Pelikan collectors might be the most passionate sub-group in the writing instruments community. What other brand derives such cult status that the fan base self-organizes to create one day each year to gather together to discuss their love of the brand? For that matter, what brand sees such an organic movement as the Pelikan Hubs and allows it to grow by logistically supporting such a movement? Only Germany's Pelikan.
Judith Fobbe is Pelikan Product Manager. Of the Pelikan collectors, she says, "What truly sets Pelikan apart is the deep relationship that it has built with its fan base. At the heart of this relationship is a shared passion for writing and a deep emotional connection to the act of bringing ink to paper. Writing is more than just a practical task; it is a kind of art, a way of expressing oneself and one's emotions. Pelikan understands this passion and emotional involvement, and everything the company does is guided by a deep appreciation for the feelings and emotions that go into the act of writing."
That "Pelikan Passion" dates back to 1838 when Carl Hornemann founded a company in Hanover, Germany, to make inks and paints. When Plant Manager Günther Wagner took ownership of the company in 1871, he used his family crest of a pelican as the company hallmark. To this day, the Pelikan logo remains a mother pelican feeding her chick.
The first Pelikan fountain pen, with its iconic integrated filling system, premiered in 1929, the Model 100. In the 1950s, Pelikan launched the M400. The new fountain pen was given the nickname "Stresemann" and featured a barrel with green and transparent stripes, reminiscent of the German Stresemann-style suit, which featured pinstripes down the pant leg.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of PEN WORLD.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of PEN WORLD.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Remembering Ward Dunham (October 11, 1941 - August 24, 2024)
On August 24, 2024, calligrapher Ward Dunham passed away.
The Black Pen Society and the D.C. Pen Show: Poobah in a Flower Pot
Do you like black pens? If so, you are probably already familiar with the fun, frivolity, and fellowship associated with the Black Pen Society (BPS).
Stationery Fest: This Is Not a Pen Show
Daisy and Neil Ni's twist on the traditional pen show is about community, not commerce.
"It Has Style:" A History of the Aurora Hastil (1969-1970)
The Italian pen company's experiment in modernism led to a revolution in late 20th century pen design. A two-part series.
GW Pens Scores a Critical Hit
With new collections inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and Fender guitars, artisan John Greco is tapping into cultural trends.
Roterfaden's "Pocket Companion' "
The Taschenbegleiter hand-made planner system from German artisan cooperative Roterfaden features a modular organizational system that grows with the user's ambitions.
S.T. Dupont Takes the Iron Throne
The French atelier continues its forays into popular culture with a new, officially licensed Game of Thrones collection.
More Mail, More Dip-Less
The six-part series on dip-less (or one-dip) fountain pens garnered some major attention through its run from October 2023 through August 2024 (Vol. 36 No. 6 Vol. 37 No. 5).
David Oscarson: A Reflection
The artisan pen maker celebrates 25 years of luxury writing instruments with a new collection that harkens to his Art Nouveau roots.
The Parkette Hopalong Cassidy Ballpoint Pen
The Jotter was advertised as Parker's first ballpoint pen, but a novelty item that played on the Hopalong Cassidy culture craze predated it.
