Founded in Hanover in 1838 and famous for its pelican emblem, Pelikan is one of the masters of the piston fountain pen. A century and a half of German craftsmanship has produced models highly prized by collectors. Here are the most sought-after Pelikans, from vintage to exceptional editions.

The vintage pieces (1929–1950)

The Pelikan 100 and 100 N

The brand’s first piston fountain pens, the Pelikan 100 (1929) then 100 N (1930s–1940s) are the foundations of any Pelikan collection. Made of celluloid, they come in many colours — jade green, grey, coral red — as well as the prized “tortoiseshell” and “lizard” finishes, now highly sought after.

The luxurious 101 N

A top-of-the-range version, the 101 N appeals with its pearlescent trims and especially its special “Tortoise” (tortoiseshell) and “Lizard” finishes, among the most sought-after vintage Pelikan models.

The Toledo, the house’s jewel

Inspired by the Spanish damascened art of Toledo, the Toledo features a hand-engraved and hand-gilded body adorned with pelicans. Both the older versions (111 T) and the modern ones (M700, M900, M910) are among the most prestigious and highly valued Pelikans.

The Souverän range

Created in the 1950s–1960s, the Souverän, with its characteristic striped resin, is the heart of Pelikan’s production. Available in sizes M400, M600, M800 and M1000, it rivals the Montblanc Meisterstück. The older green-black examples and especially the rare colours are the most sought after, such as the blue and red finishes; the M1000, an imposing model measuring nearly 15 cm capped, has a particularly long nib.

The Souverän models have been released in special editions, by cities, such as

Madrid, Stockholm, or on specific themes: Hercules, Blue Ocean,

Wall Street, Seven Wonders of the World, Caesar or Alexander the Great.

The special and limited editions

• The special colours of the M800 (Ocean Swirl, Grand Place, Renaissance Brown, Stone Garden…), released in limited series, highly sought after.
• The M101N reissues of the vintage colours (Tortoiseshell-Red, Lizard, Grey-Blue).
• The Maki-e editions (hand-painted Japanese lacquer), at the pinnacle of the special editions.
• The anniversary series and “Originals of Their Time”.

What drives up the value

• Condition : no cracks, working piston, intact nib.
• The rarity of the colour : tortoiseshell, lizard, limited editions.
• The gold nib, and broad widths.
• The original box and papers .

Pelikan at Aretoile

At Aretoile, we select, authenticate and buy back pre-owned and collectible Pelikan pens — from the vintage 100 N to the Souverän and Toledo. Do you own a Pelikan, or are you looking for a specific piece? Contact us.