material. In this period, Montblanc also made wartime fountain pens without metal cap rings (Montblanc No. 134).

 

According to the source (Pelikan 100N wartime model), this pen is Pelikan 100N "wartime model". This pen has two incised rings (roulette) like model 100 wartime model (Green book). I don't have further information on it. I assume that 100N wartime model was also produced at least in some foreign factory.

 

Note; (1)I'm not sure if model 100N was allowed to be produced for the domestic market.

 

Fig.1. The nib of Pelikan 100N wartime model.

 

Fig.2. Two incised rings (roulette) on the cap tube of Pelikan 100N.

 

Fig.3. Pelikan 100N wartime model.

 

Fig.4. Pelikan 100N wartime model.

 

Fig.5. Pelikan 100 N green marbled, with Danzig Clip and knurled cap bands (ca.1944).

This is another example of "wartime" model.

[tacitus]

Third generation

Pelikan 100N (ca.1942)

 

Green indicates the changes from Pelikan 100N (ca.1942).

Cap top; material: ebonite, shape: conical, inclined cap top edge, logo: new two chicks logo on the top and “PELIKAN 100N GÜNTER WAGER GERMANY” on the lateral side.

Cap tube; material: celluloid, shape: "Pelikan" logo on the tube, one fluted band, no groove inside the tube.

Clip; shape: gold plated fluted clip.

Nib; material: 14 ct gold, shape: round vent hole, logo: 

Pelikan

• 585• 

14 KARAT

F

Feed; material: ebonite, shape: flat tail, three lamellae without the recess.

Nib socket; material: ebonite, shape: 13.5 mm.

Grip section and barrel; material: one piece injection molded transparent acrylics, shape; flat top edge, tapered, no brass ring.

Sleeve; material: celluloid.

Filling system; material: celluloid with black synthetic plastic seal, shape: conical, smooth turning knob. 

Dimensions;(a)with sleeve, (b)without sleeve, (c)ink chamber volume

Total            Cap              Barrel         Barrel          Barrel           Cap             Ink              Total

length          length          length        width(a)        width(b)        width          capacity(c)    weight    

122 mm       60 mm        99 mm       11.5 mm      12.5 mm       13.5 mm     1.8 ml        15 g

 

In 1942, all precious metal models for model 100N (exclusively for the export market) were discontinued (Green book). So, 100Ns and 101N were left for the export markets. For the domestic markets, only wartime 100Ns (CN nib, without cap rings) were produced (Pelikan 100N "wartime model" ca.1942). 

 

On March 19, 1943, Deutscher Reichsanzeiger announced that all production of fountain pens and their spare parts would be illegal as of May 1, 1943. However, exceptionally, Günter Wagner received the instruction that the company was allowed to produce their pens shifting their quota from domestic to foreign destinations. In 1943, the company stopped the production of 100Ns for the domestic market (FountainPen.it). 

 

I don't have any information on how severe damage Günther Wagner factory suffered in WWII. But, Hanover, an important railway and road junction and production center, was a major target for strategic bombing. More than 50% of Hannover, with more than 90% of the buildings in the city center was destroyed in a total of 88 bombing raids starting in May 1940 (The History of Hannover). In 1944, the company completely ceased all the production in Germany (FountainPen.it). So, thereafter all 100Ns on the market were produced outside Germany (Fig.8).

 

This pen is different from other 3rd generation pens in several points. Interestingly, there is no groove inside the cap tube (Fig.5). I'm not sure if it was manufacturing defect. Cap top logo is different from others. But, the most distinctive feature of the pen is "Pelikan" logo on the cap tube. There are several ads that show similar prewar to wartime model 100N (Fig.6, 7(1)). The pen, with one piece injection molded body and gold nib, seems to be for the export market or foreign production (e.g. Italia) in 1942 or later.

 

Note;(1) Please take notice of the mark at the lower right corner. It was the Fascist authorization mark for Italian products (click). "Fasci" are arranged in the mark. We can tell that fountain pen production was under control of Partito Nazionale Fascista (PNF) at that time.

 

Fig.1. The nib of Pelikan 100N.

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 100 with the cap posted.

 

Fig.3. Pelikan 100 with the cap closed.

 

Fig.4. "Pelikan" logo on the cap.

 

Fig.5. Inside of the cap tube without groove.

 

Fig.6. Advertising for inks and Pelikan 100N (ca. 1937-) in Germany.

 

Fig.7. Advertising for inks and Pelikan 100N (ca. 1937-) in Italian. "Grafiche matelli, Milano" is also seen.

 

 

Fig.8. Pelikan 100 N green marbled, with Danzig Clip and single cap band (ca.1944).

[tacitus]

Addendum to Third generation

Pelikan 100N

Before moving to the 4th generation, I want to state how Günter Wagner resumed the production of their fountain pens based on Green book in brief.

 

In April 1945, the Allied ground advance into Germany reached Hanover. On April 10, 1945, the US 84th infantry division captured the city. After WWII, Hanover was in the British zone of occupation of Germany. The delivery of finished pens was limited by the military government's headquarters, and exporting finished pens and spare parts were frozen.

 

In February, 1946, the machinery had not yet been fully repaired. On the contrary, the company planed to relocate the injection molding machinery to another division (packaging division). Mr. Kovàcs fought against the plan as delay in resumption of production would lead to delay in his income from his royalties. The company shelved the plan fearing that he would offer his patens to foreign manufacturers, and put more energy into getting production started up again.

 

Finally, in 1947, the supply of pens with CN nib for the domestic market was resumed though in limited quantity.

 

As from October, 1948, pens with gold nib were allowed to be produced for the export market.

 

As from July, 1949, pens with gold nib were allowed to be produced for the domestic market. The purchaser had to supply used nibs in exchange, though. But, at the end of 1949, gold nibs became available without supplying used nibs.

 

I don't have any pen in this time to present here.

[tacitus]

Fourth generation

Pelikan 101N (ca.1949)

 

In April 1945, the Allied ground advance into Germany reached Hanover. On 10 April, 1945, the US 84th infantry division captured the city. 

 

After WWII, Hanover was in the British zone of occupation of Germany. The delivery of finished pens was limited by the military government's headquarters, and exporting finished pens and spare parts were frozen.

 

In February, 1946, the machinery had not yet been fully repaired. On the contrary, the company planed to relocate the injection molding machinery to another division (packaging division). Mr. Kovàcs fought against the plan, because delay in resumption of production would lead to delay in his income from his royalties. The company shelved the plan fearing that he would offer his patens to foreign manufacturers, and put more energy into getting production started up again.

 

Finally, in 1947, the supply of pens with CN nib for the domestic market was resumed though in limited quantity.

 

As from October, 1948, pens with gold nib were allowed to be produced for the export market.

 

Green indicates the changes from Pelikan 100N (ca.1942).

Cap top; material: celluloid, shape: conical, flat cap top edge, logo: new two chicks logo on the top and “Pelikan PATENT Pelikan PATENT” on the lateral side.

Cap tube; material: celluloid, shape: no vent holes, two narrow bands, grooved around the inner wall.

Clip; shape: gold plated drop clip.

Nib; material: 14 ct gold, shape: round vent hole, logo:

Pelikan

585

14 KARAT

S

Feed; material: ebonite, shape: flat tail, three lamellae without the recess.

Nib socket; material: ebonite, shape: 13.5 mm.

Grip section and barrel; material: one piece injection molded transparent acrylics, shape; flat top edge, slightly tapered, no step near the thread, no brass ring.

Sleeve; material: celluloid.

Filling system; material: injection molded acrylics with black synthetic plastic seal, shape: conical, smooth turning knob.

Dimensions;^(a)with sleeve, ^(b)without sleeve, ^(c)ink chamber volume

Total Cap Barrel Barrel Barrel Cap Ink Total

length length length width^(a) width^(b) width capacity^(c) weight

121.5 mm 60.5 mm 99.5 mm 11 mm 12 mm 13.5 mm 2.0 ml 15 g

 

In 1949, the grip section with step was replaced by a smooth grip section (Green book). It seems that Günter Wagner concluded that the step was unnecessary in terms of ergonomics or visual sense. With this modification, model 100N moved to the 4th generation.

 

As from July 4, 1949, pens with gold nib were allowed to be produced for the domestic market. But, the purchaser had to supply used nibs in exchange. At the end of 1949, gold nibs became available without exchanging used nibs. CN nibs were still available (Green book).

 

My pen is not in a good condition, but tells me how it was build up. As I told before, the barrel was coated with white paint in some model 101Ns, so that the barrel color would not show through. As a result, the sleeve looked brighter and something like "mother of pearl" in some pens. As seen in Fig.4, white paint has come off or degraded from the grip-side portion, where it looks darker and original tortoiseshell color.

 

By the way, my pen has "S" mark on the nib. According to Pelikan-collectibles, "S" stands for "Scheiben-spitze". I don't know about the nib well. Please tell me what the nib is like or what the nib is for.

Fig.1. The nib of Pelikan 101N.

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 101N with the cap posted.

 

Fig.3. Pelikan 100N with the cap closed.

Fig.4. Pelikan 100N with the cap closed.

[tacitus]

Fourth generation

 

I have only two model 100Ns left to be posted. As I'm not ready with them, yet, I summarize the pen lineup as from 1949 to 1953 in brief.

 

On June 20, 1949, model IBIS was re-introduced with CN nib by the name of IBIS 130 for the domestic market. On July 25, 1949, IBIS 130 with gold nib became available for the export market. On March 2, 1950, IBIS 130 with gold nib became available for the domestic market.

 

On May 25, 1950, model 400 and 500 were introduced. Model 500 has rolled gold cap and turning knob. Technologically and physically, model 400 family was the successor of model 100N, although they coexisted for 4 years (1950-1954). Like 100N, model 400 had the differential piston filling mechanism and striped body. On the one hand, there were many different points in dimension, structure, and design. Especially, Günter Wagner re-designed the feed for model 400. The new feed had four lamellas and more complicated ink guide and air way. On September 18, 1950, model 600 with 14-karat gold cap and turning knob introduced. Model 600 has. In January 1951, model 700 with fully overlaid 14-karad gold was introduced. In terms of lineup and price, model 400 became the flagship (Pelikan catalog No.70/8; 1951).

 

Getting back on model 100N, in 1950, Günter Wagner introduced white disc-shaped plastic seal (Figure) (Green book). According to @mana, the seal was also used in model 400. In 1951, Günter Wagner discontinued model 101N, diminishing model 100N lineup. As from April 22, 1952, model 100N with CN nib was not available. On January 16, 1953, model 100N nib was made replicable with the special plier like model 400. Presumably, re-designed feed with four lamellas was introduced at that time. To be continued to Pelikan 100N (ca.1953).

 

Figure

[stoen]

23 hours ago, tacitus said:

According to @mana, the seal was also used in model 400. In 1951, Günter Wagner discontinued model 101N, diminishing model 100N lineup. As from April 22, 1952, model 100N with CN nib was not available. On January 16, 1953, model 100N nib was made replicable with the special plier like model 400. Presumably, re-designed feed with four lamellas was introduced at that time.

Hello,

 

may I please assume freedom of commenting on the quoted fragment:

 

1. The post-war 100N barrels were made with identical barrel bore (internal diameter) as 400 barrels, (unlike the pre-war ones, which were 0.2mm wider). Therefore the gaskets (seals) were interchangeable. Also the piston shaft notching for 100N, 400 and 140 as well as mechanism spiral screw gradients were made identical, which largely simplified spare parts manufacturing.

 

2. According to my research, the re-designed, notched, new plier-removable collar, must either have been available before Jan. 16. 53, or the introduction of the four-fin feed to 100N does not coincide with this date. I can prove this (at least) with my first-hand owned post-war 100N which belongs to my family estate, perfect condition, never repaired. It has a new collar and old three-fin feed. Here’s the picture.

Four fin feeds were in production since 1950. I’ve also seen four-fin feed 100Ns, with old style collars. They are fully interchangeable. Therefore I find the assumption of coincident introduction of new collars and four-fin feeds to 100N inconclusive. The transition must have been much “softer”.

 

It would be good to post the proof which can show that the new 100N collars haven’t existed before Jan. 16. 1953.

 

3. according to 

https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Historic-Pens/100N/index.html

Pelikan 101N tortoise-striped must  have existed beyond 1951. Whether originally marketed under that name, or perhaps as 100N (?) isn’t clear. This particular model shown must have been from 1954, because it has not only a four-fin feed, but also a re-designed fir-tree pattern + logo nib, such as found in 400N.

 

Hope this comment can help.

🙂

 

 

[tacitus]

Thank you for the comment, @stoen.

 

> 1. The post-war 100N barrels were made with identical barrel bore (internal diameter) as 400 barrels, ... Therefore the gaskets (seals) were interchangeable. Also the piston shaft notching for 100N, 400 and 140 as well as mechanism spiral screw gradients were made identical, which largely simplified spare parts manufacturing.

 

As I'm not able to disassemble model 400, your information helps so much🥰. 

 

 

I was wondering when the new collar and feed were introduced. The period of introduction of new collar was January 16, 1953 according to Green book, and September 1, 1950 according to Pelikan-collectibles. As for the period of introduction of four fin feed, no information is available.

 

The existence of four-fin feed with old style collar seems to support the date in Green book.

[tacitus]

1 hour ago, stoen said:

3. according to 

https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Historic-Pens/100N/index.html

Pelikan 101N tortoise-striped must  have existed beyond 1951. Whether originally marketed under that name, or perhaps as 100N (?) isn’t clear. This particular model shown must have been from 1954, because it has not only a four-fin feed, but also a re-designed fir-tree pattern + logo nib, such as found in 400N.

Exactly!！

I didn't notice that.

[Nethermark]

19 hours ago, stoen said:

3. according to 

https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Historic-Pens/100N/index.html

Pelikan 101N tortoise-striped must  have existed beyond 1951. Whether originally marketed under that name, or perhaps as 100N (?) isn’t clear. This particular model shown must have been from 1954, because it has not only a four-fin feed, but also a re-designed fir-tree pattern + logo nib, such as found in 400N.

Could the feed and nib be a later replacement?