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.

A universal symbol of luxury writing, Montblanc inspires unequalled passion among collectors. Between vintage models, legendary limited editions and exceptional pieces, some pens reach impressive valuations. Here are the most sought-after Montblancs.

The Meisterstück, heart of the collection

Launched in 1924, the Meisterstück (“masterpiece”) defined the luxury pen for a century. Its flagship model, the 149, with its broad two-tone nib and three gold rings, remains the archetype of the exceptional fountain pen. The 146, slightly slimmer, completes this iconic line — essential starting pieces for any Montblanc collection.

The vintage models (1920–1960)

• Meisterstück 149 (1^re generation, 1950s) : the celluloid examples, especially with silver side bands, are the most sought-after in all of Montblanc’s history.
• Montblanc 139 (1930s) : an extremely rare historic model, actively hunted by collectors.
• 1XX series (142, 144, 146 vintage) : considered the peak of Montblanc quality.
• Rare celluloid colours : the striped green, grey or “Tiger Eye” (Arco) versions, or the “Lapis Blue” version, are highly valued.

The major limited editions

Writers Edition (since 1992)

Each year, Montblanc releases a model paying tribute to a great writer. The very first, theErnest Hemingway (1992), is considered the most prized non-precious limited edition of all; its three-tone nib is legendary. The early releases (Hemingway, Agatha Christie, Oscar Wilde…) are the most sought after.

The complete list of Writers Editions, year by year:

Year	Author
1992	Ernest Hemingway
1993	Agatha Christie
1994	Oscar Wilde
1995	Voltaire
1996	Alexandre Dumas
1997	Fiodor Dostoïevski
1998	Edgar Allan Poe
1999	Marcel Proust
2000	Friedrich Schiller
2001	Charles Dickens
2002	F. Scott Fitzgerald
2003	Jules Verne
2004	Franz Kafka
2005	Miguel de Cervantes
2006	Virginia Woolf
2007	William Faulkner
2008	George Bernard Shaw
2009	Thomas Mann
2010	Mark Twain
2011	Carlo Collodi
2012	Jonathan Swift
2013	Honoré de Balzac
2014	Daniel Defoe
2015	Léon Tolstoï
2016	William Shakespeare
2017	Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
2018	Homère
2019	Rudyard Kipling
2020	Victor Hugo
2021	Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
2022	Frères Grimm
2023	Robert Louis Stevenson
2024	Jane Austen
2025	Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
2026	Bram Stoker

Patron of Art (1992–2022)

A tribute to great patrons, this series came in two print runs: 4,810 pieces (the altitude of Mont Blanc) and 888 pieces in precious metals — the latter always being the most valued. The most sought after: the Lorenzo de Medici (1992, the first), the Prince Regent (1995, gold and gemstones) and the Peggy Guggenheim.

The complete list of Patron of Art (1992–2022), year by year:

Year	Honoured figure
1992	Lorenzo de Medici
1993	Octavian
1994	Louis XIV
1995	Prince Regent
1996	Semiramis
1997	Catherine the Great
1997	Peter the Great
1998	Alexander the Great
1999	Friedrich II the Great
2000	Charlemagne
2001	Marquise de Pompadour
2002	Andrew Carnegie
2003	Nicolaus Copernicus
2004	John Pierpont Morgan
2005	Pope Julius II
2006	Sir Henry Tate
2007	Alexander von Humboldt
2008	François I
2009	Max von Oppenheim
2010	Elizabeth I
2011	Gaius Maecenas
2012	Joseph II
2013	Ludovico Sforza
2014	Henry Steinway
2015	Luciano Pavarotti
2016	Peggy Guggenheim
2017	Scipione Borghese
2018	Ludwig II
2019	Hadrian
2020	Moctezuma I
2021	Napoléon Bonaparte
2022	Victoria & Albert

Great Characters (since 2001)

Tributes to notable figures: John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Miles Davis or Andy Warhol — highly sought after by enthusiasts.

The Great Characters, year by year:

Year	Honoured figure
2009	Mahatma Gandhi
2011	Alfred Hitchcock
2013	Albert Einstein
2014	Leonard de Vinci
2015	John F. Kennedy
2016	Miles Davis
2017	The Beatles
2018	James Dean
2019	Walt Disney
2020	Elvis Presley
2021	Enzo Ferrari
2022	Jimi Hendrix
2023	Muhammad Ali

The exceptional pieces: Artisan & Skeleton

Made in Montblanc’s art workshop in Hamburg, in very small numbers and with precious metals, the Artisan and Skeleton (openworked skeleton) pieces represent the pinnacle of collecting. Some reach tens of thousands of euros at auction.

What makes a Montblanc valuable

• Condition : a pen never inked, without scratches or cracks, with its box and papers, fetches the best prices.
• The nib : the broad ones (Broad, Double Broad, Oblique) are more sought after than the fine ones.
• The print run : the 888 editions are more prized than the 4,810, and low numbers appeal to collectors, as do numbers with 8s for the Asian market, a symbol of good luck.
• Consistency : the original box, papers and accessories significantly increase the value.

Beware of counterfeits

Montblanc is one of the most counterfeited brands in the world, and a counterfeit has no value. When in doubt, always have the piece authenticated by a specialist before buying or selling. The main copied models are as follows:

• Montblanc Meisterstück rollerball in black resin, gold-plated or platinum finish;
• Montblanc StarWalker ballpoint in black resin or rubber-metal style;
• Montblanc 145 Chopin fountain pen in black resin, platinum finish;
• Montblanc fountain pen with smooth steel finish.

Some models have poor finishes, or colours that don’t exist in the Montblanc catalogue; however, some copies are quite finely made and carry a serial number. In that case, have them checked by an expert.

Montblanc at Aretoile

At Aretoile, we select, authenticate and buy back pre-owned and collectible Montblanc pens — from the Meisterstück to the rarest editions. Do you own a Montblanc, or are you looking for a specific piece? Contact us.

Founded in New York in 1884, Waterman is one of the oldest and most prestigious fountain pen houses. A century and a half of production has left behind models that have become legendary and are now highly sought after by collectors. Here is an overview of the most coveted Watermans, from vintage to modern exception.

The great vintage pieces (pre-war)

The Waterman Patrician (1929)

A true Art Deco icon, the Patrician is one of the most desirable Watermans. Large and richly crafted, it was produced in spectacular celluloid colours — Pearl, Onyx, Turquoise, Emerald, Red — now very rare. A Patrician in fine condition, especially in an uncommon colour, fetches high prices.

The Waterman “100 Year Pen” (1930s)

As its name suggests, this model was guaranteed for a hundred years. Made of a translucent, durable celluloid, it appeals through its quality and transparency. The coloured versions (blue, red, green) are particularly prized.

The “ripple” models (52, 54, 56…)

The 1920s Waterman pens in red-and-black marbled ebonite — the famous “ripple” pattern — are among the most appreciated vintages. The large models (54, 56) and the rare colour variations (“rose ripple”, “olive ripple”) are the most sought after.

The “Safety Pens” and overlays

Safety pens (retractable nib) and especially the models dressed in an overlay — finely chased gold or silver mesh (filigree, vermeil, solid gold) — dating from the early 20th^e century, are high-end collector’s pieces.

The giant Waterman 20

An oversized model produced in very small numbers, the Waterman 20 is one of the collector’s holy grails: extremely rare and highly valued.

The iconic modern models

The Man 100 / L’Étalon

The great classic of the French era, guaranteed for “100 years”, a symbol of Waterman craftsmanship. The precious finishes (gold, lacquer) and special editions are the most valued, notably the smooth solid 925 silver versions.

The most sought-after MAN 100 models are the solid 925 silver versions, in fluted and smooth finishes, 925 vermeil and solid 18-carat gold, in a fluted finish.

D’autres modèles sont aussi rares, les versions en bois teinté, Fontainebleau bleu, vert ou brun, en bois massif ( bruyère, buis ou macassar), les versions précieuses en ivoire, ou encore certains prototypes n’ayant pas été commercialisés.

The Edson

A masterpiece of the 1990s: curved silhouette, deep sapphire-blue resin, vermeil or gold trim, inset nib. TheEdson is today one of the most collected modern Watermans. The most sought-after versions are those in green and burgundy. The brand also produced special editions, the Edson 125 for the brand’s 125th anniversary, or the Edson Boucheron, echoing the arcades of Place Vendôme in Paris, where one of its most prestigious boutiques is located.

The Carène and the Exception

The Carène, with lines inspired by a yacht hull and an integrated nib, as well as the Exception range with its bold design, appeal to lovers of high-end contemporary pieces. The most sought-after versions are the large XL models, notably in the Night & Day, silver-plated or gold-plated finishes.

The Waterman C/F (from 1953)

The first cartridge fountain pen in history, the C/F possède une véritable valeur patrimoniale. Les versions en métal précieux ou en laque intéressent particulièrement les collectionneurs. C/F signifie  » Cartridge Filler  » ou remplissage par cartouches.

The brand notably produced a series of solid 18-carat gold models, with various finishes: lined, fluted, waves, bark, rings. Some models were also made with prestigious houses such as Cartier, Dunhill, Hermès or Boucheron.

What increases the value

Depending on the model, the criteria to consider are as follows:

• Condition : no cracks or scratches, intact nib, working filling system.
• The gold nib (14 or 18 carats), and broad nib widths.
• Rarity of the model — and especially of the colour.
• The original set : box, papers and warranty increase the value.

Waterman at Aretoile

At Aretoile, we select, authenticate and buy back pre-owned and collectible Waterman pens. Do you own a vintage Waterman, or are you looking for a specific piece? Contact us.

The Waterman brand

The Waterman brand is a world-renowned pen company, founded by Lewis Edson Waterman in 1884 in New York. The brand’s story began when Lewis Edson Waterman, an insurance salesman, lost an important contract because his fountain pen leaked. He decided to find a solution to this problem by creating a fountain pen that does not leak.

Waterman began working on his invention and eventually created a reservoir fountain pen that automatically regulated the flow of ink, thus preventing leaks. He patented his invention in 1884 and founded the Waterman Pen Company.

Over the years, the Waterman brand became synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of pens. In 1901, the company opened a factory in France to meet the growing demand for its products in Europe. In 1927, Waterman launched the first fountain pen with suction filling, which quickly became a favourite of writers and professionals.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Waterman continued to innovate with bold, modern designs, such as the C/F ballpoint pen, which was the first refillable ballpoint pen. In the 1980s, the company was bought by Gillette, which invested in new technologies to further improve the quality of its products.

Over the decades, the brand underwent significant change in terms of designs, technologies and marketing strategies.

In its early years, Waterman quickly established itself as an innovative pen brand. In particular, the brand invented the fountain pen that does not leak, thanks to a cartridge-based ink supply system. This innovation revolutionised the pen industry and allowed Waterman to stand out from its competitors.

Over the years, the brand continued to innovate and develop new pen models, using high-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies. Waterman also became a prestige brand, positioning itself in the luxury market and collaborating with renowned designers to create exclusive pen collections.

In recent years, the brand has also adopted a marketing strategy focused on the customer experience. Waterman has opened boutiques in major cities around the world, offering customers a personalised and immersive shopping experience.

Waterman’s marketing strategy

Waterman is a company known for its high-end, premium-quality pens. Their marketing strategy aims to promote their brand as a symbol of elegance, refinement and quality.

To achieve this goal, Waterman focuses on several key elements in their marketing strategy:

• Superior quality: Waterman strives to produce premium-quality pens that offer a smooth, pleasant writing experience. They emphasise the quality of the materials used and the durability and longevity of their products.
• Elegant design: Waterman designs elegant pens that reflect the sophisticated taste of their clientele. Their design is often based on classic shapes, such as the staple-shaped clip, but with a touch of modernity to meet current trends.
• Emotion-driven advertising: Waterman creates advertisements that evoke a certain emotion in potential customers. They use images and messages that suggest their pen can be a symbol of status and professional success.
• High-end positioning: Waterman is positioned as a high-end brand with relatively high prices. They target an audience willing to invest in quality products and are perceived as a status symbol.
• Promotional campaigns: Waterman regularly runs promotional campaigns to promote its products. They may offer gifts, discounts, new-product launch events and collaborations with well-known personalities.

In short, Waterman’s marketing strategy focuses on superior quality, elegant design, emotion-driven advertising, high-end positioning and promotional campaigns. They aim to attract a discerning audience looking for a quality product and a status symbol.

History of the Pelikan brand

Carl Hornemann founded the brand’s first factory in 1838 in Hanover, Germany.
At first, production consisted of paints and inks.
Günther Wagner, a chemical engineer, was a key figure in the brand’s development and took control of the company in 1871.
The trademark was registered on 27 November 1878, initially with a logo depicting a pelican in a nest, surrounded by three chicks.

From the 1890s, the company experienced rapid growth, largely driven by Fritz Beindorff, who opened it up internationally, first in Central Europe.
In 1895, Fritz Beindorff took over the running of the company, after marrying one of Günther Wagner’s daughters.
In addition to producing pens, he developed other related business lines such as stamping, copying, erasing and paper glue, and also began developing the production of India ink, which would later become famous.

In the 1920s, the company began producing its first fountain pens. At first these were manual piston fillers, drawing little ink and impractical.

Par la suite, Theodor Kovacs invente nouveau système de piston à engrenage différentiel et chambres de compensation, plus performant. Les premiers modèles  célèbres sont la série des 100 N et 101 N, modèles assez courts, à pompe. Ceux-ci ont été produits principalement en noir, brun, rouge et couleur écaille de tortue ou encore lézard.

In the 1960s, the company created the Souverän range, which originally had a section in striped resin, referring at the time to Chancellor Stresemann, who very often wore striped suits. This very distinctive pattern would remain thereafter.

The Souverän range has an elegant design and comes in different sizes (M 200, M 300, M 400, M 600, M 800 and M 1000); at the time this range was intended to compete with the MONTBLANC Meisterstück.

At first, the pens were striped green and black; later, for some versions, blue and red versions were designed.

The brand then extended its range with special series, most often based on the M 600 or M 800, such as the Wall Street, Shanghai, Demonstrator, Blue Ocean, Golden Dynasty, Toledo, Hunting and White Ray versions.

The firm ventured both into producing “entry-level” models for schoolchildren — the Pelikan Pelikano — and into prestigious versions, such as those paying tribute to the seven wonders of the world.

This last limited edition includes seven models: the Pyramid of Cheops at à Giza, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, le  et le Lighthouse of Alexandria.

The Parker brand is one of the most iconic names in the history of writing instruments. Founded in 1888 in the United States, it has marked more than a century of innovation and accompanied some of history’s greatest moments. Here is the story of a legendary company.

The origins: George Safford Parker

George Safford Parker taught telegraphy and, to supplement his income, sold pens for the John Holland Pen Company. As he also offered to repair the pens he sold, he was quickly confronted with the volume of failures — and with a recurring flaw of the time: ink leaks. Convinced that a better pen was possible, he founded the Parker Pen Company in 1888 in Janesville, Wisconsin. He filed his first patent as early as 1889, and in 1891 a 1,000-dollar investment from W. F. Palmer allowed him to truly launch the business.

The “Lucky Curve”, the first great innovation

In 1894, Parker developed the “Lucky Curve” feed system. Using capillary action, this channel drew excess ink back into the reservoir when the pen was stored upright, considerably reducing leaks. The invention drove the brand’s success and remained in use until the late 1920s.

The Parker Duofold (1921)

In 1921, Parker launched the Duofold, nicknamed the “Big Red”. Priced at 7 dollars — the most expensive fountain pen on the market at the time — it embodied the elegance of the Roaring Twenties and came with an exceptional guarantee. In 1926, it was relaunched in Permanite, a more durable plastic whose strength was demonstrated by spectacular stunts: drops from aeroplanes and throws into the Grand Canyon. Still produced today, the Duofold has seen many limited editions, notably for the brand’s centenary in 1988.

The Parker 51 (1941), the legend

Created for the company’s 51st anniversary, the Parker 51 is arguably the most famous fountain pen of the 20th century. Its cigar-shaped silhouette and semi-hooded nib earned it many design awards. Made of Lucite and fed by the fast-drying Quink ink (launched in 1931), it became the best-selling fountain pen in history, with over 400 million dollars in sales until production ended in 1972. A more affordable version, the Parker 21, appeared in 1948.

Parker and the ballpoint: the Jotter

Cautious after the failures of the market’s first ballpoint pens, the brand waited until it had mastered a reliable mechanism before launching. In 1954, “Operation Scramble” made it possible to develop the Jotter in ninety days: fast-drying ink, a stainless steel tip and a body available in several colours. The 1957 T-Ball Jotter, fitted with a revolutionary sintered ball, was a phenomenal success — more than 400 million sold by 1984.

Parker in history

Few brands have accompanied so many historic moments. In 1945, General Eisenhower used a Parker 51 to sign the armistice marking the end of the European front; that same year, General MacArthur used his Duofold for the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. In 1962, the British royal household granted Parker a Royal Warrant, naming it official supplier of pens and inks. The brand later celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 with commemorative pens.

The brand today

After more than a century of independence, Parker was bought by Gillette in 1993, then integrated into the Newell group. Still sold in more than 120 countries, Parker pens remain a global benchmark: a symbol of elegance and reliability that spans the generations.

Do you own a Parker pen?

At Aretoile, we buy, sell, value and restore collectible Parker pens: Duofold, Parker 51, Vacumatic and vintage models. Contact us for a valuation.