Dating Pelikan fountain Pen

[tacitus]

4 hours ago, Nethermark said:

Could the feed and nib be a later replacement?

Thank you for the comment. That might be the case.

 

However, the striped binde looks like gray one of model 100N (1954) presented in Pelikan-collectibles and Green book, and the pen in Green book has a "chevron" nib. So, the nib seems to be consistent with Pelikan 101N tortoise-striped pen for me.

[stoen]

On 9/20/2021 at 10:10 AM, Nethermark said:

Could the feed and nib be a later replacement?

This should perhaps be discussed with the owner of the Pelikan Collectibles site, IMHO.

 

The facts are that:

- 400 and 100n nibs are physically identical and therefore interchangeable. So are the feeds, but the 400 (four-fin) feed is considered a technical upgrade. I’ve seen a few 100Ns with such feeds and don’t consider this a “later replacement” because it’s documented in official sources as legitimate, and many three-fin feeds were available in the spare parts stock and aftermarket.

 

- tortoise striped 100n is rather rare. I’ve never held one in my hands.

 

The spare parts for 100n still have been made after the model was retired. The pen pictured in that site is a completely legitimate late 100N.

 

 

Hope this can help.

 

[mana]

Some more info regarding the parts interchangeability of the 100N & 400-series pens nibs, feeds and collars.

The nibs of the 100N and 400-series pens are, in theory at least, usually directly interchangeable. I just measured, using calipers, several specimens of three- and four-fin 100N feeds and also, feeds from 400 & 400NN. They all share the same maximum external diameter of 5.55 mm.

 

I had a look at the three post-1949 100N with four-fin feeds that I have, the design of those feeds is similar to the four-fin feeds, aside from the number of fins, naturally. The design of the 100N and 400-series pens feeds are however quite different.

Seating a 400-series feed with a nib in a 100N collar will make the nib sit way back. Seating a 100N feed in a 400-series collar... please do not try that unless you like buying spare collars, I just managed to crack one that I used for testing when seating the nib and feed to it... Ouch.

 

Anyway, continuing on the theme of parts interchangeability, this time for 100N feeds and collars and suitable nibs from either earlier 100, 100N or the 400-series pens, is somewhat affected by wear, adherence to tolerances, how the collar has set over the years, etc. It usually takes some effort to find a working combination of a nib, feed and collar if you are working with donor/used parts.

 

All of the previous can make some combinations really hard to assemble as the collar is just too tight for that particular nib (and feed), and some combinations too loose as the collar's internal diameter doesn't mate the nib properly with the feed, this usually leading to a variety of issues including the pen leaking spontaneously as a proper seal is not formed inside the nib unit.

 

 

 

[stoen]

4 hours ago, mana said:

 

I had a look at the three post-1949 100N with four-fin feeds that I have, the design of those feeds is similar to the four-fin feeds, aside from the number of fins, naturally. The design of the 100N and 400-series pens feeds are however quite different.

 

Thanks for your valuable comment and courage to experiment, @mana.

 

Suppose I’m due to reply.

Sorry to read about broken collars, although I find fitting a 400 nib unit with a 3-fin-feed somewhat speculative. With due respect to all the necessary caution when working with 70+ year old materials, stored in who knows what conditions for decades, cracked collars still need not happen, because at least some parts were made compatible (if not backward compatible). Perhaps opening a Pelikan parts compatibility thread in the Repairs forum would be the right thing to do.

Up: 3-fin-feed unit w. old style collar

Md: 3-fin-feed unit w. new style collar

Dn: 4-fin-feed unit w. new style collar

 

By no means was the point of any of my posts in encouraging light-headed or irresponsible DIY repair attempts. It was in discussing the fact that interchangeability of all nibs and four-fin feeds between late 100N and early 400 pens can make dating of some post-war 100Ns a bit more difficult, which was also sensibly remarked by @Nethermark, and the case study expertly resolved by @tacitus.

 

Could you please be a little more specific about the “...design of those [four-fin] feeds was similar to the four-fin feeds, aside from the number of fins, naturally.” ?

Perhaps posting a photo illustrating your statement, or perhaps sending it as PM to @tacitus would be very good.

 

Hope this post can contribute to the thread.

Thanks for reading.

🙂

 

 

 

 

Edited September 22, 2021 by stoen
better quality + improved content photo and improved wording

[mana]

I do not have any loose four-fin feeds for 100N atm. but what I meant with that was that the design of the feed, for example, the cross section, placement and cuts for the ink channels, etc. of the feed are the same for both variants aside from the amount of fins. Basically, from what I remember and saw was that they were identical for the part that goes inside and through the section, and that the differences appear for the parts that are visible outside of the section. Assembled, the nib units look the same from the collar down. Hmmm, I might just disassemble one of the four-fin nib units so I can provide pics (but not now, maybe later).

Also, interesting that the lowermost nib unit in your picture holds the nib and feed in place well enough to be usable... oh well, might have been the particular 100N collar that I tried. All three four-fin nib units I have have the 100N style feed.

P.s. In no way did I take your post as encouraging "light-headed" or "irresponsible" DIY repair attempts. I know that these pieces are fragile but sometimes that fragility surprises even those who are careful and have experience due to the aging of the materials involved. I did not push hard at all and the collar just cracked. I have disassembled and assembled a number of nib units for the 400-series pens (for replacing or swapping nibs, mainly) and I have never encountered anything like that before.

[tacitus]

On June 20, 1949, model IBIS was reintroduced with CN nib by the name of IBIS 130 for the domestic market only. 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 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 other hand, Günter Wagner redesigned the feed and socket for model 400. The new feed had four lamellas and more complicated ink and air channels. The new socket had 2 notches to apply the special wrench, with which the socket with nib unit was removable easily and safely from the grip section. The old plier for model 100(N) could damage the nib (Fig.6), while the new tubular wrench (Fig.7) was able to unscrew the socket without applying any force to the nib⁽¹⁾. On September 18, 1950, model 600 with 14-karat gold cap and turning knob introduced. 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).

 

In 1952, the product range was further expanded. on April 22, 1952, an expensive model 140 was introduced in five different colors (red, green, gray, blue, and black).  

 

Fourth generation

Pelikan 100N (ca.1953)⁽²⁾ 

Green indicates the changes from Pelikan 101N (ca.1949).

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, one fluted band, grooved around the inner wall.

Clip; shape: gold plated fluted clip.

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

Pelikan

585

14 KARAT

 

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

Nib socket; material: ebonite, shape: 13.5 mm, two notches facing each other.

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 white discoid 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       61.5 mm     98.5 mm     11.5 mm      12.3 mm      13.3 mm     2.0 ml         15 g

 

Getting back on model 100N, in 1950, Günter Wagner introduced white disc-shaped plastic seal (Fig.5)(Green book)⁽³⁾. In 1951, Günter Wagner discontinued model 101N, diminishing model 100N family lineup in contrast to model 400 family. As from April 22, 1952, CN nib was not available any more. On January 16, 1953, the new socket system was introduced in model 100N (Green book) (according to Pelikan-collectibles, it was on September 1, 1950)⁽²⁾.

 

Fig.8, 9 show how Günter Wagner redesigned feeds and sockets for model 400 and 100N. On the new sockets of model 400 and 100N (ca.1953), 2 notches are seen where tubular wrench is applied. In redesigned feeds of model 400 and 100N (ca.1953), there are two additional "compensation chambers" on lateral sides that temporarily holds overflowed ink and ventral compensation chambers are expanded from 2 to 3. The circumferential groove at the tail (Fig.8, 9 arrow) guides ink from the lowest part of the reservoir to the dorsal groove so as to make the last drop of ink available (@christof). As shown in Fig.8 bottom, ink / air channels consist of one central broad channel and two side grooves. The bottom of the central channel is curved and shallower toward the tail. This shape seems to be taken to regulate ink / air flow on the feed, and evolved in the order of model 100N (old style), 100N (new style), and 400. On the ventral side of model 400 feed, there is a groove (Fig.9 arrowhead). This seems to be the independent air channel that connect the compensation chamber with the ink reservoir. So, redesigned feeds, especially that of model 400 have technically upgraded ink / air channels and compensation chambers, contributing to stable ink flow, ink availability, and leak-proofness.

 

Note;⁽¹⁾ This system raised patent disputes with Montblanc (Green book, Pelikan’s Perch), as Montblanc had already submitted a similar socket wrench for patent protection. However, at the same time, Günter Wagner was filing a complaint against Montblanc for patent infringement as for its telescopic mechanism and screw-in nib unit. Then, Günter Wagner and Montblanc came to an agreement that Montblanc would allow Günter Wagner to use the new wrench without paying royalties to Montblanc, and that Günter Wagner in turn would drop patent infringement complaint against Montblanc. So, the patents concerning these mechanisms could be used by both companies without patent infringement.

⁽²⁾ when redesigned socket was definitely introduced is inconclusive. When redesigned feed was introduced in model 100N has not been documented in the sources available (to me), as well. According to @stoen, there exists model 100N with old feed and new socket (Fig.10), while that with new feed and old socket also does. So, it may be reasonable to assume that Günter Wagner gradually switched from old style feed / socket to new style ones, not at once, between 1950 and 1953. So, this pen can be dated ca.1950 at the earliest. Dating (cs.1953) is tentative.

⁽³⁾ According to @mana, the seal was also used in model 400. According to @mana and @stoen, the postwar 100N barrels were made with identical barrel bore (internal diameter) and spiral screw gradients as 400 barrels. So, some parts such as feeds. nibs, and seals are interchangeable between post-war model 100N and 400. Please refer to discussion above in the thread for more details.

Fig.1. The nib of Pelikan 100N.

 

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

 

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

 

Fig.4. Nib size specification on the cone. "07" indicates left oblique M.

Fig.5. Discoid synthetic plastic seal of Pelikan 100N

 

Fig.6. The special pliers for model 100, 100N, and IBIS.

 

Fig.7. The tubular wrench for model 400 (Pelikan’s Perch).

 

Fig.8. The nib unit and feed of model 100N (ca.1938) (left), 400 (ca.1952) (middle), 100N (ca.1953) (right).

 

Fig.9. The nib unit and feed of model 100N (ca.1938) (left), 400 (ca.1952) (middle), 100N (ca.1953) (right).

 

Fig.10. Model 100N with the old feed and new socket.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2021 by tacitus
The descriptions about figures are corrected.

[tacitus]

On 9/25/2021 at 6:04 PM, tacitus said:

Fig.10. Model 100N with the old feed and new socket.

 

 

 

 

By courtesy of @stoen.

 

I should have indicated the source of the picture😅.

[Theriver21]

Very interesting and well documented topic.
Thanks to it, I could date my 100N which is one of the last product after 1953.

[tacitus]

On 10/5/2021 at 4:52 PM, Theriver21 said:

Very interesting and well documented topic.
Thanks to it, I could date my 100N which is one of the last product after 1953.

Thank you for comment, @Theriver21🥰.

I'm glad my post helped you. Please also refer to Vintage Pelikan Pens. I'm updating old posts.

[tacitus]

Fourth generation

Pelikan 100N (ca.1954)

In 1953, model 300 was introduced for the export market only. The model was characterized by the shape of model 140 and the size of model 400.

 

Green indicates the changes from Pelikan 100N (ca.1953).

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

Cap tube; material: celluloid, shape: no vent holes, one fluted band, grooved around the inner wall.

Clip; shape: gold plated fluted clip.

Nib; material: 14 ct gold, shape: round vent hole, logo: so-called fir tree with

Pelikan

"stylized pelican logo"

14 C 585

(in a circle)

KM

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

Nib socket; material: ebonite, shape: 13.5 mm, two notches facing each other.

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 wide transparent 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

122.5 mm  60.5 mm  99.5 mm  11.3 mm  12.3 mm  13.3 mm  2.0 ml        15 g

 

On November 27, 1953, new wide transparent synthetic plastic seal was introduced (Fig.5), which was stable in quality and used also for model 400 and 140. On January 20, 1954, model 100N and IBIS 130 were "officially" discontinued⁽¹⁾ (Green book). However, in the same year, model 1ooN with gray striped sleeve was made (Fig.6) as a "prototype" model (Pelikan-collectibles) or as a "transitional" model (Werner's Info-Page Pelikan-Pens)⁽²⁾. The striped body had already been adopted in model 400 and 140. Model 101N with tortoise brown striped sleeve was also revived (Fig.7) (Pelikan-collectibles)⁽³⁾. They were also characterized by so-called fir tree nibs (Fig.1) (there also exist striped pens with regular nibs). The nib showed the "stylized Pelican" logo in a circle and chevron lines, reaching the nib slit (in later nibs, lines don't reach the slit). As the lines resembled a stylized Christmas tree, the nib was nicknamed ”fir tree nib". Going back to my pen, it has a fir tree nib and new seal, but regular green marble sleeve. Presumably, this pen was also made in 1954⁽²⁾. With these pens being the last model, model 100N was discontinued, but, fir tree nibs were inherited by model 400 and 140 as from December 1954. As we know, model 100N family was reproduced as model M101N in 2011, starting with tortoiseshell brown⁽⁴⁾.

Note;⁽¹⁾ Likewise, IBIS 130 were continued to be produced for the export market (e.g. Switzerland) until at least 1956 (Green book, Pelikan-collectibles).

⁽²⁾ Whether these pens were regular models or not can today no longer be determined (Green book). But, making a prototype for the model that was (to be) discontinued is not plausible to me. Christof assumes these pens were the last variant models for model 100N.

⁽³⁾ @stoen let me know that there is an inscription "PELIKAN 101N" on the top of the body. Please take a closer look at the original images.

⁽⁴⁾ I hope model 1ooN with gray striped sleeve is reproduced as it was. It would become so popular!

Fig.1. The nib of Pelikan 100N.

 

Fig.2. Pelikan 100N with the cap posted. 

 

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

 

Fig.4. Inscription "EXPORT" on the sleeve.

Fig.5. Discoid synthetic plastic seal of Pelikan 100N.

 

Fig.6. Pelikan 100N (prototype, ca.1954). By courtesy of Christof Zollinger.

 

Fig.7. Pelikan 101N (prototype, ca.1954) (Pelikan-collectibles).

 

[tacitus]

Now, I finished posting model 100N family that I have except for 100N Toledo. 

I'm interested in model 400 and later models, but I'll go back to Rappen / IBIS with painful reluctance😅. But I have only a few of them. I won't be able to cover transient / variant models, and my post will be based on the sources more than ever.

[tacitus]

Rappen (ca.1932)

Cap top; material: ebonite, shape: conical, inclined cap top edge, logo: "RAPPEN PATENTED RAPPEN HANOVER" on the lateral side.

Cap tube; material: ebonite, shape: 2 vent holes (one hole facing each other), one gold plated narrow band, ring groove around the inner wall at the level of vent holes.

Clip; shape: gold plated drop clip.

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

GARANTIERT

14

KARAT

Feed; material: ebonite, shape: flat tail, three lamellae with the recess.

Nib socket; material: ebonite. shape: 12 mm.

Grip section; material: Bakelite, shape: inclined top edge, tapered grip section.

Barrel; material: transparent Bakelite (yellow).

Filling system; material: rubber fixed with brass ring, ebonite? narrow tube (a pump filler mechanism).

Blind cap; material: Bakelite. shape: conical.

Dimensions;^(a)ink chamber volume

Total            Cap              Barrel          Barrel         Cap           Ink               Total

length          length          length          width         width        capacity^(a)  weight    

112.5 mm    55.5 mm     90.5 mm     11 mm        12.5 mm   1.4 ml          11.5 g

 

"Rappen (black horse)" was a sub-brand utilized by Günter Wagner. Many product groups from the company were separated into two lines in order to reach the largest possible number of consumers:

• Premium products of the highest quality that carried the name "Pelikan".
• Products of a second level of quality that was less costly but still promised good workmanship. These products usually carried the name "Rappen" (e.g. typewriter ribbon, carbon copy paper)(Fig.11).

 

In October 1929, the Great Depression started in the United States. In the same year, Günter released its first fountain pen in Pelikan brand. The Great Depression spread worldwide and struck Weimar Republic. The unemployment rate reached up to 30-40% in a few years. In 1932, Nazi (NSDAP) overtook the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) as the largest party and rose to power. In January 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor. In 1932, the company released its second pen with a pump filler (or bulb filler) in Rappen brand as an economy model⁽¹⁾ in the midst of the depression and the rise of NSDAP. It may seem retrograde for the company to have produced a pump filler pen. Main reasons for that were the facts that this type of pen was still quite common at that time, had low production costs, and thus was distinct from the flagship Pelikan writing instruments.  

 

One of the most different points from Pelikan 100 was its shape. At the end of 1920's, the pen shape became more streamlined according to fashion as represented by Waterman Patrician, Parker Streamlined Duofold, and especially Sheaffer Lifetime Balance (Fountain Pens of the World). Different from Pelikan 100, Rappen was streamlined with both ends being tapered like Sheaffer Lifetime Balance.

 

Cap top, more tapered than that of Pelikan 100, had no cap top logo. On the lateral side, imprinted was "RAPPEN PATENTED RAPPEN HANOVER" logo in red color⁽²⁾. Instead of the cap top logo, there was a red "Rappen" logo with a rearing horse on the cap tube (Fig.3)⁽³⁾. The cap tube had only one ring, differentiating it from the flagship model. But, Rappen had the same sealing system and drop clip as Pelikan 100 (ca.1933) (Fig.4).

 

The early nibs were outsourced production, presumably made by Montblanc like those of Pelikan 100 (ca.1933), and had "GARANTIERT 14 KARAT" imprint (Fig.1)⁽⁴⁾. As they were used from 1932 to 1934, this pen can be dated around that time. The feed had three lamellae with the recess like early models of Pelikan 100. The last drop of ink in the ink chamber was utilized through the transverse slit (Fig.7 top; white arrow).

 

The first year model had a blue barrel (ink chamber) (Fig.9 top) with yellow and green options becoming available sometime after 1932 (Fig.9 bottom)⁽⁵⁾. Material of the body of the early models were Bakelite like those of Pelikan fountain pen (ca.1929). Sometime later, ebonite and celluloid replaced Bakelite as in Pelikan 100 (ca.1931).

 

Filling system was the most different feature from Pelikan 100. Fig.6 shows a narrow tube (or a breather tube) connected with the nib unit. As shown in Fig.7, there is a hole in the rear end of the feed to insert and fix the tube. The other end opens to the transverse slit. When the nib unit is screwed into the grip section, the end of the tube comes out of the opening of the barrel (Fig.8 top left). Rubber sac should be air-tightly fixed to the barrel with a brass ring. An oversized blind cap, covering a rubber sac, protects it against the pressure applied to the sac (Fig.8 top middle). To fill ink, screw off the blind cap and squeeze the rubber sac to expel air in the barrel. Even if there is ink in the barrel, air preferentially goes out through the tube and transverse slit of the feed (Fig.7 top)⁽⁶⁾. Then, releasing the rubber sac makes a negative pressure in the barrel, which sucks ink into it through the feed⁽⁷⁾. Please note that ink is not filled through the breather tube (cf. Noodler’s Ahab flex pen). Ink comes into the bottom of the barrel through the grooves and slit of the feed like a piston filling system⁽⁸⁾.

 

Fig.12 and 13 show Pelikan 100 and Rappen (and their boxes) side by side. Rappen is a small pen: it is shorter than Pelikan 100 by 4 mm and 12 mm with cap closed and posted, respectively. Its design is simple: without sleeve nor imprint on the barrel, it is adorned with Rappen logo and a single cap ring. But Rappen sucks as much ink as Pelikan 100. Ink is easily visible. Rappen has a similar feed, clip, and sealing system to Pelikan 100. My impression is that with its distinct design, Rappen had more than enough function and quality for its price.

 

Except for my observation and experiments, the description above is based on Green book, Penexchange, Pelikan’s Perch, and Pelikan-collectibles.

 

Note;⁽¹⁾The price was 6.75 Reichsmark (RM)(Fig.13 bottom), one half of Pelikan 100 (13.5 RM) (Pelikan catalog No.60; 1934).

⁽²⁾Other examples of cap logo were "GÜNTER WAGER GÜNTER WAGER" and sometime later "RAPPEN GERMANY D.R.P. RAPPEN GERMANY D.R.P."

⁽³⁾There exist "Rappen" logo in blue color and white color (Fig.10). The logo did not always have a horse on it, but sometimes carried just "Rappen" name (Fig.10 bottom) during the earlier stages of production. Please look at letter "a".

⁽⁴⁾My pen has no nib size specification on the nib or anywhere else. Some pens have it on the nib (Pelikan’s Perch).

⁽⁵⁾According to Green book, a blue barrel was rare. But I doubt that a blue barrel was produced only in 1932, because Rappen with a blue barrel was advertised in Pelikan catalog No.60 (1934).

⁽⁶⁾Without the tube, squeezing rubber sac expels sucked ink rather than air, so ink chamber won't be filled up.

⁽⁷⁾Repeating these processes 4 to 5 times will fill up the barrel.

⁽⁸⁾While I was filling with the pen inclined as shown in Fig.8 bottom left, a water droplet (white arrow head) between the tube and the barrel wall did not move or change at all (Fig.8 bottom right), indicating that water was not coming down from the top of the breather tube.

 

Fig.1. The nib of Rappen.

 

Fig.2. Rappen with the cap posted.

 

Fig.3. Rappen with the cap posted.

 

Fig.4. The inclined grip end forming a front seal.

 

Fig.5. The yellow barrel (top) and rubber sac (bottom) of Rappen.

 

Fig.6. The nib unit.

 

Fig.7. The feed.

Fig.8. The filling system (a brass ring to fix the rubber sac is missing).

 

Fig.9. Blue barrel (top) and green barrel (bottom) (click).

 

Fig.10. Rappen logo in blue (top), Rappen logo in white (middle), Rappen logo without a horse (bottom).

 

 

Fig.11. Rappen typewriter ribbon case.

 

Fig.12. Pelikan 100 (ca.1931) and Rappen (ca.1932).

 

Fig.13. Boxes of Pelikan 100 (ca.1933) and Rappen (ca.1932).

[tacitus]

Rappen (ca.1934)

Green indicates the changes from Rappen (ca.1932).

In Pelikan catalog No.60 (1934), Rappen fountain pen is found among Pelikan fountain pen and Auch-Pelikan. In the list, the model is advertised as "ein zuverlässiger füllhalter mit guten schreib eigenschaften für alle zwecke, wo man des preises wegen vom Pelikan füllhalter absieht (a reliable fountain pen with good writing properties for all purposes where one refrains from (using) Pelikan fountain pen because of the price)".

 

As of 1934⁽¹⁾, the imprint of nib was changed to:

Rappen

14

KARAT

According to Green book, there were four types of imprints with font (e.g."𝑒" and "e") and design (e.g."14" and"-14-"). 3 of 4 types are presented here (Fig.1-3). As mentioned in Rappen (ca.1932), the material of the body should have been changed to celluloid (barrel) and ebonite (grip section and blind cap) by that time. As far as the available sources go, other modifications to the model is not known.

 

On October 15, 1936, model IBIS with a differential piston filling mechanism was introduced as an economy model for both domestic market and export market (Green book). As a result, Rappen was discontinued for the domestic market. However, it remained available for the export market⁽²⁾.

 

In the following post, I’ll take up Rappen with a differential piston filling mechanism (ca.1937).

 

Note⁽¹⁾Presumably, Günter Wagner started in-house nib production around that time and adopted the new imprint with the brand name "Rappen".

⁽²⁾ The reasons for the shift in target markets are considered in Pelikan’s Perch.

Fig.1. The nib and feed of Rappen (ca.1934). Nib specification "D" (= Durchschreibefeder) is seen on the lamella.

Fig.2 The nib of Rappen (ca.1934)

Fig.3. The nib of Rappen (ca.1934)

 

Fig.4. The boxes of Rappen. Top; ca.1932, bottom; ca.1934.

[Bo Bo Olson]

On 9/25/2021 at 11:04 AM, tacitus said:

 On March 2, 1950, IBIS 130 with gold nib became available for the domestic market.

This does give me a date to start with. I did luck into an Ibis 130 with a very nice semi-flex nib in a live auction lot I won.

 

 I was surprised about the gold nib expecting a steel or gold plated nib like on the 120. It is a good semi-flex. Again I'd expected a regular flex like the 120.

Your work has been superb.

If I ever run into a Rappen, I now know where to go to search.

[tacitus]

Rappen (ca.1937)

Green indicates the changes from Rappen (ca.1934).

Cap top; material: ebonite, shape: conical, flat cap top edge, logo: "GÜNTER WAGNER GÜNTER WAGNER" on the lateral side.

Cap tube; material: ebonite, shape: 2 vent holes (one hole facing each other), "Rappen" logo with a rearing horse, one gold plated narrow band, ring groove around the inner wall at the level of vent holes.

Clip; shape: gold plated drop clip.

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

Rap-Pen

585

14KARAT

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

Nib socket; material: ebonite. short (12 mm).

Grip section; material: ebonite, shape: inclined top edge, tapered grip section.

Barrel; material: transparent celluloid.

Filling system; material: ebonite with cork seal, shape: conical partially knurled turning knob.

Dimensions;^(a)ink chamber volume

Total Cap Barrel Barrel Cap Ink Total

length length length width width capacity^(a) weight

115 mm 56 mm 92 mm 11 mm 12.5 mm 1.1 ml 12 g

In 1936, model IBIS with a piston filler was introduced as an economy model, and replaced model Rappen for the domestic market (Green book).

The situation was different for the export market. IBIS was also exported to many countries. However, Rappen continued to be sold concurrently with IBIS. Interestingly, for several countries such as Netherlands and Argentina, Rappen with a piston filler (Fig.1 middle) was produced as a transitional measure for switching from Rappen to IBIS (Green book). So, this pen can be called a transitional model. The piston filler Rappen looks more like IBIS (ca.1936) than the bulb filler Rappen (ca.1932).

In 1937, several specifications were changed in model 100 and 100N.

• Millesimal fineness was added to the imprint of the nib to describe the purity of gold.

• The recess of the feed was abolished.

• A notch (Fig.7 arrow) was made in the piston guide to guide the movement of the piston rod instead of a tiny pin (Fig.7 arrowhead)^(1,2).

What about a piston filler Rappen? The feed has no recess in the lamellae. The nib has a new imprint with millesimal fineness (585) (Fig.2). The filling mechanism has a tiny pin in the piston guide (Fig.7 bottom left). These specifications well conform to those of Pelikan 100 and 100N made in 1937, and this pen can be dated this year⁽³⁾. Different from 100, the transparent barrel doesn't have a sleeve (Fig.6)⁽⁴⁾, and the turning knob is tapered and partially knurled (Fig.5). The detailed comparison between model Rappen, IBIS, and 100 will be made in the following post.

 

Note;⁽¹⁾Please refer to here for the piston filler mechanism.

⁽²⁾As mentioned before, the structure of the piston filler mechanism helps to date pens.

⁽³⁾So, it is assumed that new "Rappen" imprint with millesimal fineness was introduced as early as 1937, not 1939.

⁽⁴⁾I wonder what the original color of the barrel was.

 

Fig.1. Rappen (ca.1932); left, Rappen (ca.1937); middle, and IBIS (ca.1936); right.

 

Fig.2. The nib of Rappen (ca.1937).

 

Fig.3. Rappen (ca.1937) with the cap posted.

Fig.4. Rappen (ca.1937) with the cap closed.

Fig.5. The turning knob of Rappen (ca.1937).

 

Fig.6. The barrel of Rappen (ca.1937).

Fig.7. The filling systems of Pelikan 100N (top), 100 (middle), and Rappen (bottom) around 1937. Left; early version, right; later version.

[stoen]

Dear Administrators —

Please, someone be kind and helpful to pin this rich and useful thread so it can stay on top. Many exact informations and relevant pictures have been posted, shared and discussed herewith, and few facts previously unknown have been discovered.

I’m sure this thread is as relevant as “Souveran Definition Question”, and is much richer in content scope and variety. It already covers every generation of six anthological models of Pelikan Fountain pen 1929-1954: Transparent, 100 (101, 111…), Magnum, 100N (101N), Rappen, Ibis, and greatly contributes to the know-how in dating, distinguishing and praising them. It therefore adds to the relevance of this entire forum. Would you please, be friendly to the Pelikan fountain pens and to those who really care for them, at least in the forum already titled “Pelikan”.

 

Thanks in advance!

[tacitus]

Rappen (ca.1937)

Green indicates the changes from Rappen (ca.1934).

The traditional bulb filler Rappen was still on the foreign market even after IBIS was introduced in 1936. It seems that the nib and feed design were changed in 1937 as in Pelikan 100. I have only the nib unit and cap of the time (Fig.1, 2). The nib imprint has millesimal fineness and the feed had no recess in the lamellae. The complete pen can be seen in Pelikan’s Perch (Fig.3). Other specifications seem to be same as Rappen (ca.1934).

Fig.1. The nib unit of Rappen (ca.1937).

 

Fig.2. The cap of Rappen (ca.1937).

Fig.3. Rappen (ca.1937).

[tacitus]

Rappen (ca.1939)

 

According to Pelikan’s Perch, both bulb filler and piston filler model were produced until their discontinuation in 1945(1).

 

There exists bulb filler Rappen that has "IBIS" CN nib, not "Rappen" nib (Pelikan’s Perch) (Fig.1). As the use of precious metals for nibs were forbidden by German government in 1939, and CN nibs were introduced (click), it is thought to be a wartime pen(2).

 

Piston filler Rappen was available at first in countries like Netherlands and Argentina. In 1939, piston filler Rappen was introduced in England by L & C Hardtmuth company, known for its Koh-i-Noor brand (Green book, Pelikan’s Perch). It is referred to as "Rappen Black" in Pelikan-collectibles, presumably because the body was painted black from inside, sparing ink view window (Fig.2). Later, the model should have one piece (grip section plus barrel) injection body as wartime Pelikan 100 did.

 

Note;(1)As of 1945, Rappen was no longer mentioned in any price lists, suggesting that the model was discontinued in 1945 or earlier. 

(2)I am not sure if the nib was original for the pen or replaced afterwards.

 

Fig.1. Rappen with IBIS CN nib.

 

Fig.2. The poster of Rappen (1939).

[stoen]

ADDENDUM 

to First/Second generation

Pelikan 101N (ca.1937/8 - )

 

Dark Tortoise

 

May I please assume freedom of reporting a very distinct variation of this model - I find it worth mentioning. I haven’t been aware of that at the time this model was “on schedule”. So, please pardon my late post.

 

I formerly thought it was kind of accidental, “black sheep” variation  unworth mentioning until recently, in private research, as I came across such a series of 101N, substantially and consistently darker than the “regular ones”, with the distinct dense longitudinal celluloid pattern and black ebonite mechanisms. Although they haven’t been catalogued as such, AFAIK, I believe they were more of a regular, legitimate variation, than kind of accidental exception. 

 

Although pretty rare nowadays, in my research such pens have been reported to me by professional pen restorers. They have reportedly been sighted mostly in Central Europe and may have originated from the Vienna and Zagreb factories. Now I have two of them in posession:

(Fig. 1)

 

All other features are quite consistent with this model generation. The only distinction between generations is the Pelikan logo on cap top.So far, there’s no evidence the model has been manudactured past 1940 (injection moulded barrel), although I’ve seen one with the celluloid barrel and black elastomer piston gasket (later repair ?).

 

(Fig.2)

 

A similar variation, although with black ebonite cap top, had been discussed in detail in “Pelikan’s Perch”:

https://thepelikansperch.com/2019/06/26/pelikan-101n-dark-tortise-black-accents/amp/

 

Hope this post can help in dating this pretty elusive model.

 

[tacitus]

Thank you for posting, @stoen.

I didn’t notice this kind of variation😘.

I'm moving on to IBIS pens. But the interval of postings will be longer. I hope this thread is used by everyone like this.