Below you will find ‘Quick Links’ to a detailed accounting of all of the known variations of the Pelikan M75, M1xx, M2xx, P2xx, M3xx, and M6xx families of fountain pens including the M481 and M101N.  Links include detailed lists, descriptions, and pictures of many of the documented pens.  Below the Quick Links a brief description, including the dimensions of each pen, is available for easy reference.  Clicking on any heading will also take you to that model’s respective page.  The M75-M250 range has been the particular focus of my collecting.  In time, I expect to add other pages dedicated to various other Pelikan models.

 Quick Links

M75 Go!

The M75 Go! was introduced in November 1992 by Pelikan as an economy fountain pen for youth but it is now discontinued.  They are larger pens with interesting turquoise or maroon trim.  Despite it’s somewhat odd appearance, these are well regarded writers for the most part.  There is also a similarly styled P71 Go! which was identical externally except for an extra colored “gill” but differed in that it was a cartridge pen.  The nibs of these pens are gold plated stainless steel.

M100

The M100 was initially released in 1985, likely the black variant first followed by several colored models.  They are distinguished by the derby cap top and rhodium colored trim.  The exception to that rule is the white model that has its trim painted black.  The cap band and lip are beveled and there is no trim ring on the barrel.  These were discontinued before 1997 and therefore there is only one style of trim for this model.  This model shares similar styling as the MC110 calligraphy pen.  The nibs of these pens are stainless steel.

M150

The M150 was initially released in 1985, likely the black variant first followed by several colored models.  These pens are the same size as the M100 and the two are often mistaken for each other.  The easy way to tell the difference is that the M100 has rhodium trim and the M150 has gold trim.  There are two trim variants of M150, depending on the year of release.  Pelikan restyled their trim levels in 1997 resulting in pre-’97 and post-’97 trim variations.  The pre-’97 pens are distinguished by a derby cap top, gold colored trim, absence of a trim ring on the barrel, and the cap band and lip are beveled.  The post-’97 pens have a crown cap top, gold colored trim, trim ring at the piston knob, and the cap band is no longer beveled.  These pens are styled similarly to the MC120 calligraphy pen.  The nibs of these pens are gold plated stainless steel.  It should be noted that the post-’97 M150 trim variant with green barrel and black cap has been sold in the Italian market under the model name M151.

M200

The M200 was initially released in 1985, likely the black variant first followed by several colored models.  These pens are the same size as the M400 which was reintroduced three years prior, in 1982.  There are two trim variants of M200, depending on the year of release.  Pelikan restyled their trim levels in 1997 resulting in pre-’97 and post-’97 trim variations.  The pre-’97 pens are distinguished by a derby cap top, gold colored trim, absence of a trim ring on the barrel, and two cap bands.  The only exception to the pre-’97 two cap band rule is the tortoiseshell brown and type II & III clear demonstrators which are pre-’97 pens that only have one cap band.  The post-’97 pens have a crown cap top, gold colored trim, trim ring at the piston knob, and a single cap band.  The nibs of these pens are gold plated stainless steel.  1.20ml ink capacity.

M205

The M205 was released in the early 2000’s as demonstrator variants followed by the black, red, and white models in 2009.  These pens are the also the same size as the M200/400.  There is only one trim variant of the M205 since it was released after the 1997 trim change.  These pens are distinguished from the M200 because of their rhodium trim and different color patterns.  The M205 pens have a crown cap top, rhodium colored trim, trim ring at the piston knob, and a single cap band.  The nibs of these pens are stainless steel.  1.20ml ink capacity.

M215

The M215 was initially released in 2005 as the now hard to find blue barrel with stripes pattern.  This was followed by the rings, lozenges, and orthogons.  These pens are the same size as the M200/400 but are distinguished by their increased weight due to a metal barrel construction.  The M2xx series of pens are generally 0.46 ounces whereas the M215 is 0.74 ounces.  These pens are also distinguished by their rhodium colored trim and inlay on the barrel.  There is only one trim variation as the  model was released after the 1997 restyling.  The M215 pens have a crown cap top, rhodium colored trim, trim ring at the piston knob, and a single cap band.  The nibs of these pens are stainless steel.  There is an ink window just above the section which is rather dark in color compared to other Pelikan’s.

M250

The M250 was initially released in 1985, likely the black variant first followed by several colored models.  These pens are the same size as the M400 which was reintroduced that year as well.  They are distinguished from the M200 by their 14C-585 nibs.  There are two trim variants of M250, depending on the year of release.  Pelikan restyled their trim levels in 1997 resulting in pre-’97 and post-’97 trim variations.  The pre-’97 pens are distinguished by a derby cap top, gold colored trim, absence of a trim ring on the barrel, and two cap bands.  The only exception to the pre-’97 absent trim ring on the barrel is the tortoiseshell brown which has a thicker than usual trim ring at the piston knob, similar to the old style M600’s.  The post-’97 pens have a crown cap top, gold colored trim, trim ring at the piston knob, and a single cap band.  This model line was discontinued in the early 2000’s (circa 2005).  1.20ml ink capacity.

P200

The P200 cartridge fountain pen was first introduced in 2014. It was released in response to a long-standing request for a pen of classic styling with a cartridge type filling system. As of now, it is only available in black. This is the first cartridge/converter pen in Pelikan’s Classic series. The styling is very similar to the M200. The cap has a single cap band, pelican beak clip, and crown cap top with a one chick painted logo. The cap is identical to the M200 and is actually interchangeable. The barrel has a single trim ring just above the cap threads and is unscrewed from the section to accommodate one long or two short international cartridges as well as Pelikan’s own C499 converter. The nib is gold-plated stainless steel but cannot be swapped with the nibs of the M2xx or M4xx lines. The furniture is 23-ct gold-plated.  1.40ml ink capacity.

P205

The P205 cartridge fountain pen was first introduced in 2014.  It was released in response to a long-standing request for a pen of classic styling with a cartridge type filling system.  As of now, it is only available in black.  This is the first cartridge/converter pen in Pelikan’s Classic series.  The styling is very similar to the M205.  The cap has a single cap band, pelican beak clip, and crown cap top with a one chick painted logo.  The cap is identical to the M205 and is actually interchangeable.  The barrel has a single trim ring just above the cap threads and is unscrewed from the section to accommodate one long or two short international cartridges as well as Pelikan’s own C499 converter.  The nib is polished stainless steel but cannot be swapped with the nibs of the M2xx or M4xx lines.  The furniture is chromium plated.  1.40ml ink capacity.

M481

The M481 is an export version of the M200.  It is the same size  as the M200 but has several interesting differences in trim detail.  The pen was produced from around 1983 – 1985.   It should have styling similar to the Pre-’97 M200 which would include a derby cap top, gold colored trim, absence of a trim ring on the barrel, and two cap bands.  Instead, the M481 has a derby cap top that has no logo design (it is smooth), gold colored trim, absence of  a trim ring on the barrel, and a single cap band.  If you unscrew the derby cap top, you will often (but not always) find the Pelikan logo branded beneath.  These came in black, green-black, burgundy, and clear demonstrator color variations.  The clear demonstrator was not labeled as an M481 but rather listed as “Pelikan Demonstrator.”  Though it does not officially carry the name, it has the same trim as the other pens in the line.  Interestingly, several examples have employed the experimental and short-lived friction fit feed.  Also of note, despite being from the early to mid-1980s, some pens will have “Pelikan Germany” imprinted on the cap band while others will have “Pelikan W.-Germany.”  The nibs are gold-plated stainless steel and were originally available in EF, F, M, B, BB, OM, OB, and OBB.  Pelikan Milano was known to provide a special edition to companies which was not available for sale to the general public (sometimes labeled as an M150).  That M481 is distinguished by a 12C two toned gold nib.

M300

Originally released in 1998, the M300 fills a unique niche in the Pelikan line-up.  They are the youngest and the smallest of the Souverän line by a fair margin.  Even the M1xx of the Classic series, a smaller pen in its own right, dwarfs the M300.  Since they were released after 1997, there is only one trim style to be found.  There are two variants in the M300 line, both originally released in 1998, the green striped and solid black models.  These pens have a black piston knob, section, and cap.  There are two cap bands, a trim ring at the section, and two trim rings at the piston knob.  The furniture is gold-plated.  The cap top has a painted two chick logo from 1998-2003, a painted one chick logo from 2003-2010, and a 24K plated one chick logo cap top from 2010 to present.  The nib depicts the Pelikan logo and is a two-tone 14C-585 gold.  The nib is user removable like the other Souveräns but, due to its small size the M3xx nib does not swap between other models.   The barrel exhibits transparency on the striated model to allow the ink level to be viewed while there is an ink window to accomplish this on the black model.  0.65ml ink capacity.

M320

The M320 was first introduced in 2004 when Pelikan gave us the Orange Marbled variant.  This was followed up with Jade Green in 2007, Ruby Red in 2010, and Pearl in 2011.  These pens maintain the same M3xx form factor but introduce some rather colorful and exotic finishes.  There is only one trim variant.  The pens all have a black piston knob and section except for the Pearl model whose piston knob and section match the coloring of the barrel and cap.  The caps of these pens match their respective finishes.  There are two cap bands, a trim ring at the section, and two trim rings at the piston knob.  The furniture is gold-plated.  The cap top has a painted one chick logo on the Orange Marbled and Jade Green Models.  Since the Ruby Red was released during the year Pelikan transitioned its Souverän line to the 24K plated cap top, you will find examples of both in that model.  The Pearl release is only found with the 24K plated one chick logo cap top.  The nibs of these pens are two-toned 14C-585 gold and can be swapped with any nib of the M3xx line but not amongst other lines due to its unusually small size.  The barrels on all but the Pearl model have translucency that allow you to gauge the remaining ink level.  0.65ml ink capacity.

M350

The M350 was released along side the M300 in 1998.  It followed the M650 and M850 which was released the year prior.  This pen only comes in one color, black with a gold vermeil cap.  These pens are distinguished from the black M300 only by their vermeil cap.  To produce vermeil, the manufacturer bonds a thin layer of very pure gold to an underlying silver base.  The cap band is stamped “925” denoting 92.5% pure sterling silver.  Like the black M300,  the pens have a black piston knob and section with a green translucent ink window.  There are two cap bands, a trim ring at the section, and two trim rings at the piston knob.  The furniture is gold-plated and the crown cap top depicts a painted two chick logo.  0.65ml ink capacity.

M600

Originally released in 1985, the pre-’97 pens are distinguished by two cap bands, a trim ring at the section, and a thicker trim ring at the piston knob.  The furniture is gold-plated and the cap top has an etched two chick logo.  The barrel exhibits transparency to allow the ink level to be viewed on the striated models whereas an ink window serves this purpose on the solid colored models.  The black model came first in 1985 followed by the burgundy in 1989 and then the green striped in 1990.  The nib, if original, can be used to help date the pen.  They are all “logo” nibs which were 18C-750 monotone gold 1985-1988, 14C-585 two-tone gold in 1989, and 18C-750 two-tone gold from 1990 until the pen’s design change.  The post-’97 pens have a black piston knob, section, and cap.  There are two cap bands, a trim ring at the section, and two trim rings at the piston knob.  The furniture is gold-plated.  The cap top has a painted two chick logo from 1997-2003, a one chick logo from 2003-2010, and a 24K plated one chick logo cap top from 2010 to present.  The nib depicts the Pelikan logo and is a two-tone 14C-585 gold (special editions more commonly have 18C-750 gold nibs).  The barrel exhibits transparency to allow the ink level to be viewed on the striated variations whereas an ink window again serves this purpose on the solid colored models.  1.30ml ink capacity.

M605

The M605 first debuted as a special edition in solid dark blue released for the export market only in 2003 alongside the similarly colored M405 and M805, all of which are now discontinued.  There is only one trim variant and size of the M605 since it was released after the 1997 trim change.  These pens are distinguished from the M600 because they have rhodium plated furniture as opposed to yellow gold and have also been available in a few different color patterns.  The M605 pens have a crown cap top, rhodium colored trim, double trim rings at the piston knob, a trim ring at the section, and double cap bands.  The cap tops will have a painted one chick logo until 2010 at which point the logo becomes rhodium plated.  The nibs of these pens are 14C-585 two-toned gold except for the Marine Blue special edition which has a rhodium plated nib. 1.30ml ink capacity.

M620

The M620 was a special edition of pens known as the “Cities” series, first released in 2001, all of which are now discontinued.  The purpose of the series was to honor different cities and, towards the end of the run, places from around the world.  There is only one trim variant and size of the M620 since it was released after the 1997 trim change.  These pens are distinguished from the M600 by their color patterns but are otherwise similar.  The M620 pens in general have a crown cap top, double trim rings at the piston knob, a trim ring at the section, and double cap bands.  The furniture is either yellow gold or rhodium plated depending on the aesthetics of the design.  The cap tops will have a painted two chick logo on most of the earlier models before transitioning to the one chick logo after 2003.  There is likely still some carry over of two chick cap tops after 2003 due to the utilization of old stock.  The nibs of these pens are 18C-750 two-toned gold.  Some of the barrels below exhibit translucency.  1.30ml ink capacity.

M625

The M625 debuted in 2006 as the dark blue transparent model which was followed up by two other releases in the subsequent years.  They have since been discontinued by Pelikan.  There is only one trim variant and size of M625 since it was released after the 1997 trim change.  These pens are heavier than the M600 due to their sterling silver components.  They are distinguished from other pens in the M6xx family because they have sterling silver caps, piston knobs, and sections.  The M625 pens have a crown cap top and silver-colored trim.  There are no trim rings at the piston knob or section and there is a single cap band.  The barrels are translucent but are actually quite dark in color.  The dark blue and aubergine pens have colored bands enameled into the side of the cap.  The cap top contains the one chick Pelikan logo.  The nibs of these pens are 18C-750 rhodium plated gold.  The caps are engraved “Ag 925” along with the more typical “Pelikan Souverän Germany.”

M630

The M630 was released in 1999 according to Pelikan’s website and the black barreled variant is the only model in this series.  It is characterized by a black barrel in the standard post-’97 M600 size with a green ink view window.  They are somewhat heavier than the M600 due to the sterling silver cap.   The M630 has a sterling silver cap with gold-plated clip and cap bands.  The section and piston knob on these are resin as compared with the silver of the M625 series.  There are two trim rings at the piston knob, a trim ring at the section, and two cap bands.  There is a crown style cap top with a painted two chick logo.  The nib is 18C-750 two-toned gold.  Also released in 1999 was the M430, a very similarly styled but smaller pen.

M640

The M640 line of special edition pens was initially released in 2007 starting with the models Niagara Falls and Sahara.  This was followed up with the Polar Lights, Mount Everest, Indian Summer, and Eternal Ice.  The final release occurred in 2011.  The M640 line-up all have very similar characteristics.  The barrels are made of metal and the various models have engraving/lacquer/filigree work to achieve their artistic visual effects.  These are heavy pens as depicted in the table below, heavier even than an M800 and nearly as heavy as an M1000.  The pattern on the barrel does not have a tactile feel so the finish of the pen is smooth.  There is a single trim ring at the piston knob and one on the section.  There are two cap bands and the cap top has a painted one chick Pelikan logo surrounded by rhodium trim.  The traditional “crown” cap top is absent here.  The cap clip is also not the traditional pelicans beak but rather more broad and less beak-like.  The cap, section, and barrel are made of matching colored resin.  The furniture is rhodium plated and the nibs are a monotone rhodium plated 18C-750 gold except for the Mount Everest and Sahara which feature a two-toned nib.  There is no ink view window or visualated section and the barrel has a slight bulge in the middle rather than being a straight cylinder.

M650

The M650 debuted in 1997 in both solid black and green striated models that have long since been discontinued by Pelikan.  A red striated model is occasionally seen as well but this is not likely to be a true M650 but rather an unofficial creation by some enterprising retailers.  There is also rumor of a bordeaux model which was created as an export for the Japanese market but I have not been able to verify the actual existence of this.  These pens are distinguished only by their vermeil cap.  To produce vermeil, the manufacturer bonds a thin layer of very pure gold to an underlying silver base.  Other than their caps, these pens are essentially standard M600 models in all of their other features.  There is a crown cap top and gold-plated furniture.  There are two trim rings at the piston knob, one trim ring at the section, and there are two cap bands.  The cap band reads, “Pelikan Souverän Germany 925.”  The black barrel has a green ink view window and the striated version has transparency.  The cap top has a painted two chick logo.  The nibs are two-toned 18C-750 gold.

M101N

The M101N is the modern version of a line of pens that Pelikan first introduced in the 1930’s.  There were several variations released in that series, all of which command top dollar in today’s market due to their desirability.  Included in the original series were pens such as the highly sought after lizard and the tortoiseshell red.  This new series pays homage to that lineage with an updated design while still retaining the original dimensions.  The first pen released in the series was the  tortoiseshell brown in 2011.  This was followed by the lizard in 2012 and the tortoiseshell red in 2014.  The newest release in the series is the Brilliant Red (2017).  The initial MSRP of most of these pens have been around $550 though this has increased to $650 recently and they have only been produced in limited quantities.  In terms of construction, the barrels of the current production pens are made of cellulose acetate.