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Holiday Palette I: Red & Green, Pelikan Style

December 23, 2014, 1:15 pm
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Several different red and green versions of Pelikan fountain pens

 

After an exhaustive look into the M6xx family of pens over the last several posts and with the upcoming holidays, I thought that it would be fun to shift focus to something more festive.  As we look at the world around us this time of year, we often see the characteristic colors of the season.  Vibrant reds and rich greens coexisting along deep blues and bright whites.  Regardless of what holiday you may choose to celebrate personally, we are surrounded by this inescapable landscape of color.  When I reflect upon my Pelikan fountain pen collection, one of the things that I am drawn to is the wide array of colors that have been introduced over the years.  In Pelikan’s home country of Germany, conservative blacks have always prevailed according to the popular sensibilities of the culture.  The export markets have been delighted, however, to receive a vast rainbow of colorful pens, some of which are not commonly seen these days.  As we lead up to the final days of the holiday season, I would like to provide you with the last two posts of the year.  The first will be a pictorial celebration of reds and greens curated from my collection.  To follow this up, I will feature pens of blue and silver/white in another post.  Fun posts for this festive time of year as we get ready to look ahead to 2015.  I’m sure that Pelikan will have many more exciting announcements in store for the new year.  I wish all of you a happy holidays and hope that you have enjoyed the content and discussion of the site thus far.  Until next year….

 

M100

Red and green models.

Red and Green Pelikan M100's Red and green Pelikan M100's

 

 

M150

Pre and post-’97 green and burgundy models.

Green and burgundy Pelikan M150's Green and burgundy Pelikan M150's

 

 

M200

Red and green demonstrators along with fir green and black/burgundy models.

Pelikan green and red M200 demonstrators and fir green and black/burgundy M200's Pelikan M200 red and green demonstrators Pelikan M200 fir green and black/burgundy

 

 

M250

Pre-’97 burgundy and post-’97 dark green models.

Pelikan M250 burgundy and dark green models

 

 

M400 & M600

Post-’97 M400 red striated and pre-’97 M600 green striated.

Pelikan M400 red striped and M600 green striped

 

 

100N & M101N

Green marbled 100N and tortoiseshell red M1o1N.

Pelikan 100N green marbled and M101N tortoiseshell red Pelikan 100N green marbled and M101N tortoiseshell red

 

Holiday Palette II: Blue & Silver, Pelikan Style

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Holiday Palette II: Blue & Silver, Pelikan Style

December 24, 2014, 9:00 am
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Overall

 

Welcome to part two of my holiday posts.  I previously featured Pelikan pens that displayed the reds and greens so prevalent this time of year.  In this post, I will show pens of blue and silver/white, a color scheme which is also seen in abundance at year’s end.  Just another fun and festive post to end the year.  See you in 2015!

 

M100

White and blue models.

M100

 

 

M200

Pre and post-’97 blue and grey marbled models along with clear and blue demonstrators.

M200 M200b

 

 

M205

Clear and light blue demonstrators.

M205

 

 

M215

Blue-silver stripes and black-silver rhomb (lozenge).

M215

 

 

M250, M405, & M605

Post-’97 dark blue M250, M605 Marine Blue, and solid dark blue M405.

Mixed

 

Holiday Palette I: Red & Green, Pelikan Style

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Pen Shows: What to Know

January 10, 2015, 7:50 pm
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Sheraton Philadelpia Downtown Hotel

Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel

 

The beginning of the year is always an exciting time for me both because of the promise that a new year holds and the fact that the Philadelphia Pen Show is held in mid-January.  Unfortunately, we all are not so lucky as to have a pen show right in our backyard.  Pen shows are held across the country and even internationally throughout the year.  Some of my most interesting and unique Pelikan pens and some of my more esoteric knowledge has been acquired at pen shows.  They provide an opportunity to see a wide variety of pens and paraphernalia up close and in person, interact with like-minded members of the community, have repairs/adjustments made on pens, and they are a lot of fun.  Whether you have never attended a show and are wondering what the fuss is about, have been to several, or are anticipating your first, I hope to provide some good reasons to go and some helpful tips about what to expect.

Attending a pen show is very exciting and just a little bit overwhelming.  If you’re not sure why you should bother, here are some of my thoughts;

  1. A pen show provides an opportunity to travel and can be incorporated into a family outing or a mini-vacation.
  2. It’s a chance to try out a large variety of pens, especially as there are fewer and fewer brick and mortar stores around these days.
  3. Many dealers offer show specials and discounted pricing.  While it’s not always dramatic, the discount can be enough to trigger that purchase you’ve been holding off on.
  4. You actually get to see, feel, and test merchandise before purchasing.  This can be reassuring when so many of our pen purchases occur over the internet these days (often times based on blurry eBay pictures).
  5. There are many knowledgeable people at shows and you can learn a lot if you’re genuinely interested.
  6. There are opportunities to take courses about things such as handwriting as well as a chance to sit in on different seminars (depending on the show).
  7. Many shows offer extras such as an ink testing table, raffles, and more.

 

Now that I’ve hopefully piqued your interest, here are some tips to keep in mind in order to maximize your enjoyment and make the most of your experience;

  1. Dress comfortably, especially when it comes to wearing comfortable shoes.
  2. If you intend to make a purchase (we usually do), it is always advisable to bring cash.  Some dealers accept check or credit but don’t count on that being the case.  If you come up short, ATM’s are usually nearby.  That said, have a budget in mind and stick to it.
  3. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a price.  There is usually always some room to haggle.
  4. Walk through the show in its entirety before deciding on a purchase or negotiating any prices.  A better deal could be on the next table over.  Take notes if you must so that you can find a pen that you’re interested in later.
  5. Have a plan of attack.  It helps if you have an idea in mind of what you might be in the market for before going or else it can get very overwhelming.  I usually come up with a list of a few things that I’m looking for and that really helps focus my search.
  6. I always find it better to be respectful and ask before you handle a vendor’s pens.
  7. You often won’t see all of the vendors of a show set up on a Friday.  Friday is more of a low-key day for dealers which allows for great conversation with the vendors who do make it in.  If you only have one day to go though, pick Saturday or Sunday but know that those days will be busy.
  8. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask.  It sounds simple but I’ve picked up some great bargains from items that were under the table, not on top of it.  If I didn’t ask, I would have never known they were there.
  9. Most of all, relax and have fun!

 

Nibmeisters deserve their own special discussion.  Many travel the show circuit and offer their services in real-time rather than having to wait several weeks to months for a turn around via the mail system.  If you want to employ the services of a nibmeister, get there early and get your name on their list.  Each will have a list which can fill up quite quickly.  Check back regularly as someone might not show up allowing you to move into their slot.  Also, each new day usually brings a fresh list so don’t expect the previous days list to carry over.  Some well-known nibmeisters frequently found at shows include;

  1. Richard Binder
  2. Tim Girdler
  3. Mike & Linda Kennedy
  4. Ron Zorn
  5. Mike Masuyama

 

Hopefully there will be a pen show located near you.  If you’re not sure, here is a listing of many of the 2015 shows.  

United States of America

International

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How-To: Disassemble & Clean a Pelikan Cap

February 1, 2015, 5:31 pm
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Pelikan Demonstrator Caps

I recently had a question posed to me about condensation forming on the inside of the cap of a demonstrator and how to best address it.  This got me to thinking about  a related issue which is ink that can get trapped between the outer and inner caps.  It is not uncommon for condensation to form inside a cap and the nature of the demonstrator is to make this phenomenon quite noticeable.  The science behind the formation of condensation is fundamental and depends on warm air meeting a cool surface.  Pens that are kept close to the body, i.e. a shirt pocket, are warmed to body temperature  and condensation forms when the outside of the cap cools faster than the air surrounding the nib.  This has no effect on the pen’s performance and usually can be easily wiped away with a cotton swab or towel.  More troublesome can be ink that works its way between the outer and inner caps which cannot be easily flushed away with a simple soaking.

The remedy for trapped moisture/ink can be the disassembly of the cap which allows the inner cap to be separated and removed to facilitate cleaning.  While I do not recommend that this procedure be considered part of routine maintenance, it certainly can be pulled off relatively easily and without any negative consequences.  I will describe the procedure below as well as leave you with some thoughts afterwards.

What You’ll Need:

  1. Rubber Grip (optional)
  2. Pencil or similar item

Procedure:

To Disassemble

  1. Unscrew and remove the cap from the pen.  Set the pen safely aside (careful that it doesn’t roll onto the floor).
  2. Note the orientation of the cap top logo and clip with regards to the rest of the cap to help facilitate assembly.  The portion of the cap band engraving to which the clip tip points can serve as a visual reference.
  3. Turn the ring around the cap top COUNTER CLOCKWISE to unscrew and remove.  Use a rubber grip/rubber band to help get better traction if needed.
  4. Remove the clip by sliding it off of the inner cap.
  5. Push the cap top into the cap, towards the cap band and remove it from the outer cap.

Pelikan M200 Cap Disassembly

 

To Assemble

  1. Place the inner cap on top of the eraser portion of a pencil or some other similar implement.
  2. Insert the inner cap into the outer cap with your non-dominant hand, aligning the ridges and grooves, allowing the threads of the inner cap to come through the top of the cap.
  3. Replace the clip, ensuring that the clip is perpendicular to the logo.  Secure the clip with your thumb.
  4. Thread the cap ring CLOCKWISE to tighten the whole assembly.  Take care not to cross thread or over torque.
  5. Once snugged tightly, the clip should not have any significant sideways play.  If this is not the case, your alignment is off and you will need to reseat the clip.  Some trial and error may be necessary.

 

Discussion:

The procedure described above will work for many of Pelikan’s fountain pens that incorporate a derby or crown cap top (note that not all do).  This would include essentially all pens of both the modern Classic and Souverän lines.  Care should be taken to place the pen body in a secure location while cleaning the cap to avoid accidental rolls and subsequent damage.  The above procedure can be performed on many of the vintage offerings from Pelikan as well since the mechanism of cap assembly has been kept very similar over the years.  I would be much more cautious with older pens though as the caps are prone to shrinkage especially around metal inner caps resulting in hairline cracks.  While not overly fragile, a higher level of caution should be exercised.  Decades of dried ink can also cement the inner cap in place, risking damage with removal.  Again, routine disassembly of the cap is not something that I would endorse.  

 

Special Considerations:

  • There are many good alternatives to getting ink out from between the inner and outer caps.  I favor employing these methods before any attempt at disassembly.  
    • Fill the cap 3/4 full of water and hold cap top against your index finger and your thumb against the bottom opening, effectively sealing the water in the cap.  Next, shake vigorously several times and then drain the water.  This will often remove any ink between the caps and will leave clean water which will dry.
    • Another alternative would be to use a waterpik, pipette, or syringe to force water between the two caps, effectively achieving the same result as above.

 

  • It is important to make sure that the clip is replaced properly or else the cap ring will not fully seat and there will be a lot of sideways play of the clip which impairs functionality.  There is a bump that help aligns the clip but it is not always obvious.  You will know that the alignment is correct when assembling because everything will secure nicely.  If that is not the case, some trial and error may be required to find the proper alignment.

 

  • Condensation forming in a cap is normal and nothing to be concerned about.  It will not affect function nor will it harm the pen.  It is usually easily wiped away and should not be a cause for concern.

 

Disassembly of a Modern Pelikan Cap
Assembly of a Modern Pelikan Cap

 

*I am not a pen repair expert and make no claims to be one.  If you have any concerns or doubts, it is best to not proceed and you should seek out a professional for advice/repair services.  Several good ones can be found under the links heading.  Anyone following the above procedure does so at their own risk and I am not liable for any damage incurred to pen or cap.

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The M200 Silver Pearls

February 8, 2015, 6:00 am
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Pelikan M200 Grey Marbled or Silver Pearls New StyleThe grey marbled M200, a finish also known as the silver pearls, is a frequently encountered variation of Pelikan’s Classic line.  These are quite commonly found for sale on the secondary market and are, in my opinion, one of the more distinguished appearing variants of the M200.  It likely made its debut sometime around 1988 in the ‘old-style’ trim variant which was distinguished by a derby cap top, double cap bands, and the absence of a trim ring at the piston knob.  This finish also was utilized in an older run of M250’s for the export market.  In the M200 line-up, this model persisted along with its blue and green marbled siblings up until and through the revision of the line in 1997.

While the ‘old-style’ grey marbled M200 is commonly encountered, the ‘new-style’ variant sporting the post-’97 trim is seen rather infrequently.  This variant displays the newer crown cap top, single cap band, and features a single trim ring at the piston knob.  It is seen so infrequently that I have heard some question its very existence.  Rest assured, there was a ‘new-style’ M2o0 silver pearls though it was indeed a short-lived variant which is why it is seen so seldom when compared to the blue and green marbled finishes.  While clearly depicted in the 1997 catalog, by around 2000 it is no longer found indicating that, for reasons unclear, this model enjoyed only a very short run overall in the newer trim style.

Pelikan Grey, Blue, and Green Marbled M200's in Old and New Styles

 

While sparse in number, these pens remain very attractive additions to the M200 line-up and I would encourage anyone who has the fortune to come across one to not pass it up lightly.

Comparison of Old and New Style Grey Marbled M200's

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Chartpak & Their Policies

February 18, 2015, 9:02 am
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One of the reasons that Pelikan has such an ardent following is the fact that their pens are durable and dependable.  Pens that are 50+ years old can continue to write problem free if cared for properly.  Despite their durability, there are pens that will experience failure in various situations.  Also, even the best quality […]
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Touring Pelikan’s Factory & The Wish Nib

February 23, 2015, 5:00 am
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Have you ever wondered how your Pelikan fine writing instrument came to life?  What technologies are involved and how does Pelikan retain the craftsmanship that only skilled human workers can provide in an otherwise automated process?  For a collector or enthusiast, the chance to discover the answers to these questions can greatly enhance one’s connection with […]
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Review: M200 Café Crème 2015 Special Edition

February 25, 2015, 9:00 am
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It seems as if it were just yesterday that Pelikan announced a new M200 model for 2015 and, two months later, we now have the Café Crème (pronounced kah/fay krehm) in hand.  The company has been producing many special editions in recent times within both its Classic and Souverän lines.  For the M200 line, Pelikan […]
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News: M805 Clear Demonstrator

February 27, 2015, 9:00 am
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First broke by Iguana Sell, a luxury pen retailer located in Spain, we now have news of yet another, long rumored, new model release from Pelikan.  This is the third new model for 2015 and I understand that this most recent one has been on the wish list of many enthusiasts.  With a target release date […]
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Pelikan Wanderlust Celebration

March 7, 2015, 4:00 am
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Forty years after the company that we know today as Pelikan came into existence, a new word of German origin came into use; wanderlust. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines wanderlust as a “strong desire to travel.”  Perhaps not used as much in today’s vernacular, during 2013 the creative minds at Pelikan conceived an interesting idea for which that word […]
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The (Short) Story of the M151

March 15, 2015, 4:00 am
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Pelikan’s convention of choosing descriptive model numbers has, in general, been one that is easy to follow.  A fair bit of information is conveyed with just a single letter and a few numbers.  A ‘P’ indicates a cartridge pen whereas an ‘M’ denotes a fountain pen.  The first number in the model is the series number indicating […]
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Poll: The Value of the “W.-Germany” Stamp

March 19, 2015, 9:00 am
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    As a Pelikan enthusiast and collector, I try to keep on top of the used pen market in an effort to stay apprised of the current trends in pricing.  This has allowed me to understand at least some of the factors that drive prices either upwards or downwards.  If you have done similar, I’m sure […]
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End #Wanderlust, Begin #Wanderbox

March 26, 2015, 11:09 am
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Earlier this month I wrote about Pelikan’s Wanderlust Project, a concept based around a joy of ink and fine writing instruments, married to social media (#Wanderlust).  Three flacons of Edelstein ink were dispatched from Germany to travel the world in large blue boxes.  Ultimately, 60 stops were chosen after a review of approximately 200 applications. […]
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The Code of the 120 Schulfüller

April 2, 2015, 8:03 am
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The Pelikan model 120 was introduced on May 23rd, 1955 and served as Pelikan’s first entry into the schulfüller or school fountain pen market.  Prior to that, their focus had been on writing implements designed almost exclusively for adults.  I spoke a bit about the 120 in my post discussing Merz & Krell, the company […]
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Review: M805 Anthracite Stresemann (2015)

April 15, 2015, 5:41 am
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Pelikan’s M805 anthracite Stresemann has been out for a few months now and reviews have steadily been cropping up.  To those other voices, I would like to add my own take on this pen.  I have had the opportunity to use the Stresemann for the past three weeks as my continuous every day carry along with […]
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News: #PelikanEverywhere

April 21, 2015, 6:42 am
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It would appear that I have been posting a lot about Pelikan’s social media projects lately, a sign of just how active the company has been on this front.  Much of the impetus behind Pelikan’s recent campaigns seems to be focused squarely on bringing people together.  Whether your passion is for writing, drawing, ink, or […]
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My Time With The Wanderbox

April 24, 2015, 9:00 am
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After having missed out on Pelikan’s Wanderlust project, I feel fortunate to be included in the follow-up Wanderbox project.  Being a starting point for one of the boxes (Box #2) means that I have a full flacon of ink and an empty box waiting to be filled and passed along.  The day that it arrived, […]
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Pelikan’s M200 Snakeskin Exposed

April 30, 2015, 6:00 am
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Pelikan’s 101N Lizard from the 1930’s is a highly sought after and well-regarded fountain pen.  At auction, it can command prices upwards of $1500-$2000.  It’s finish is unique and stands out against Pelikan’s more well-known tortoise designs.  The release of the M101N Lizard in 2012 served as a modern homage to that originator but the […]
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News: Pelikan Hubs 2015

May 12, 2015, 2:51 pm
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Pelikan announced yesterday that they are going to revisit their Pelikan Hubs project, refreshing it for 2015.  Some of you may recall that this project was first unveiled in 2014 and highlights Pelikan’s emphasis on the community of fountain pen lovers who share a passion for fountain pens and Pelikan’s fine writing instruments.  The original event occurred […]
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How-To: Clean a Pelikan Fountain Pen

May 23, 2015, 8:10 pm
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I have been asked on a few occasions over the past several weeks about what is the best way to clean a Pelikan fountain pen.  While I’m not sure whether or not my way is the best way, it does work, is easy and relatively quick to accomplish, and does not result in any damage to […]
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