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.
Pelikan M/MK models with half covered nibs
All fountain pens with the new half covered nib have now no screw cap, but feature a plug cap. They all feature a revolving window that shows the level of ink. As a further feature every fountain pen has a wide metal ring at the transition from the grip section to the ink window.
Rules of the model name: The model number starts with Mxx or MKxx. The M stands for filler with mechanics (ie piston filler). The models Mxx have a metal cap, either made of nickel silver (Silvexa) or gilt nickel silver (gold Doublé). The model numbers MKxx denote the less expensive models with plastic cap (K = plastic in german "Kunststoff").
In two exceptional cases, these rules differ: the Model MK10 black / green is as identical model called 120 black / green. The model MK30 is black also known as identical model under the name M25 black.
