Pelikan Rollerball Pens

Pelikan Rollerball pens are superior to other stationary store pens for several reasons.  The first reason is the timeless, yet stylish design.  Pelikan Rollerball pens are exquisitely detailed, but also streamlined in designs that look professional in any setting.  The Pelikan Rollerball comes in colors like basic black, silver, or white; and various shades of blue, red, and green.  There are also faux finishes available like marble and tortoise shell – as well as other finishes.  The fittings on the Pelikan Rollerball Pens are also superlative.  Depending on the model, the fittings can be gold-plated, chromium-plated or silver-plated.  This includes the gold-plated ring at the grip and the clip on the barrel of the pen.

The second reason for the superiority of the Pelikan Rollerball is the features that make it a quality writing instrument.  Except for the 925 sterling silver Pelikan Rollerball pens, the body of the Pelikan Rollerball is made of a high-grade resin which is long-lasting and light-weight.  The push button mechanism is sturdy, and the ball of the pen delivers a smooth gliding across the paper that produces writing strokes similar to that of a fountain pen.  The Pelikan Rollerball Pen also accommodates a self-contained, high-performance, ink refill cartridge that is easy to change.  However, because of the cartridges’ high-capacity ink volume, frequent changing of the cartridge is not necessary.

Pelikan Inks

Buying and using the Pelikan Rollerball is not complete without the purchase of subsequent Pelikan ink refills.  Pelikan actually started making inks before they started making pens.  In fact, inks were the product that Pelikan began making originally in Germany in 1838.  These inks are not only made to keep your pen working longer, but they also produce a clear line definition. They also come in a variety of colors including royal blue, blue-black, brilliant black, brilliant red, brilliant green, brilliant brown, violet, and turquoise.

Pelikan Souveran 805 Rollerball Pen Black From the Souveran Pelikan series comes the 805 series, for those who prefer extra-large writing instruments. It is composed from a diamond-ground surface, with silver plated fittings. The Pelikan Souveran 805 Series pens are an all-time classic for their traditional styling and impeccable performance. And don’t forget Pelikan’s signature beak shaped clip. The rollerball pen features gentle, comfortable gliding with the characteristic stroke of ink handwriting. This superb writing instrument is available in black/blue or all black finish.

The Pelikan Fountain Pen

The Pelikan fountain pen is perhaps what first comes to mind when the Pelikan Pen brand name is mentioned.  This is because it is the type of pen that has been around the longest and is also the pen that is most often given as a special gift.  Traditionally speaking, a Pelikan fountain pen is a writing instrument that is used to sign important documents, or write personal letters.  Even in the age of computers, people still want to use a stylish writing instrument when they want to make their inscriptions more personal.

The Pelikan fountain pen comes in an incredible array of styles, colors, and price ranges.  The Pelikan fountain pen even comes in collectable and special edition designs.  The basic features of every Pelikan fountain pen includes a sleek design, gold, chromium, or silver plated fittings, a classic plunger mechanism, stainless steel nib, and a transparent ink tank.  Of course, the high-end models of the Pelikan Pen are made with materials like 925 sterling silver, 18-carat gold, and artistic diamond chasing.

The Pelikan Rollerball

The Pelikan rollerball is a more practical Pelikan Pen and can be used much more on a daily basis in the office, at school and at home.  While the Pelikan rollerball still offers the quality of traditional ink handwriting, it has a more gentle and comfortable glide when it moves across the paper.  As well, it is easier to refill because the ink cartridges that it uses are self-contained.  Features of the Pelikan Rollerball include a streamlined and modern design, gold, silver or chromium fittings, a push-button mechanism, and availability in a wide variety of colors.  The Pelikan rollerball also comes in high-end 925 sterling silver model, and is available along with the Pelikan fountain pen as a set.

Pelikan Pen Inks

Buying a Pelikan Pen means buying Pelikan inks as well in order to protect your investment.  Believe it or not, the Pelikan Company manufactured inks long before they started making pens.  These quality inks are specially formulated to care for your Pelikan pen, produce clear lines on the paper, and come in beautiful array of colors.

Pelikan were essentially an ink manufacturing company until they purchased the patent for the differentiated piston filling mechanism and started manufacturing the forerunners of the modern fountain pen. The quality of the pens, the quality of the ink and nibs ensured that Pelikan pens soon became synonymous with quality and won a special place in the hearts of pen lovers.

Today Pelikan have come a long way and Pelikan pens form a huge range of fine writing instruments with the Souveran range being incredibly popular among fountain pen collectors.

Pelikan Pens in 2010

Pelikan pens in 2010 have come a long way and include the Steno which is a fountain pen which is designed specifically for shorthand use as it has a fine, flexible nib. The Pelikan Script is a range of calligraphy fountain pens which feature a special tension cord nib for great handwriting.

The Script silver is a luxury version of the Script and the Pura is a very modern range of fountain pens with aluminum bodies from Pelikan. The Pelikan Future fountain pen is a futuristic looking pen at a very reasonable price and has a matt silver body and cap with black trim.

The Pelikano is a perfect first fountain pen to introduce children to the pleasure of writing with a fountain pen and this range of Pelikan pens is enhanced by the Pelikano school which is a top quality pen for students with the option of a left hand nib.

The griffix learning system pen from Pelikan is a four step writing system for children which has a child friendly grip and is designed to grow with the development of the child’s writing ability from preschool to using a Pelikan Griffix fountain pen. The griffix range of pens is available as a pencil, crayon, rollerball, fountain pen and boasts a triangular rubber grip which has been designed specially for children.

Pelikan pens also include ballpoint pens including the Pelikan Bigtouch, the Bigsize, the Connect and the Enjoy Comfort ballpoints.Pelikan also have a pen called a Multi 4 x 1 which is a slim pen which has a pencil, black and red ballpoints and a highlighter.This is an incredibly clever writing instrument with great functionality and only measures 9 mm in diameter. You can also avail of different ballpoint or highlighter colors-this is an impressive and clever pen/writing instrument which costs less than $20.

Pelikan india ink is very water resistant and is great for addressing envelopes and as pointed out above is one of the few india inks that you can use in a fountain pen.

Pelikan 4001 Ink

Pelikan 4001 ink is named as such because it was the first ink that Pelikan recorded in their fourth book of ink formulae.Pelikan 4001 is a good free flowing ink which is water soluble.

This Pelikan ink is available in both bottles and cartridges and in about 10 colors.The Pelikan ink cartridges can be obtained in international ink cartridge size in both short and long.Pelikan fountain pen ink is kind on fountain pens and does not clog or stain pens easily.Pelikan ink will generally give you a good line definition and come in blue black, royal blue, brilliant black, brillian red, brilliant green, brilliant brown, turquoise and violet.

Pelikan drawing ink A is ideal for painting and drawing and comes in a wide range of colors and is ideal for drawing pens or for brushes.

Because Pelikan have been making inks since 1863 they understand the needs of fountain pen lovers everywhere and the need for Pelikan ink cartridges ensures that there is a good range of these available too in packs of 6 which cost less than $2.These cartridges will fit most other fountain pens(although not all) so check before buying and you have a choice from blue black,brilliant black,brilliant green,brilliant red,pink,royal blue,turquoise and violet.

If you wish to care for your fountain pen,particularly if it is a Pelikan fountain pen,then pelikan inks are the logical choice and whether you go for the Pelikan ink cartridges or your ink in a bottle you can rest assured that you are getting a quality product which will look after your pen in a suitable fashion and ensure a long and productive life of use.

It features a high capacity differential pluger ink refilling system and comes in a wood lined presentation box.

Pelikan Toledo M900

The Pelikan Toledo M900 has a retail price of $1,200 but you will pick one up cheaper if you shop around, particularly on the internet. The nib of the Toledo M900 is 2 toned with 18 karat gold and a rhodium finish. The trim and clip are gold plated and the barrel is hand engraved.

It measures 14.2 centimetres long and 13.1 mm in diameter and each pen is individually numbered and signed.
The nib choices run from EF to OBB.

Pelikan Toledo M700

This pen bears the same features as the M900 but is slightly smaller measuring 13.4 centimetres and 12.4 mm diameter and is based on the M600 Souveran pen.

The Pelikan Toledo can only be described as a stunning pen with an enormous amount of hand detailing and engraving making this one of the most collectible fountain pens in the world giving the Mont Blanc and more exalted pens a good whipping amongst fountain pen aficionados.

It carries a 3 year guarantee from the Pelikan against any faults in materials or workmanship.

The M800 quickly found a huge fan base who loved this oversize pen which enjoys a traditional styling.

Technically and from a design perspective the M800 leaned heavily on the Pelikan M400 fountain pen and was made from handworked cellulose plastic.

The ink filling mechanism is the Pelikan piston filler and gives it a huge capacity which has served the company so well down the years and the modern nib in the M800 is an 18 karat gold nib with a nice silver design and hand crafting. Like most Pelikan fountain pens the nib and feed come in one unit which can be easily removed and replaced with the nib of your choice.

The cap and trim are gold plated and sports double rings at the ink handle with another ring on the feed section. As with all Pelikan fountain pens it has an ink window which should ensure you never run out.

On the back of the undoubted popularity and success of the M800 Pelikan have launched various special editions of the series with the stunningly attractive Pelikan 900 Toledo being one of the most popular.

The 900 Toledo boasts a beautiful silver overlay which is “Spanish” in style and derives from that town in Spain and the influence of the Moors in Spain’s colourful history.

Pelikan changed the the trim in the M800 pens in the late 1990s which led to many traditionalists being unimpressed. However it is a stunning pen with a wonderful workmanlike attitude which I have found to be utterly reliable and writes without flaw.

There are a wide range of replacement nibs available for the M800 and many online pen retailers and pen experts provide a service where they will custom grind the nib to the customer’s satisfaction.

The resin from which the barrel and cap are made can scratch quite easily so don’t abuse it.

All in all a beautiful pen which you will find in the green stripe Stresemann and more recently in blue and green stripes(Although there is a rare tortoise striped model which is very rare and well worth getting your hands on if the opportunity arises)

You will find a huge range of nibs for your M800 available ranging from extra fine to O3B and the pen capped measures 5.57 inches and posted measures 6.5 inches.

The Pelikan M800 fountain pen gets my hearty approval and a big thumbs up and an interesting M800 to have a look at if you are as big a fan of Pelikan fountain pens as I am is the Pelikan M800 demonstrator which affords you the pleasure of seeing the internal workings and mechanics because of the transparent barrel and cap.

The M800 demonstrator has all the usual features found in a regular M800 such as gold plated Pelikan clip, gold plated double rings, piston filling mechanism with the transparent/clear body and cap.

Pelikan 800 Medium Fountain Pen Green From the Souveran Pelikan series comes the 800 series, for those who prefer extra-large writing instruments. It is composed from a diamond-ground surface, with 18 karat gold plated fittings and a hand crafted 18 karat gold nib with rhodium decoration. It is also equipped with piston fill system, so you can only fill it with an inkbottle. This model is available with the hallmark striped celluloid overlay that has been associated with Pelikan fountain pens for half a century. And don’t forget Pelikan’s signature beak shaped clip.

One of the functional elements that users of Pelikan fountain pens particularly like is the fact that generally you will know how much ink is left in your pen as most of the range have either ink windows or a transparent barrel. Generally you can hold one of the striped barrels up to the light and see what is left and other models have ink windows.

The M800 and M1000 have huge ink reservoirs which befits such large pens and the size of your Pelikan fountain pen is always indicated by the model number with the Souveran series M1000 being the biggest and the M300 the shortest.

The M300 measures about 111 mm in length and the M1000 measures about 146mm. Prices range from about $500 for the M1000 to $280 for the M300.

Pelikan Fountain Pens History

As indicated elsewhere on this site Pelikan only manufactured their first fountain pen in 1929, even though they had been manufacturing their famous Pelikan ink for some time.
The first Pelikan fountain pen was the Pelikan 100 which was a simple but highly functional, groundbreaking pen as it employed a new piston system which soon became the industry standard. Up to this point fountain pens used an eyedropper system for refilling which was a bit on the messy side.

The second world war had a huge impact on Pelikan as it caused the closedown of their pen plant in 1944.

After the war normal service was resumed with the introduction of the Pelikan 400 series which proved to be a design that was to influence greatly all subsequent fountain pen offerings from Pelikan as it proved to be a real hit with fountain pen lovers. The Pelikan 400 proved to be the forerunner for the Souveran series which is a series of pens which are essentially variations of the Pelikan 400 with slightly different designs and sizes offered.

Pelikan M800

The Pelikan M800 was introduced around 1987 and was the first large, top of the range, luxury pen manufactured by Pelikan while staying true to the original design of the classic Pelikan 400.

Pelikan 800 Medium Fountain Pen GreenFrom the Souveran Pelikan series comes the 800 series, for those who prefer extra-large writing instruments. It is composed from a diamond-ground surface, with 18 karat gold plated fittings and a hand crafted 18 karat gold nib with rhodium decoration. It is also equipped with piston fill system, so you can only fill it with an inkbottle. This model is available with the hallmark striped celluloid overlay that has been associated with Pelikan fountain pens for half a century. And don’t forget Pelikan’s signature beak shaped clip.

The M800 led to a whole range of limited editions and special editions from Pelikan.

Pelikan M1000 Review

The Pelikan M1000 is based on the classic Pelikan 400 model which was introduced in the 1950s.
It is a very big pen with a classic appearance and measures 5.75 inches when capped and 6.75 inches posted.

It is a stunning looking pen which features
Double gold plate bands on the cap and barrel end, the eponymous Pelikan beak clip and a gold plated band on the section tip. They can be purchased with a black cap and barrel or black cap and green stripe barrel.
Both pens allow you to see the ink level with the green stripe barrel allowing you to see through the black stripes and the black barrel pen has a clear window near the top of the barrel to ensure that there never is an excuse for running out of ink.

The nib of the M1000 is a hand crafted 18 carat gold nib with a rhodium tip and with all top of the range Pelikan fountain pens the range of nibs is enormous ranging from Oblique Triple Broad to Extra Fine.

The ink holder is a solid brass differential piston filling mechanism which can be picked up for around $500 and comes with a bottle of Pelikan 4001 ink but pricing of pens can be very competitive with shopping around being good advice, particularly on the internet for specialist providers who can fit customised nibs if required.

The Pelikan M1000 was introduced by Pelikan to compete with other top end pens in the marketplace such as the MontBlanc 149.

You might think that the size of this pen would make it uncomfortable to write with on a daily basis but it is not that heavy due to use of celluloid in it’s manufacture rather than a metal.

The standard nib is a medium which I have found to be very smooth and wet and akin to a flexible nib. I myself have a Pelikan M1000 and absolutely love it’s classical good looks, it’s functionality and it’s size. I would have no hesitation in recommending it as one of the finest Pelikan fountain pens for the true lover of fountain pens.

Pelikan M800

The Pelikan M800 is a slightly shorter pen but a beauty nonetheless. It is the second largest pen in the Souveran series and comes with an 18 carat gold nib with rhodium finish and offers a wide choice of colors and nib sizes.

The Pelikan nib is legendary among pen aficionados and my pen loving friends sing the praises of Pelikan fountain pens very highly and are comparable of better than more expensively priced similar pens from other big pen manufacturers such as Mont Blanc or Sheaffer.

Pelikan Souveran 1000 Fountain Pen Green MediumFrom the Souveran Pelikan series comes the 1000 series of souveran, the largest fountain pen in the collection. It is a largest pen in length, girth, and weight. It is composed from a diamond-ground surface, with gold plated fittings and a hand crafted 18 karat gold nib with rhodium decoration. It is also equipped with a super-size representative plunger system. And don’t forget Pelikan’s signature beak shaped clip. This superb writing instrument is available in black/green or all black finish.

The Pelikan fountain pen has a long distinguished history which started in 1838 near Hanover in Germany. The Pelikan brand was registered in 1879 and is one of the oldest brands in the world.

The first Pelikan fountain pen came about when the company purchased the patent for the piston mechanism which came to be such a vital feature of it’s success. The piston mechanism allowed the clean filling of the pen. This success has led to an enormous range of Pelikan fountain pens in the succeeding years including special and limited editions of it’s most distinctive and popular models such as the Pelikan Souvran.

The Pelikan Fountain Pen Nib

One of the critical factors in the success of Pelikan fountain pens is the nib. The Pelikan fountain pen nibs are made from 14 or 18 carat gold and involve approximately 10 different steps to complete.

The tip of the nib is made from iridium which is a member of the platinum group of metals and this is welded to the front of the nib and then polished. Incredibly the Pelikan fountain pen nibs are rotated in a water tank for 24 hours and are polished with small porcelain particles. It is then finished with tiny copper balls and then every nib is tested by hand.

There are up to 10 different nib sizes in the Pelikan fountain pen range.

Pelikan fountain pen sleeve

The sleeve is sealed with a special resin which stops any ink from leaking and bears the immediately recognisable green and black stripes which are synonymous with Pelikan fountain pens. The cap rings are cut from a brass tube and gold plated and fixed to the cap with an injection moulding machine.

The Pelikan Souveran Fountain Pen Series

The Pelikan Souveran series is one of the most enduring, instantly recognisable and popular models that Pelikan have ever manufactured.
The original Pelikan 400 series, with it’s distinctive green striped sleeve, led to the Souveran as the 400 series was rechristened the Souveran in the 1980s.

Pelikan Souveran Fountain Pen M1000

The Souveran M1000 is the largest and most exclusive of the Pelikan fountain pen range.
Some of it’s distinctive features include
Classic black/green sleeve
18 carat gold nib
Golf plated Pelikan clip
Gold plated double rings at the ink handle
A choice of 10 nibs ranging from extra fine to O3B. It is a stunning pen which measures nearly 7 inches when open and nearly 6 inches when closed.

It also comes with a beautifully made silk lined presentation box and ink bottle.

Pelikan Souveran M800

The M800 is a little smaller than the M1000 and is a more traditional size of fountain pen which boasts a finely engraved 18 carat gold nib, gold plated Pelikan clip and comes in a range of nib widths ranging from EF to O3B and in the traditional black/green, black/blue, black/red and black.

Pelikan Souveran M300

The Pelikan Souveran M300 series is the smallest of the Souveran series measuring about 5 inches open and 4.3 inches closed. It boasts the classic plunger ink mechanism, black/green sleeve or plain black and a 14 carat gold nib with rhodium decoration.

Pelikan Souveran 600 Medium Fountain Pen Green From the Souveran Pelikan series comes the 600 series, for those who would like a more moderately sized Pelikan. It is composed from a diamond-ground surface, with 18 karat gold plated fittings and a hand crafted 14 karat gold nib with rhodium decoration. It is also equipped with piston fill system, so you can only fill it with an inkbottle. And don’t forget Pelikan’s signature beak shaped clip. This superb writing instrument is available in black/blue, black/green, black/red or all black finish.

It has a more restricted nib range with fine, medium and broad being available and features gold plated classic Pelikan clip and fittings with a small decorative ring in it’s front section.

This is a brief look at the Pelikan Souveran fountain pen series which also offers the choice of the M805, M625, M600, M450, M425, M420 right down to the M300.

Pelikan Mount Everest Special Edition Fountain Pen The special edition Mount Everest is crafted of the finest materials. The distinctive new barrel features a metal shaft with a complex engraving and specially created gold plated mountain formation element. Its representation flows into the anthracite-colored precious resin components of the front part and the ink handle. The 18 carat gold nib with rhodium trim is designed, masterfully crafted and polished meticulously by a master’s hand.

As well as the Souveran series there is the stunning Pelikan Toledo series which is a stunning looking fountain pen which features a sleeve made from one piece in Sterling Silver.

Each Pelikan Toledo pen is unique because the small engravings made in the sleeve are made by hand. This series includes the Pelikan Toledo M910 Yellow, Red, Pelikan Toledo 900 and Toledo 700.

The genesis of this design of fountain pen goes back centuries when patterns were engraved into the surface of steel and then a thin sheet of gold is placed over the pattern which in turn is heated to 800 degrees Celsius.

The heat will force the steel surface to oxidize and blacken which leaves the gold to shine and give you the beautiful design from the gold which will have been hammered in by a tiny hammer. The Arabs who invaded Spain brought this technology with them and it became popular around the Spanish town of Toledo..hence the name Pelikan Toledo Fountain Pen.

In addition to these fountain pens Pelikan also manufacture Limited editions and Special editions of it’s fountain pens.

Pelikan Limited Edition

The Limited editions from Pelikan are extensive and wide ranging and are true collectors items and include the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Maki-e Limited edition which derives from a famous Japanese art of lacquer painting.

The Pelikan limited editions have 2 basic themes..the Seven Wonders of the World and the Important Effects on Civilization.
In a Limited edition Pelikan fountain pen each pen is numbered and manufactured only once with the series following a particular theme.

Pelikan Special Edition

The Pelikan special editions follow a particular theme and this gives us the Indian Summer, Mount Everest, Sahara etc. and many other beautiful places in the world such as Niagara Falls and Place de La Concorde.

It is clear that the range of Pelikan fountain pen that you can choose from is enormous. They are incredibly classic writing instruments and Pelikan also supply a wide range of accessories such as the famous Pelikan inks and leather cases for keeping your Pelikan fountain pen safe and sound.