Pelikan Pelikano

The Pelikano Model 1 was the first cartridge pen for school use. The basic design and engineering of the inner feed were taken from the P1. Cartridges were used as a filling system and the pen was given a simple steel nib. The cap was made of silver colored aluminum.
The color combination of blue and silver was determined after extensive surveys as the most popular among students. Only in the second half of 1963 a black model of Pelikano was produced for export. This little-known color variation is evidenced by the Pelikan Price List No. 115 from October 1963.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.37 oz	5.12 in	4.80 in	2.40 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
10.5 g	130 mm	122 mm	61 mm	11 mm

A fundamental review of the Pelikano was introduced at the end of 1964. The mold was changed, and the pen was given a wide, elastic and only half covered nib. A slight corrugation of the grip section was introduced to give students a better grip when writing. A circumferential ink window on the front grip section indicated the amount of ink and a clutch ring secured the right fit of the cap. This cap was now made of much harder brass that was less susceptible to damage than the aluminium cap. The end of the barrel and the cap were flattened. Also, the clip was given a new, pointed beak shape.
The Pelikano piston filler was probably offered on a trial basis for a short time on the market.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
1) 0.48 oz 2) 0.44 oz	1) 5.20 in 2) 5.24 in	1) 4.53 in 2) 4.80 in	1) 2.40 in 2) 2.48 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
1) 13.5 g 2) 12.5 g	1) 132 mm 2) 133 mm	1) 115 mm 2) 122 mm	1) 61 mm 2) 63 mm	11 mm

Measurements: 1) metal cap and 2) resin cap

The monochrome models (body and cap in the same color) will have been the first test models for the market. Here the design of the model 2 was processed. The fountain pens can be found with the less pronounced grip profile as with the blue Pelikano Model 2, as well as without the anti-slip grip profile.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.44 oz	5.24 in	4.80 in	2.48 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
12.5 g	133 mm	122 mm	63 mm	11 mm

In Italy, the silver-colored metal cap of the Pelikano was not appreciated. The Italian market wanted a more colorful fountain pen. So Pelikan Milan in 1968 produced four new models, all of which had a colored resin cap. The prices for the fountain pens with these resin caps were about one sixth the price for those with metal caps. The shape of the barrel corresponded to the Model 3, which was introduced to the market  in the rest of Europe in 1969. The beak clip corresponded to the old model 2. Later a new yellow variation was introduced as shown in a  leaflet from 1971.
The suffix 'Antimacchia' for Pelikano means 'spotless' - referring to the clean change of the ink cartridges.
The caps of this series can be found in three variants:

1. Pelikan logo on the cap top and imprint cap ring: Pelikan - Germany
2. Pelikan logo on the cap top and imprint cap ring: Pelikano - Germany
3. Without Pelikan logo and imprint cap ring: Pelikano - Germany.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.44 oz	5.24 in	4.80 in	2.48 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
12.5 g	133 mm	122 mm	63 mm	11 mm

In late 1968 the Pelikano model was revised further. The nib became more visible and flatter, the edges were folded stronger. This gave the nib greater stability under pressure. The beak clip became a tapered beam clip with the word 'Pelikano' impressed on it.
From September 1970 the Pelikano was also offered in light red for greater appeal to female students.
A Steno Pelikan was based on this design.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.49 oz	5.20 in	4.65 in	2.40 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
14.0 g	132 mm	118 mm	61 mm	11 mm

With the introduction of the three digit model numbers beginning with 1973 the Pelikano gets a Model Number: P460 for right-handed and left-handed P461. At the same time section profile be revised so that the fingers could not slip on the nib. Children ought to put their index finger onto a corrugated trough. The clip is replaced by a bar form with embossed logos and lettering Pelikano. The cap top showed a deeper end without Pelikan logo.
The design of this Pelikano model was also used for a shorthand/steno Pen.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.46 oz	5.20 in	4.65 in	2.42 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
13.0 g	132 mm	118 mm	61.5 mm	11 mm

The Pelikano M464 and M465 fits into the model 4 timezone. By way of derogation from Model 4 had these Pelikanos not have a section profile.
The M in the model number generally designates a piston filler. However this pen was equipped from the factory with a converter even though Pelikan gave it such a model number. The pen can be used with either converter or ink cartridges. The models M464 and M465 match a number of other fountain pens that were made in the same period for the Japanese market with similar model numbers.

Pelikan Milan redesigned the Antimacchia. The new models retained the colored plastic cap, while the clip and the cap top corresponded to the model Pelikano 4. The barrel originally had the same grip pattern as the model 3, but from 1974 adapted to the changed grip profile of model 4.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.39 oz	5.24 in	4.65 in	2.48 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
11.0 g	133 mm	118 mm	63 mm	11 mm

In 1979, 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 with one grip profile, a clearly transparent demonstrator shows the variant with two grip profiles.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.49 oz	5.12 in	4.13 in	2.36 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
14.0 g	130 mm	105 mm	60 mm	11 mm

Starting from the Model 5 Pelikanos were also produced with colored metal caps for export. Initially these models only had a grip pattern for the index finger, but after 1983 were also given a profile for the second finger.

In 1983 the Pelikano Super was produced with a metal barrel and metal cap. Only the grip section was made of colored resin and corresponded to the model 5 where the grip section is found in both versions, too. The cap end was marked in the same color as the grip section. The models were right-handed (P452) and left-handed (P453). Since the model was not a big success, it was discontinued the following year.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.60 oz	5.20 in	4.21 in	2.36 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
17.0 g	132 mm	107 mm	60 mm	11 mm

From December 1983 there is another design change: The cap end now shows a colored Pelikan logo. The grip section has two recessed grips for middle and index fingers as in the model 5 from 1983. From 1985, followed by a third profile, which should prevent the slipping of the thumb. It's called the 'ideal grip profile'. The cap (inner cap) also fits on the Pelikano Model 5 from 1983.

Surprisingly, there are specimens that show this pen with ideal grip profile (ie from 1985), which shows no logo at the end of the cap, but a straight plate as in the model 5.

A Pelikan Steno fountain pen was also produced in this model 6.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.47 oz	5.20 in	4.21 in	2.36 in	0.43 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
13.4 g	132 mm	107 mm	60 mm	11 mm

A minor technical change was made in 1989. The barrel got four elongated ink windows, which allowed the writing and reserve cartridges to be seen. Otherwise the pen remained technically exactly the same as the model 6. In line with the tastes of the time, new color combinations were introduced. Around 1994, the company started to advertise the pens with large capacity cartridges.
A Pelikan Steno pen was produced in this form.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.47 oz	5.20 in	4.21 in	2.36 in	0.43 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
13.2 g	132 mm	107 mm	60 mm	11 mm

These models differ from their predecessors only by the long hemoclip the cap. After a school child in England got a pen cap stuck in his windpipe, the British government issued a new regulation on safety caps for school pens. This required the cap to be made in such a way that air could flow past the cap even if it was stuck in a child's throat. The caps therefore had to be at least 16 mm thick, or else be designed to have vent holes or in some other way had to fulfil the objective of enabling air flow. This long clip covering the entire length of the cap enabled the Pelikan to fulfil this condition. All Pelikano 7 models were produced with this long clip from 1994 onwards. In the following years models in new colors were introduced.
The Pelikanos continued to be made for right- or left-handed (P450/P451) use. All brackets are supplied with a large-capacity cartridge, but the pen could equally well be used with standard cartridges.

A Steno Pelikan was produced in the same model.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.47 oz	5.20 in	4.21 in	2.36 in	0.43 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
13.2 g	132 mm	107 mm	60 mm	11 mm

The Pelikano was updated to follow the fashion of the times, and were produced in transparent colors with a matte finish since 2000. The cap was made of stainless steel, while the clip bar became curved and carried the imprint 'Pelikano'. The end cap had the same Pelikan logo for all colors.
A Steno Pelikan was produced in the same model.

The advertising text from the Pelikan website of the year 2001:

Pelikano
The classic Pelikan in a new design.
· Translucent colors
· High-quality stainless steel spring
· Matt surface
· Dynamic Clip
· Million times proven Pelikano ink regulator prevents blots
· Housing color: Blue, Red, Orange, Green.
    
Pelikano fountain pen, special model for left-handers
In the nib widths: F (fine), M (medium), L (left-handed) and A (for learning to write)

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.47 oz	5.20 in	4.21 in	2.36 in	0.43 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
13.2 g	132 mm	107 mm	60 mm	11 mm

In 2002, the classic Pelikano was redesigned from scratch and was given a new grip profile. The stainless steel cap received a new form. The translucent material allowed the user to see the ink level, so an ink window was no longer needed.  The pen was produced in both right (P460) and left-handed (P461) versions.
In the following years more models followed in the same form. In the Color Edition partially opaque colors were used, which made it impossible for the user to see the ink level.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.49 oz	5.24 in	4.41 in	2.32 in	0.47 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
14.0 g	133 mm	112 mm	59 mm	12 mm

For the 50th anniversary of the Pelikano the look was completely redesigned for a new model of the pen. The section of the fountain pen is transparent with three soft feel profiles for the fingers. The feed and ink level can clearly be seen. The pen has an extremely robust matte metal cap, and is available in both right-handed and left-handed versions.
The first three different colored models of 2010 saw further colors added in the following years. The model was also made available in rollerball (R480) and pencil (D480) forms.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.53 oz	5.35 in	4.41 in	2.32 in	0.76 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
15.0 g	136 mm	112 mm	59 mm	19.2 mm

By April 2015 Pelikan released a modified version of Pelikano P480. Instead of the transparent grip, the front part of the pen was now in color and opaque. The amount of ink can be seen through two new oblong windows in the barrel. The design of the cap is unchanged. Furthermore, the pen is also available for right as well as left-handers (P481).

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.53 oz	5.35 in	4.41 in	2.32 in	0.76 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
15.0 g	136 mm	112 mm	59 mm	19.2 mm

In January 2017, the Pelikano will be slightly modified again. While in the predecessor model, only the three recessed grips made of a soft rubber material, now the entire grip is even softer and more supple by a rubber surface in the hand. The rest of the design remains unchanged.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.53 oz	5.35 in	4.41 in	2.32 in	0.76 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
15.0 g	136 mm	112 mm	59 mm	19.2 mm

With the new Pelikano UP, Pelikan continues its success with the Pelikanos: the trend colors of anthracite and champagne and a new metal clip will not only reach the target group of the pupils, but also the generation of young adults. Otherwise, much of the previous model P480 from 2015 reminds us.

It is also noticeable that the classic model numbering is not carried forward here. The internal model name is called PUPR or PUPL, where the first, P 'stands for cartridge fountain pen, then the model name, UP' followed by an 'R' or 'L' for right or left handed writing.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.65 oz	5.31 in	4.33 in	2.07 in	0.57 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
18.4 g	135 mm	110 mm	52.7 mm	14.6 mm

The new Pelikan Structure comes with the slogan “Roove is the trend”. The scale structure is replaced by the groove, the material contains shimmer pigments.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.65 oz	5.31 in	4.33 in	2.07 in	0.57 in	1.4 ml giant ink cartridge
18.4 g	135 mm	110 mm	52.7 mm	14.6 mm