A few international vendors such as Germany’s Fritz Schimpf and Italy’s Casa della Stilografica gave us notice today of a new M200 soon to be added to Pelikan’s Classic line-up. Dubbed the M200 Brown Marbled, this new model is intended as a standard addition to the line-up rather than a special edition piece. This news comes just as the M605 White-Transparent is starting to ship and ahead of the M805 Ocean Swirl’s release. The upcoming M200’s availability is slated for late November. Like the Green and Blue Marbled variants available today, the barrel of the Brown Marbled will have a pearlescent appearance allowing the varying shades of brown to really shine in the light. The Classic line is Pelikan’s lower tier offering that is intended as a more affordable yet still elegant alternative to the higher end Souverän range. These models are only lacking in a little polish and some extra furniture but do not skimp on the writing experience. One thing that is shared between the lines is Pelikan’s excellent piston filling mechanism. The Classic line was last updated just a few months ago with the release of the M200 Smoky Quartz.
An M200 pen is essentially the same size as the higher end M400. They have a total length of 4.92 inches capped and a weight of 0.49 ounces. When posted, they take on an extremely comfortable size and balance. The cap, section, and piston knob are done in what Pelikan calls precious resin. The available product shots make it hard to tell for sure but they appear to either be done in a standard black or a very dark brown. The cap features the long standard pelican’s beak clip with a single cap band at the lip. The cap top has the company’s single chick logo and the crown finial is done in plastic instead of the metal that we’ve seen on some of the special edition releases. The section lacks any trim and sits just below a transparent brown ink window. The body of the pen features a marbled pattern with various hues of brown highlighted by a pearlescent sheen. This appearance is the same as what we’ve seen with the more recent re-releases of the M200 Green Marbled and the M205 Blue Marbled. The design is completed by a piston knob adorned with a single trim ring. All of the pen’s furniture is gold-plated. The nib is done in gold-plated stainless steel which is standard amongst the M200 line. The available nib sizes will be EF, F, M, and B. In addition to the fountain pen, a matching ballpoint will also be available.
Close up of the pearlescent brown marbled barrel
Domestic pricing for US customers is not yet available. Looking at a comparable model, the re-introduced Green Marbled variant carries an MSRP of $180. Given the recently reduced pricing of the upcoming M605 and M805, I’m interested to see what the M200 will retail for and if the trend of lower prices on new pens continues. We do know that overseas MSRP is €105 (~$121.75) with a retail pricing for EU customers of €85 (~$98.56) including VAT. If I do my math right, that means domestic purchasers looking overseas should be able to get a great deal on this one at €70.59 (~$81.85 plus shipping) when subtracting the VAT. If US pricing is the same as the prior M200 releases, than the wares of overseas vendors will continue to be quite attractive to US buyers.
M200 Brown Marbled Fountain Pen
K200 Brown Marbled Ballpoint
I have a great affection for the Classic series as some of the most uniquely colored and interesting models in Pelikan’s line-up hail from this line. What disappoints me is that Pelikan has decided to release yet another brown model. In the last two years, we have had the M800 Grand Place, M400 Tortoiseshell Brown, M800 Renaissance Brown, and the M200 Smoky Quartz. That doesn’t even include some of the other brown releases in recent memory. If brown is your thing, you may indeed be at the height of your glory. I envision the Classic line as an opportunity for the company to have some fun and release something fresh. With all of the browns already out there, this model seems to lack innovation and overall feels stale and uninspired. Perhaps I’m being a bit harsh here. Can any company consistently live up to expectations and be as innovative as we’d like them to be? I’m sure that this model will sell well on its own merits but hopefully we’ll see more of a creative effort out of Hannover in the future. What are your thoughts on the M200 Brown Marbled? The marbled variants have been around since the 1980s and haven’t seen a new color in all that time. How do you think this model stacks up against the long standing Green, Blue, and even Gray Marbled models? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
I, for one, love it and I’m glad to see another marbled 200 (even if it IS brown). Sure, a new version of the magenta would be awesome, but this is good and I will buy it.
I’ve been curious about the last couple years’ Pelikan releases and how they’ve been received by some… There has been Pink, Browns, Blues, White, Green, and even an Orange. I’ve seen each one complained about. What I’m curious about is, just what will it take to make some folks happy?
😉
Thanks Joshua, nice write-up, and fast!
I agree that it does look nice and one will certainly end up in my collection too (already pre-ordered). I guess that I had hopes for something different when I heard about it a few months back and was disappointed for the 3rd brown pen this year alone. You’re right though, no matter what colors Pelikan chooses, there are those that inevitably will be unhappy.
It really caught my eye. If priced right I would certainly consider it. I have an old style blue marbled M200 and this would complement that nicely. Some other colors and designs would be nice though.
That would be a good addition to the blue marbled. I’d love to see them re-release the Gray Marbled model. That would be something special. I hope that you’re able to pick one of these up.
I got notification from The Writing Desk just this morning that my Brown Marbled has been shipped. Hopefully it will arrive before Christmas!
It’s definitely a wonderful looking pen in person. I certainly hope that it gets to you before the holiday. Good luck!
Great article, Joshua (as usual).
I do agree with you about the overflow of brown pens (there’s the Bayou too. Or, was that 3 years ago?). It would seem that Pelikan’s Palette only has black, blue, a little green and a lot of brown. The only time recently that they did something truly different in terms of color was the Burnt Orange, which is one of their best in my opinion (and they managed to get a little brown there too…).
But, I guess they keep doing browns because of suckers like me: I do complain a lot about it. But, in the end, I still buy it. I guess this one will end up in my collection too, since I like the looks, the price and, I must confess, I have a thing for brown pens 🙂 .
Thanks! The Bayou was 2015 but I hardly count that since only 100 people were able to snag one. I guest the conservative palette speaks to German sensibilities and aesthetics. I agree that the Burnt Orange was a nice departure and one of my recent favorites. I have it inked up right now with Noodler’s Apache Sunset. Count me a sucker too since I will also be adding one to the flock.
What – to me – is really incromprehensible, or was until now, is that, for instance, the Tortoiseshell Brown could hardly been found and does not exist since long ago in M200 model, that pen existed in that model – color – for some limited time. Overflow of brown pens, for the moment, perhaps, but I would actually point out that it was almost concensus among Pelikan afficionados for some time that Tortoiseshell brown should have been more readily available. A prime example is M415 variant, which to me the pen, and that one was also released only as an limited series export model (to US, if I am not mistaken) . So this M200 Brown model is to me, contrary to the criticism given in the article, the right move from the Pelikan.
I agree though that the the gray marbled model should be released as well, I have few of those, and Pelikan opted to remove the double ring at the bottom of the cap, probably in order to demote the look of the pen that was coming too close to the M400, which, imo, was the questionable move.
Thanks for your thoughts. The tortoise variants are always clamored for by us aficionados though sales in the past were rumored not to bear out this demand. The Brown Marbled does make for a nice addition for those who cannot get into the tortoise models and based on the responses here and elsewhere, I’m sure that it will sell very well. The cap double ring at the lip went away with the 1997 style change and I agree that it was likely a way to distinguish the furniture between the Classic series and the Souveran range. I doubt that we’d see a higher end finish like the tortoise in the M2xx line again anytime soon but you never know. I do know that Pelikan is planning big things for next years 180th anniversary so anything is fair game.
Thank You, such a good comment; I am dying to get my hands on the levenger tortoise 250, that bird has the double ring at the bottom of the cap, but is impossible to find at the humane price. Still, I own since many years ago two of today’s M400 Tortoise – only difference is the logo at the cap top (mine is gold pelikan on black background). Looking around for the extra Brown Cap with double ring, couldn’t find it anywhere.
If you keep your eyes open, you might find an M250 tortoise reasonably priced. I often see these listed with an incorrect identification. Deals can still be had if you’re patient.
Well, thanks again, I will certainly keep my eyes open, and please let me know at
sejse2003@yahoo.com for any such good deal on levenger M250 tortoise with the double ring at the
bottom of the cap. In my experience, rare and hard to find, and way way overprice if ever listed anywhere.
I will let you know if I come across anything.
I’m fortunate to have one of these beauties and, as Joshua says, it was indeed mis-identified as an M400 in the ebay listing.
Well, I am really happy for you and somehow envy you at the same time; to tell you the truth I would be even happy with the M200 Tortoise Double ring cap, only found in that Levenger edition of the pen, but of course, the pen is of interest, it has always been… It is a beauty, indeed, in its entirety…
I agree; Pelikan certainly has done a lot of brown recently. However, I already have the Green Marble (my very first Pelikan) and recently obtained a Blue Marble. I think the Brown Marble would really complete that set nicely. I still haven’t bought the Smoky Quartz. Now I have to decide between them. Oh, who am I kidding? I know I’ll have to have them both! I do wish, however, that Pelikan would come up with a few brighter colors, like Magenta or Turquoise, maybe even a pretty Yellow-Gold. Those colors would be gorgeous in a shimmery marble pattern. I do like the luminescence the marbles have.
I agree that brown will compliment the green and blue nicely. This gets me curious and actually quite eager to see a resurrection of the gray marbled variant which is a personal favorite. Something a bit more splashy would be fun too. I’m thinking something in orange.
Mine is already ordered!
the back half of 2017 has certainly lightened my pocket.
True statement!
I really hope this pen turns out to have a dark brown cap, finials, and section. I like this pen a lot, prefer not to have the gold trim ring on the nib end of the section, and it falls nicely in my price range, but … I wish they’d offer the M200s in M250 versions again, with 14k single-tone nibs having the old pre-’97 action.
Unfortunately, it looks like they have taken the short approach on this and done the black cap.
The reason I liked the M415 that much was the absence of the ring at the bottom of the barrel, above the feed and the nib, and the absence of the two rings at the piston button. I liked though the two rings
at the bottom of the cap, instead of one. I do not personally mind the golden ring accents, better to my eyes than the silver or chrome.
I agree with you comment in general, they should have absolutely made the cap brown – dark brown.
Still, I think they have made the right move with the introduction of this color.
I agree that there is something nice about the simpler trim of the older models. Not that I mind today’s look but the less flashy furniture brings a nice aesthetic.
Timing is everything, or …….
I am somewhat on the horns of a dilemma with this one. In general I like brown pens, brown ink, brown is a good color for me. But like you I am perplexed by the flush of brown pens the company is producing.
For me the timing of this release is even more problematic because I assume it means there could be considerable lag until another brown release hits the streets. “So what?” you might say. For me the obvious hole in the Souveran line is a brown tortoise in the M600 series. You have heard me whine about this many times in the past, thus my disappointment in this latest offering, which I think may well push the pen I want further into the future.
It makes me wonder how Pelikan makes their decisions about what comes on the market and when.
I think you are right, the classic line would seem to be an ideal platform for testing the waters for the acceptance of offerings that would be seen as ‘unusual’ for the company. at this point it seems that theyt reserve ‘wild and crazy’ for student pens like the Pelikano. I could imagine another set in the M200 series featuring a variety of mixed color marbled pens, something like the Piccadilly Circus but with more variety. Yellow and brown, green and blue, orange and black, etc.
A green tortoise or mother of pearl in the Souveran line would be a big seller I am sure, and would not take them too far out of their comfort zone I assume. I don’t want to be the wet blanket at the party but it does make me wonder how these decisions are made.
I won’t be buying this pen. While I think it is a great addition to this line, and I do appreciate a brown pen, my box has a good selection of brown pens, I am saving a slot for a certain brown Pelikan some where in the future.
Best,
Dr C
I know that you and many like minded individuals would go all in for an M600 tortoise. I have heard of a couple M6xx models for next year and none of them are a tortoise so I don’t think that’s coming in 2018. 2018 is the 180th anniversary and Pelikan is planning something big from what I hear. The nice thing is that the Brown Marbled is going to be part of the standard line-up so you can pick one up in the future if you change your mind.
Oh, I don’t know if I like to hear the “something big” for next year or not! Well, I certainly do, but my wallet is crying already! I hope that in that “something big” there is space for a nice “big one”, that is, a nice SE M1000. Maybe even some oblique nibs (one can dream…).
I think the wallet is going to get a real once over next year from just a little of what I’ve heard. I’ve gotten wind of at least 3 upcoming models and none of them have yet struck me as the “something big” so I can only speculate. Those in the know described it to me as “something really new.” Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
the brown marbling looks so nice. i can seriously consider getting one. i thought the brown tortoise was the best brown Pelikan, but i think this one surpasses it.
I’m surprised about the overwhelmingly positive response that I’ve seen to this one. I guess people really aren’t sick of brown. This one seems like it will sell well.
My Brown marbled M200 arrived in the mail today from Indy-Pen-Dance with it’s Binderized medium nib by Linda Kennedy.
I haven’t yet had a chance to ink it up, as I usually like to flush with water first a few times and let the pen dry overnight.
I’m surprised that the pen barrel is translucent. I was definitely expecting something similar to the M205 Blue marbled which is opaque. The pattern is nothing like what is shown in the Pelikan pictures for this product, imo. There is a lot of glitter or chatoyance in this particular pen. Because of that, there are times when the pen appears to be gold rather than brown depending on the light. I’m not sure if they’re all like this one, or how much variation there may be in the production run.
The cap, piston knob, and section are very dark brown.
I’m sure the pen will grow on me, because it does look quite nice and especially with the tuned nib.
And the US pricing is unchanged; while several vendors seem to have a different MSRP (by $10) they are all offering the typical 20% discount. So about $144-$152 or so, the same as for a regular M200.
The gold coloring is one of the things that caught me when I first opened mine. I was surprised but pleasantly so. Pelikan’s product photos lately have been a real bust when it comes to accurate depictions of their pens. I agree that this model is not significantly cheaper than past iterations. I purchased mine from overseas and paid about $85, a significant savings over domestic pricing.
I like how the brown pen sounds; the translucence and golden shimmers sound pretty. I hope when I get one, it looks like that, even though that is a little different from the green and blue marbled versions. I may get one with a 14K M400 nib, and have it stubbed. We’ll see. Gotta handle Christmas shopping first!
It looks like that. Not at all what I expected but very pleasing to the eye.
Dear Joshua. Just got this pen this morning for Christmas. It is a classy looking pen — in many ways a richer look than the blue or green marble. I would like Pelikan to bring back the grey marble M200. Also, Pelikan did issue the grey Stressemen in a M405 and a M 805. The M 405 is a great pen.
I completely agree that the Brown Marbled model has a richer look than the other marbled releases which in turn are more lustrous than the ones that preceded them. I think a resurrection of the grey marbled is a no brainer and I hope to see one in the near future. It is my favorite of the older marbled variants.
I just order the M200 brown as my first Pelican! Unfortunately, the budget did not stretch to a M400 Souvern brown tortoise; however, I was able to order the M200 with a nib upgrade to an M400 gold B nib from Niche Pens in England. I am in the backwoods of Canada and could not find a North American online retailer that offered the nib upgrade. With the current crappy enchange on the Canadian dollar, it is roughly the same price to order from England or USA right now. I’m very excited! Also happy to read the descriptions of the pen here and that the pen cap and grip are dark brown, not black. I love extra broad nibs, but was hesitant to venture into the vintage area for my first pen of the brand. Maybe a vintage tortoise in the future with a BB!
Congrats on your first Pelikan, Tina! I have several M200 pens (including the brown marble) that I’ve upgraded with M400 nibs. The result is awesome, so I think you’ll like yours. It’s a great way to get the variety and lower cost of the M200 models with the superb writability of a 14K nib. I’ve also had some of mine reground to stubs and really enjoy those as well.
While the M400 Tortoiseshell Brown looks great, the M200 is no slouch. I think that you’ll be very happy with it and that B nib should be quite juicy.
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Sorry to bump an old thread, Joshua. I just got one of these today. I knew before I bought it that the cap, section and piston knob are brown. I probably wouldn’t have gotten the pen if they were black. I didn’t give the finial any thought…it turns out it is black. I assume it is the same on your pen, yes? I suppose it makes perfect business sense that it is black, but it sure would be nice if it matched the rest of the pen.
No such thing as a necro thread on The Perch. I’m sorry that the coloring caught you off guard. Still, I think that it is a sharp looking pen. Are you going to keep it?
As I wrote above, I just didn’t give it any thought. If I had, I would have realized it wasn’t likely that Pelikan would make a brown finial for one lower-end pen. What else would they use it on? Plus, it isn’t something that is easy to see. The brown bits can pass for black without good lighting. It is a nice looking pen. I’m going to keep it. Btw, I wasn’t blaming you or anything like that. Thanks.
I didn’t think that you were blaming at all. I just feel bad when things don’t turn out as expected for people. Glad to hear that you’re going to keep it. Enjoy.