In 1863's Günther Wagner, a chemist, became partner in a business founded by Carl Hornemann.
In 1878's Wagner added the name "Pelikan" from one of the elements in his family crest: a pelican feeding four chicks in its nest.
The Pelikan factory produced ink, paints, glue, type writer ribbons, stencils, stamp pads and carbon paper.
In 1929's the first fountain pen was launched: the "Pelikan 100", a piston filler designed by the engineers Theodor Kovacs and Carola Bako.
In the 1930's the 100 series were remodelled and the letter N (for "new") was added.
During WWII gold was hard to obtain and nibs of chromium/nickel-plated steel were produced, so-called CN nibs. In the 1950's the clip got redesigned in the shape of a pelican beak.
After Wagner’s retirement his son-in-law and successor Fritz Beindorff led the company to become one of the world’s leading makers of fountain pens.
In the 1970's Pelikan Schoolpens, together with those of Geha were the most popular pens in Germany.
During WWII gold was hard to obtain and nibs of chromium/nickel-plated steel were produced, so-called CN nibs. In the 1950's the clip got redesigned in the shape of a pelican beak.
After Wagner’s retirement his son-in-law and successor Fritz Beindorff led the company to become one of the world’s leading makers of fountain pens.
Pelikano
Until the 1950's school fountain pens were simply modified adult pens, at best provided with a special nib for learning how to write.
Examples of such nibs were the 'frying-pan nib' (German Pfannenfeder, PF) or the ball pointed nib (German Kugelfeder, KF),
in order to ensure a more comfortable writing experience.
A survey of thousands of educators to assess school fountain pens in the spring of 1959 motivated Pelikan to develop and construct the Pelikano.
This pen fits the needs of children who are learning to write.
The pen must not be too heavy and should be balanced evenly in the hand when it is posted.
The use of ink cartridges allowed the ink to be refilled without mess. In addition to the writing cartridge actually being used,
the fountain pen's barrel offered space for a spare cartridge.
The Pelikano was a huge success for Pelikan.
At times, production could not keep up with demand.
Within the first four years more than 1 million of the first Pelikanos were sold.
Pelikano Model 5
In 1979's, the cap becomes cylindrical and receives a straight bar clip with the words 'Pelikano' and the Pelikan logo. At the cap head is a straight plate without logo. The nib of the Pelikano was revised in 1969. The shape was dramatically improved and no further changes needed to be made from then until 2003. The front part of the grip section was straightened. A recess in the grip section was provided for the index finger to give a more secure grip. The cap was cylindrical and the clip was replaced by a straight bar clip with the word 'Pelikano' and the Pelikan logo.The top of the cap was flat and without any logo. The Pelikano model was given the new model number P450 (P451 for left-handers).
The April 1982 catalog contains further design changes. The Pelikano receives a second grip profile for the middle finger. The profile for the index finger is deepened and receives a slip brake, which should prevent the finger from reaching the nib. Purely externally, the cap has not changed by this change in the grip profile. The inner cap, which is to secure the closure of the nib against leaking ink, but changes, because the diameter of the grip section towards to the nib has become much larger. Thus, the caps of these model variants of 1979 (with one grip profile) and from 1983 (with two grip profiles) can not be changed arbitrarily.
To the Pelikano model 5, there is a demonstrator for both variants of the grip section. A blue-transparent demonstrator shows the Pelikano from the period 1979-1981's with one grip profile, a clearly transparent demonstrator shows the variant with two grip profiles.
In 1979's, the cap becomes cylindrical and receives a straight bar clip with the words 'Pelikano' and the Pelikan logo. At the cap head is a straight plate without logo. The nib of the Pelikano was revised in 1969. The shape was dramatically improved and no further changes needed to be made from then until 2003. The front part of the grip section was straightened. A recess in the grip section was provided for the index finger to give a more secure grip. The cap was cylindrical and the clip was replaced by a straight bar clip with the word 'Pelikano' and the Pelikan logo.The top of the cap was flat and without any logo. The Pelikano model was given the new model number P450 (P451 for left-handers).
The April 1982 catalog contains further design changes. The Pelikano receives a second grip profile for the middle finger. The profile for the index finger is deepened and receives a slip brake, which should prevent the finger from reaching the nib. Purely externally, the cap has not changed by this change in the grip profile. The inner cap, which is to secure the closure of the nib against leaking ink, but changes, because the diameter of the grip section towards to the nib has become much larger. Thus, the caps of these model variants of 1979 (with one grip profile) and from 1983 (with two grip profiles) can not be changed arbitrarily.
To the Pelikano model 5, there is a demonstrator for both variants of the grip section. A blue-transparent demonstrator shows the Pelikano from the period 1979-1981's with one grip profile, a clearly transparent demonstrator shows the variant with two grip profiles.
Pelikan P 450 - Pelikano - Red
The plastic part where the thread is was broken! I glued it back on,
but I didn't know how strong it was!
Working condition!
Color – Red and Chrome
Material - Celluloid&Metal
NIB – Steel original Pelikan Fine
Pen Opening Mechanism - Snap Fit Cap
Filling System - Ink Cartridge
Length- 133 mm
Clip engraved – PELIKANO
For Pelikan pens enthusiasts,
these pens have a lovely sturdy feel and perfect balance!
For more details please see the photos,
they are part of the description!
An excellent choice for everyday use!
High quality, made in Germany.
Year - Approx. circa 1978's