Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Apart from the nuances of Pelikan gold M4xx nibs as opposed to M2xx steel nibs, the differences are cosmetic. It depends on how fussy a collector you are, because you can use the M4xx nib in the M2xx pen, and it works the same.
Seconhand pen prices are often lower for pens that look pristine.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
The 200/205 and 400/405 are also the same the size -- 4.9 inches capped and 5.8 inches posted.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
You should be able to find a new M400 for much less than $400 (you can generally find an M800 for $350-400).
Steal nib pen prices can range from cheap entry level to ~$500 (and probably more if you look hard). The M200 is definitely not cheap but I wouldn't consider it super high end. Part of the premium for an M200 over cheaper pens come from it being a Pelikan, which are generally known for quality and have great pistons (among other things).
The main differences between the M200 and M400 are the nib, color options, and finishing quality (i.e., the M400 is more polished and more metal trim). The size and piston mechanism are identical and you can even use a 14k M400 nib in an M200. In fact, you should be able to buy an M200 and an M400 nib combined for less than $200.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Appreciate the helpful comments -- this is all exactly the kind of information I needed. This forum is great!
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
To me, and partly because I am a vintage pen guy, the interesting Pelikan pen are their vintage ones.
For a lot less than $400 you can get a Pelikan 400 from the 1950's which has gold nib and some of them are flexible.
If you want a real bargain with excellent gold nibs, read up on Pelikan 140.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
penwash
To me, and partly because I am a vintage pen guy, the interesting Pelikan pen are their vintage ones.
For a lot less than $400 you can get a Pelikan 400 from the 1950's which has gold nib and some of them are flexible.
If you want a real bargain with excellent gold nibs, read up on Pelikan 140.
The 140 can be a great intro to Pelikan and vintage pens in general. That said, I found the 140 to be sliiiightly too small both length-wise and diameter-wise for me. I much prefer the 400 size Pelikans (this goes for modern M2xx and M4xx pens as well).
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
I figured I would let myself explore modern, currently-produced pens before I started to go down the vintage rabbit hole... :-) Since I know it's inevitable, however, I have indeed started to take a look at a few examples of the Pelikan 140, on eBay. Looks nice, and also looks like a nice example can be gotten for a little less than $100. That may well be my first vintage acquisition.
I also like the idea of getting myself a new M20x, and then getting a 40x gold nib. Looks like such a combo can be gotten for far less than buying an M40x pen outright.
I'm still not sure where I am going, with all of this. I really don't want to become anything like a "serious collector" of fountain pens. I like them, yes, but my interest sprung forth from a simple desire to improve my penmanship, and engage in hand-writing as something of a meditative activity, and sideline hobby. I've quickly come to realize that the world of fountain pens is far, far more expansive and complex than I'd originally thought. There is so much to know -- so many little details of arcana; so many avenues of specialization. I could see myself becoming overly consumed in it. I want to keep it all in perspective, and have a good, foundational, working knowledge -- just enough to make intelligent decisions about how best to use the resources I have to enjoy a few really nice pens. Pelikan seems loom rather large in the overall picture -- a brand with a big history and commensurate reputation. They are really good-looking pens, too, IMO -- understated elegance.
Thanks again, to everyone, for all the great advice.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
+1 for the idea of buying an m200 and adding a gold nib. That's a great way to go. In fact, Pelikan sort-of does that itself with the M250!
For me it's not so much about choosing quality or price, but the fact that by and large the colours i want exist only in M20x or only in M400. The 20xs include those gorgeous demonstrators, Olivine, Cognac, Amethyst, Aquamarine. The M400s include tortoise and white tortoise. So that pretty much dictated my choice of those pens!
You may not want to become a collector... but Pelikan has ways of making you hoard :-)
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
michaeldoleman
I figured I would let myself explore modern, currently-produced pens before I started to go down the vintage rabbit hole... :-) Since I know it's inevitable, however, I have indeed started to take a look at a few examples of the Pelikan 140, on eBay. Looks nice, and also looks like a nice example can be gotten for a little less than $100. That may well be my first vintage acquisition.
I also like the idea of getting myself a new M20x, and then getting a 40x gold nib. Looks like such a combo can be gotten for far less than buying an M40x pen outright.
I'm still not sure where I am going, with all of this. I really don't want to become anything like a "serious collector" of fountain pens. I like them, yes, but my interest sprung forth from a simple desire to improve my penmanship, and engage in hand-writing as something of a meditative activity, and sideline hobby. I've quickly come to realize that the world of fountain pens is far, far more expansive and complex than I'd originally thought. There is so much to know -- so many little details of arcana; so many avenues of specialization. I could see myself becoming overly consumed in it. I want to keep it all in perspective, and have a good, foundational, working knowledge -- just enough to make intelligent decisions about how best to use the resources I have to enjoy a few really nice pens. Pelikan seems loom rather large in the overall picture -- a brand with a big history and commensurate reputation. They are really good-looking pens, too, IMO -- understated elegance.
Thanks again, to everyone, for all the great advice.
So, here's what I would do, were I you. Since you want a pen to use for writing and you seem pretty set on a Pelikan: Go vintage. I say that in the context of getting a vintage Pelikan specifically. The overall build of the pen and quality has not changed in decades (arguably better in years past, but the construction is still solid modern vs. vintage) and the pens, old and new, are brilliant pens. By far my favorite pens at the moment.
Why go vintage? Simple: the cost will be overall lower, the pen is nicer, and (the important bit) the value holds better. buy your vintage 400 for $200? You will very likely be able to sell it for the same price should you not find Pelikan to your liking (size, weight, balance, etc.). The second you buy and ink a brand new Pelikan, the value goes down (honestly, the value drops as soon as you buy it, but alas). If you're cool losing some return on your pen, then by all means go modern. Otherwise, vintage really will be your better option.
Bonus: because the size and shape of the 400 line hasn't changed much over time, if you like a vintage 400, you will like a modern M400/M200.
Oh, and if you go modern, assuming your are located outside UK/EU, order your Pelikan from Cultpens.com. £10 shipping, but with VAT excluded you get an M400 shipped for between $220-$230. Where domestic prices will be closer to $400 new.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
amk
The 20xs include those gorgeous demonstrators, Olivine, Cognac, Amethyst, Aquamarine.
That Olivine M205 is exactly the pen that I have targeted as my next acquisition. I have not yet used the EF Pilot Custom 74 that I purchased, so I think I am going to send it back as an exchange for the Pelikan :-)
I'll try it with the steel nib, first, and if I think it warrants it, I will then get a gold nib for it.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Oh, to add: Pelikan steel nibs are beautiful nibs. I would take the modern M2xx steel nib over the gold M4xx nib any day.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AzJon
Oh, to add: Pelikan steel nibs are beautiful nibs. I would take the modern M2xx steel nib over the gold M4xx nib any day.
I would have to concur.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BayesianPrior
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AzJon
Oh, to add: Pelikan steel nibs are beautiful nibs. I would take the modern M2xx steel nib over the gold M4xx nib any day.
I would have to concur.
.... over the modern gold M4xx nib... :wink:
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
carlos.q
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BayesianPrior
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AzJon
Oh, to add: Pelikan steel nibs are beautiful nibs. I would take the modern M2xx steel nib over the gold M4xx nib any day.
I would have to concur.
.... over the
modern gold M4xx nib... :wink:
But of course.
Bonus to the M2xx line: no gold ring at the end of the section. I've never had an issue with corrosion, but it seems to be an anecdotal issue.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
michaeldoleman
I figured I would let myself explore modern, currently-produced pens before I started to go down the vintage rabbit hole... :-) Since I know it's inevitable, however, I have indeed started to take a look at a few examples of the Pelikan 140, on eBay. Looks nice, and also looks like a nice example can be gotten for a little less than $100. That may well be my first vintage acquisition.
I also like the idea of getting myself a new M20x, and then getting a 40x gold nib. Looks like such a combo can be gotten for far less than buying an M40x pen outright.
I'm still not sure where I am going, with all of this. I really don't want to become anything like a "serious collector" of fountain pens. I like them, yes, but my interest sprung forth from a simple desire to improve my penmanship, and engage in hand-writing as something of a meditative activity, and sideline hobby. I've quickly come to realize that the world of fountain pens is far, far more expansive and complex than I'd originally thought. There is so much to know -- so many little details of arcana; so many avenues of specialization. I could see myself becoming overly consumed in it. I want to keep it all in perspective, and have a good, foundational, working knowledge -- just enough to make intelligent decisions about how best to use the resources I have to enjoy a few really nice pens. Pelikan seems loom rather large in the overall picture -- a brand with a big history and commensurate reputation. They are really good-looking pens, too, IMO -- understated elegance.
Thanks again, to everyone, for all the great advice.
I remember being where you are a few years ago, telling myself I would never become a collector and just wanted a pen to practice handwriting with. One pen quickly turned into two, two turned into five, five turned into… a lot. May you have better self-discipline than me.
I think sticking with modern is a good way to go for a beginner. Vintage pens can be terrific but can require a little more effort to use and upkeep.
And the benefit of vintage being cheaper than new can be accomplished by buying a used modern pen.
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Quote:
Originally Posted by
michaeldoleman
I'm still not sure where I am going, with all of this. I really don't want to become anything like a "serious collector" of fountain pens.
You don't have to be a "serious collector" to enjoy this hobby. But, if those serious collectors that *I* know of were to be believed, they told me that in the beginning they also didn't plan or even want to become a collector :)
For the sake of completeness, here's another of my favorite Pelikan, their first popular model from the 1930's. The Pelikan 100 (and 101 green in the photo).
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4357/...650bd1b9_c.jpg
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
If you're looking for a M400-sized pen and don't mind the lack of 'executive' trim, I think the vintage 400s are all-around the better option as some have suggested. They're just as reliable as the modern pens*, have significantly more ink capacity, much more interesting nibs, more beautiful barrels (the magic of celluloid vs acryllic) and no chance of section-end corrosion. And they're cheaper on average.
A modern M200/205 could of course take a variety of vintage Pelikan nibs as well, although you would be sacrificing ink capacity (if that's a factor for you).
*assuming the pen is in good working condition (most are)
Re: Deciphering Pelikan Pens
Just to add from my experience, I found a slightly used M600 (Schwarz-Rot) on Ebay for under €200.
Comes with a wonderful gold nib, and is a dream to write with - extremely smooth.
I couldn't be more happy with it.
The M600 has the added advantage of being a bit longer than the M400. Though I have learned that a M800 or even a M1000 would suit me best (size-wise), oh well... ;)