News of two new Pelikan fountain pens in one day can only mean trouble for your wallet or purse. Following closely on the heels of this year’s Maki-e release, the Peacock, we also learn of the next model to come out of Hannover courtesy of Penworld. This one is known as the M815 Metal Striped special edition. The last pen to utilize the M815 nomenclature was the Wall Street limited edition from 1995. Refreshingly, this years model brings something new to the table while still preserving a comfortable familiarity. The M815 is adorned with metal stripes reminiscent of the well established Stresemann pattern. I’d wager that this is one of those releases that we had all hoped for from the company, something commensurate with their 180th anniversary.
The new M815 strikes a nice balance between innovation and familiarity. The barrel is decorated with alternating rows of palladium plated brass stripes conjuring up a familiar appearance derived from new materials. The brass stripes also serve to add some additional heft to the pen though there is no word on the actual weight at this time. Like the stripes, the furniture of the pen is palladium plated throughout. This includes a plated crown cap top, two cap bands, two trim rings at the piston knob, and a single trim ring at the section. The traditional beak clip is also present on the cap. There is a dark gray ink view window behind the section and the nib is done in a completely rhodium plated 18C-750 monotone gold. The pen itself will be shipped in a specially designed gift box that reflects the striped design (as of yet unseen).
M815 Metal Striped (2018)
M805 Stresemann (2015)
There is no word yet as to what domestic pricing may be. Penworld has listed a price of €630.17 (~$751.83) excluding VAT and €762.50 (~$909.71) including VAT. Not surprisingly, that would put the M815 at a higher price point than other M8xx models. Available nib sizes will include the standard EF, F, M, and B. The M815’s release is slated for June of 2018.
I really like the look of the new M815 and am intrigued by the metal stripes. This will clearly be a pen for those who like a heftier, larger model. I do worry that the appearance is a bit too similar to the prior M405 and M805 (as well as the rumored upcoming M10xx) Stresemann releases. That said, I think the ink view window and more contrasty appearance will set it apart from the Anthracite Stresemann. This one will definitely be joining my flock. How about you? Too much of the same or a refreshing take on an old theme?
Too much like the Stresemann which i just bought But it’s a beautiful and elegant design.
They are definitely flirting with that opinion. Would be nice to see a little more color amongst this years releases. Has been pretty monotone thus far, the Peacock not withstanding.
It will be interesting to see it side by side with the Stresemann. It will definitely be joining my flock anyway. It looks very chic.
Haha. I don’t think anybody outside of our ilk would ever refer to a fountain pen as chic. Good one though.
I like it better than the Stresemann. Wish they would do an M1000 version just like this. It’s a very handsome pen.
I think an M1000 in this type of style might come in a tad too hefty for comfort but that would be hard to say. I agree that first impression also has me liking it a bit more than the Stresemann. Of course, we will have to withhold judgement until some real world pics become available.
I like it quite a bit. It’s sharper than the Stresemann. I will have to add to my collection, even though it’s not totally rocking my world (but, I’m an addict, what can I say?). A little more color, a little more innovation, would be nice from Pelikan. They can do these things and still maintain their elegance and their tradition. My favorite of the under-$1000 newer releases is the white M605.
I agree with all of the sentiments that you’ve expressed. I’m still hopeful for a splash of color later this year. Something in a shade of orange…
M1000 Stressman is coming. Soon. It has to be, from Pelikans own recent thinking.
This year kind feels like a lot of monochromatic releases. Between the anniversary pen, the M815, and the M1000 Stresemann, just seems like they could have spaced the releases out better. Overall a little drab feeling.
Joshua, I’m really enjoying your website and posts. Thanks for doing it. A good friend turned me onto fountain pens a few years back. Stumbling across your website, you persuaded me to hone in on Pelikan. I haven’t taken advantage of all of the wealth of information here yet, but hope to in the days and years to come. Nevertheless, it’s still been extremely helpful and fun. I’ve reserved a 12 pen pen tray for current and future Pelikans. I’ll be passing on the Peacock type pens due to the price range, but am enjoying a couple of M800/805’s so far. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks!
Regarding this post, I now have a decision to make on whether to go with the Stresemann or this new one. I think I like this color contrast a bit more, but I actually prefer the pens without the ink window like the Stresemann, I think. I may be in the minority there as I’ve seen several comments on the web complaining about Pelikan’s pens without ink windows. Thanks for that side by side photo!
I appreciate the kind words Scott. The Perch is a labor of love for me and I’m glad that it is appreciated. I would recommend that you go with the M815 because when it’s gone, it’s gone. The Stresemann should be hanging around for a bit and you can always pick that one up later should you still desire.
Good point on availability; I’ll be on the lookout then.
I’m with Scott as to the appearance of the ink window. Although an ink window is a nice convenience, if I am judging solely on looks here (and I am), I like the look of the Stresemann without the ink window. I don’t know (since I don’t have one yet) whether the Stresemann’s stripes are translucent so that you can see whether it needs ink or not. To me, that’s not a deal breaker in any Pelikan. I love my Pink M600, and it’s not translucent, so I never really know how full the pen is. Doesn’t seem to be a problem, though, since I’m never really too far from an ink bottle at any given time. I can usually tell when it’s getting close to needing a refill, just by the way it feels on the paper.
I really like the Metal Striped M815, though. It’s a beautiful take on a classic. However, given its large size and heft, I won’t be adding one to my flock (small hands). I do have designs on a Stresemann M405 or M605, though. I can visualize one of those coming home to roost sometime in the next year or so.
Good point Debi on the translucent material. I don’t know if the Stresemann has that or not, but I do like that in the Blue/Black stripe Pelikan I have.
They are similar in their ink view. There is translucency there.
I’m a fan of the ink windows personally. I like the way they break up the barrel from the section. The Stresemann does allow for viewing the ink level. No word on an M605 Stresemann but I would anticipate this materializing in the next year or two given that we’ve seen the Stresemann applied to almost every other Souverän line.
Yup, at first blush it does look a lot like the M805 Stresemann that I just bought at the Factory Store. (That’s not a bad thing!) But I’m reserving judgment until I see it in person. I suspect the metal bands are stunning. The discrete ink-view window is a fun touch.
That’s a good policy especially in light of the recent misleading product shots. I can’t wait for real world pics of this one.
When visiting the Pelikan Factory, they told me that the Ductus has the stripes to be a modern interpretation of the Souveran’s traditional stripes.
I was always impressed by the write up that the brass cap was routered and filled with palladium before being lacquered to give a smooth finish on top of the recessed lines. Alas, it did not sell well and was discontinued so it’s nice to see this release to build on that.
The Ductus had its flaws but was well built. The M815 actually reminded me of the M215 line. I can’t wait to get one of these in hand and see the stripes fro myself.
So there’s an m1005 Stresemann rumored this year?!?!
Maybe… That’s the word on the street. Vendors were approached to place orders earlier this year. I think it’s safe to say that we’ll see this one later on this year. No idea when though.
Are the nibs on the M815 and the M805 the same nib?
From what I’ve seen, I do believe that the nibs are identical. Both rhodium plated 18C-750 gold with the same styling.
Pelikan has many beautiful pens, M815 Metal Striped Special Edition is amazing in its looks and writing. Thanks for the amazing blog.
(Edited to remove self promotional content)
I love the Stresemann for the sublety of the slightly transparent stripes that replace the ink window. I don’t thik this one would convince me.
I’m open to both looks. I kind of like the ink window though. That’s the nice thing about having variety.
Joshua,
Do you know if the cap covers the ink window when screwed on.?
As I’ve not seem a picture of the pen like this,
and I’m thinking of your comment on the Raden Royal Gold whereby the stripes finish before the cap.
Also looking at the Pelikan website the weight seems identical to a “standard” M800 this can’t be correct surely ?
Regards.
Having yet to see one, I cannot say for sure but I would anticipate, based on their other models w/ similar design that the cap does indeed cover the ink window when the cap in screwed on. About the weight, I also cannot comment on this but I would find it hard to believe that it would be of a standard weight given the difference in construction. We’ll just have to wait until these are in the wild to know for sure.
All will be revealed no doubt.
Thanks for your reply Joshua and thanks for a great website.
You’re welcome.
Just ordered mine with the B nib; can always get it ground later if the mood takes me.
It works out a bit cheaper for me from the UK vs US/EU, I was happy to find.
Wish I could afford the Peacock version! Drool!
if/when the M1005 Stresemann arrives, I’ll be sorely tempted again. I much prefer the bigger pens.
I too am drooling over the Peacock but it just won’t happen for me at that price. I may pass on the Stresemann since I already have the M405 and M805. Can’t see myself using it that much but I’m sure it will sell well. I was surprised to hear that they would come out with an M1xxx version of if before an M6xx version.
Received mine from NIche Pens here in the UK in an EF last Friday.
If it’s permissible I would certainly recommend Niche they combine great service with good prices.
Back to the pen.
The Stripes are the thing they glitter in certain light when you roll it in your hand which is quite lovely.
For me this is the heart of Pelikan Stresemann design.
I prefer an ink window, this takes you back to the originals but with the modern design along with the pin-stripes. that was the combination that made this the pen I had to have.
I’ve never been taken by the Maki-e type Pelikans they seem to have nothing in common with the Pelikan ethos. Best left to the Japanese pen makers.
Finally, I also appreciate the additional heft compared to the standard M800.
Do you happen to know the weight of this pen? According to Pelikan’s site, it is the same as other M800s, but seems unlikely given its construction.
I don’t have scales Joe. But it is noticeably heavier. I saw one seller’s website stating 38 grams with Cap and 29 without.
The Pelikan website is wrong.
I think it’s a bit of a classic
Thanks for the follow-up. I should be receiving mine in a few days anyway from Dan Smith. If not already posted by then, I will weigh the pen as I do have a scale and let everyone know.
In my mind, I’m envisioning something along the lines of an M1000 or M640 weight.
I’ve just weighed the 815 Metal to see 28g without and 36g with. It’s a lovely pen – taking over from an 800 as my favourite writer.
Pelikan hasn’t really posted the weight accurately and many vendors list it as the standard M800. The actual weight remains a bit of a mystery. Once I get it in, I’ll put it on my scale to see and will have that all up in a review when I’m able.
Thanks for sharing your impressions of the pen. Mine is still in transit. Niche Pens is a great vendor. Sounds like you and I have similar pen sensibilities. Can’t wait to get mine. I’ll definitely be reviewing this one once I have it.
Looking forward to seeing your review Joshua. Getting another’s viewpoint is always worthwhile.
Review is up! Check it out here.
Great post Joshua.
I tried to resist this one as much as I could.
But my wife and son insisted that I should get it. So, what could I do? Not my fault, right? 🙂
Mine arrived yesterday and it is a beautiful pen. The added weight is very nice (for me at least) – it is definitely heavier than the regular ones.
I wonder if they will have a series in this finish, like the M215 line. Have you heard anything?
You are a lucky man indeed. National security matters don’t draw the close scrutiny that each new pen that I purchase does. Glad to hear that you are enjoying yours. It might be nice to see them go down a path like the M215 line though I haven’t heard anything about that. I’m not sure that would be a regular line but certainly could see more special editions like this in the future. Only time will tell.
I love the look of this pen. Unlike the recent issues, where the look of the pens was arguably enhanced, the M815 marketing photos do not do it justice; I tried taking my own and had the same problem… it’s really hard to capture how classy it is.
I’d be very, very tempted by an M1015, much more than by a Stresemann, which looks dowdy next to the metal stripe.
I agree completely- the metal striped looks sharp and I love the weight of the pen. I have a few ‘striated’ Souveräns but have thought for a while they look dowdy – I thought the M600 pink/white particularly disappointing although the package was stunning.
Sadly, for Pelikan, I won’t be buying a Stresemann. I wonder how Pelikan will vary this pen for its next ‘special’ – maybe gold plated metal stripes?
Silver and gold colored variants of this finish would harken back to the likes of the Ductus which had similar styling.
These pens are always difficult to accurately capture with photographs. Sadly, there are far too few pen shops for many to get a glimpse of these any other way. An M1015 would be neat but that sure would be one hefty pen. I think you could extrapolate that would be something like an ounce and a half.
Pelikan hit a home run with this pen…impressive in all aspects.
It has joined my flock! Actually have a “flock” now. Lol.
Congrats! Nothing wrong with that and I’m sure it won’t stop there.