Buying a Pelkian 100

[The Nid Hog]

I think the highlight of my fountain pen buying this year was my Pelikan 400. I'm just crazy about it. I have to remind myself to take it out of my rotation every now and then and give my other pens some use. And yet, as much as I like it, I feel like diving even deeper into the vintage Pelikan pool. I was sorely tempted to get a vintage Pelikan 100 when I was looking at the 400, but my tortoise compulsion wouldn't be denied. But that 100 keeps calling me. In fact, there are so many cool prewar/postwar Pelikans that it makes my head swim. Black. Green. Gray. Tortoise. 100s. 100Ns. 101Ns....

What should I do? Man up and buy one from Rick Propas? Take a chance on an FPN classified or from German eBay? I'm willing to play the long game on this, so it doesn't have to be the route of instant gratification. Any suggestions?

 

[Vlad]

Yes, yes! I need a 100 too. Ricks prices are too high for me, though.

 

[The Nid Hog]

Ricks prices are too high for me, though.

Every now and then I click on his selection of pens and think about buying one, but I just can't pull the trigger on one at those prices (although I'm sure they're fair). So far, the intense mental telepathy that I've been bombarding him with hasn't gotten him to cut his prices in half or, better yet, send me one as a reward for living an exemplary life.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I think I'd head to the FPN classifieds and post a WTB thread. I bought a 140 from Rick because it was only a bit more than some offers I got through FPN and I knew it was going to be well restored. I did get a 400 tortoise, though, from someone at FPN via a WTB ad and it was also a good experience. I had several offers from folks, most of which were significantly less than Rick's prices. With a bit of patience, and I don't think it would even take that long, I suspect you would have good luck finding what you're after by going that route ...

 

[nemo]

I'd suggest dipping your toes in with a 100N. The older pre-war 100s have some problems with the celluloid barrels (see here) and the cork seals, although repairable, are just not quite as reliable. I have a little collection but usually opt to carry a 400 as they just seem more robust to me. I have bought some of mine from ebay.de and usually they will need work, guaranteed. Many are frankenpens and have lost their original gold nibs, have heavy brassing, cracked caps, and loose cap rings. Fortunately things can usually be repaired but may require a donor pen as parts are really tough to find. Look for a greenish colored ink window and don't be afraid of the CN nibs.

Often ebay.de sellers won't sell outside Germany/Austria or the EU and many don't take PayPal. These pens are getting scarce and there aren't many for sale at any one time. That said, I've had pretty darn good luck, usually only paying around €100 and only two hopeless cases out of about twelve. But I know how to repair Pelikans. FPN is viable but you may be inheriting someone else's problems if it's under $200.

PM me if you see something that strikes your fancy, perhaps I can help with advice.

 

[oc_in_fw]

I think the highlight of my fountain pen buying this year was my Pelikan 400. I'm just crazy about it. I have to remind myself to take it out of my rotation every now and then and give my other pens some use. And yet, as much as I like it, I feel like diving even deeper into the vintage Pelikan pool. I was sorely tempted to get a vintage Pelikan 100 when I was looking at the 400, but my tortoise compulsion wouldn't be denied. But that 100 keeps calling me. In fact, there are so many cool prewar/postwar Pelikans that it makes my head swim. Black. Green. Gray. Tortoise. 100s. 100Ns. 101Ns....

What should I do? Man up and buy one from Rick Propas? Take a chance on an FPN classified or from German eBay? I'm willing to play the long game on this, so it doesn't have to be the route of instant gratification. Any suggestions?

I am in the same boat with my M200- I had to force myself to use the Al-Star today because I haven't touched it in two weeks. The same with my Studio.

 

[The Nid Hog]

Thanks for the good advice guys. I'm going to back away from the "buy" button for a while, but I'm going to keep shopping. Doug--I'll definitely ask your advice if I find something that looks good.

 

[Taipei Personality]

Is that the M400 tortoise you picked up, Chris? That is one beautiful pen!

I just picked up my third. Yet another M400 green striated with a medium nib to go with my black M400 fine and my black M250 fine. Maybe a tortoise in my future after seeing yours . . .

 

[nemo]

Chris bought a 400, the M400 is a modern Pelikan. The biggest difference is in how they write, the vintage nibs are just magnificent!

 

[Vlad]

Chris bought a 400, the M400 is a modern Pelikan. The biggest difference is in how they write, the vintage nibs are just magnificent!

My favorite nib right now is on my 1985-ish Toledo. Maybe part of the fun is it is a stub, but also it's just the perfect softness for me. It's in between the flexy vintage nibs and the hard modern.

 

[Taipei Personality]

Chris bought a 400, the M400 is a modern Pelikan. The biggest difference is in how they write, the vintage nibs are just magnificent!

Ah, I see. When I saw it I thought it was an M400. Even more of a beauty, then.

 

[The Nid Hog]

Ah, I see. When I saw it I thought it was an M400. Even more of a beauty, then.

That's it--it's the one that I got in Raleigh. I'm already looking forward to next year!

 

[BeeSeeDub]

My late 80's m100 is a joy to write with. Is the current production not as good? In other words...would 80's be considered vintage?

 

[nemo]

Nothing against the M100 or M150 but these are entirely different animals from the original 100 or 100N to which the Nid Hog posted (unlike the 400/M400 relationship).

 

[BeeSeeDub]

Nothing against the M100 or M150 but these are entirely different animals from the original 100 or 100N to which the Nid Hog posted (unlike the 400/M400 relationship).

Ah...thx

 

[celestino]

i would love to try the newer Pelikan 400 to see what it is like compared to the older version that i acquired last month.