Pelikan
A short history of Pelikan brand:
Pelikan fountain pens trace their origins to a German company founded by chemist Carl Hornemann in Hanover around 1832 (traditionally counted as 1838 for official founding). Originally a color and ink factory, Pelikan began producing fountain pens later, with its first fountain pen launched in 1929. This pen featured a pioneering differential piston filling mechanism, which became a hallmark innovation of the brand.
In 1871, Günther Wagner took over the company and in 1878 registered the pelican emblem (from his family crest) as one of the first German trademarks. Pelikan gained prominence not only for inks but also for highly durable and high-quality fountain pens. Their green marbled pens, especially the model 100 (and later model 400) from the mid-20th century, became iconic and synonymous with the brand.
Pelikan was also among the first to introduce cartridge pens for students in the 1960s with the "Pelikano" model. The production eventually moved from Hanover to Peine/Vöhrum near Hannover due to company growth. In 1991, Pelikan acquired the German pen company Geha, further consolidating their market presence.
Pelikan remains known for fine craftsmanship, innovative piston-filling systems, and classic designs such as their enduring Souverän line, introduced in 1982, which echoes the mid-century model 400 aesthetics.
**Key dates and facts:**
- Founded 1832 (traditionally 1838) in Hanover by Carl Hornemann as ink and color factory
- 1871: Günther Wagner takes control
- 1878: Pelican logo trademarked, one of Germany’s earliest trademarks
- 1929: First Pelikan fountain pen with differential piston filler introduced
- 1950s: Model 100 and 400 green marbled pens become iconic
- 1960: Pelikano, a popular cartridge school pen, introduced
- 1991: Pelikan acquires Geha pen company
- Today: Pelikan renowned for durable, elegant piston-filler pens, especially the Souverän series
Pelikan combines a long heritage in ink and writing instruments with distinctive German engineering and classic styling, making it a venerable name in the fountain pen world.
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This table shows all in my database available Pelikan writing instruments.
To a particular Pelikan please use the above menu.
Click on a picture to enlarge it.
This list is sorted by period of production and model/number.
For more information about following writing instruments please select
| # | Model/Number | Period | Picture | |
| 1. | 100 | 1932-1938 |  | |
| 2. | 100N Taylorix | 1938 | | |
| 3. | 100 N | 1938-1951 | | |
| 4. | IBIS | 1949-1955 | | |
| 5. | 400 | 1951-1954 | | |
| 6. | 500 | 1951-1954 | | |
| 7. | 450 | 1951-1956 | | |
| 8. | 140 | 1952-1965 | | |
| 9. | 355 | 1960-1965 | | |
| 10. | P15 | 1963 | | |
| 11. | Souverän M 1000 | 1998 | | |
| 12. | Toledo M900 | 1999 | | |
