The Pelikan’s Perch turns 4 years old today! No longer a toddler, part of me still cannot believe that the site is going strong and continuing to grow year after year. I can only attribute that fact to my love of the brand, the great products Pelikan puts out, and the support of all of you, without which none of this would be possible. My blog was born from a desire to share the knowledge and perspective that I had gained in researching my favorite fountain pens. I wanted to give back to the community that empowered me in my quest and fostered my love for fine writing. All I can do is say thank you. Thank you for reading, for sharing my work, for interacting and contributing to the conversation, and for four great years. To celebrate this anniversary, I have decided to host the first ever contest to grace The Pelikan’s Perch. In trying to decide just what type of prize to offer, I reflected back on my own collection. In doing so I realized that the Pelikan P16 Stola III fountain pen would be well suited for the task at hand and entering for your chance to win one couldn’t be easier. Read on to learn about all of the details.
UPDATE 9/16/18: The contest has come to an end and I thank you all for your words of support and participation. My decision was not an easy one with so many great entries to choose from. Without further ado, I’m happy to announce that Robbin A. takes home the prize. The Stola III will soon be dispatched bringing this contest to its conclusion. Given it’s success, I can certainly see another one in The Perch’s future. Until then, keep reading to stay up to date on all things Pelikan.
The P16 Pelikan Stola III is an awesome cartridge/converter fountain pen. It received a very favorable score of 53/60 or 88% in this site’s review back in October 2017. You can find out more about this model as well as the full details of that review here. Pelikan’s own sales literature states;
“All Stola III fountain pens feature a delicate and elegantly curved Pelikan stainless steel clip enhanced further with a brass barrel covered with a multilayered silver lacquer coating. This special surface finish not only shines, but has a shimmering depth to it as well – a range with a sophisticated radiance. It is a stylish gift that perfectly underscores that special occasion. The Pelikan Stola III series has been created as a modern and new stylized writing instrument series, the perfect image accessory, at an affordable price.”
Here is how to enter;
1. Click to subscribe to this site via e-mail. You can use the link below, click the button at the bottom right hand corner of the page, or sign up via the widget in the side bar to the right. Don’t worry, The Perch never spams you. If you are already following the blog, you can skip directly to step 2.
2. Leave a comment below letting me know either what you like about Pelikan, what you’ve learned from my site, and/or what topics you would like to see me address in the future.
It’s as simple as that. The contest will run from September 1st though 14th and be governed by the rules set forth below. Everyone 18 or older is welcome to participate (except residents of Quebec, Canada and where prohibited by law). By subscribing to the site, you may choose to be alerted to new posts which will ensure you are up to date with all of the latest Pelikan news and events as well as be informed of any new post featuring insights into some of the more esoteric aspects of the brand. It may be my anniversary but the gift is for you as a token of my appreciation. Make sure to spread the word about this contest before the deadline to any lovers of fine writing within your sphere of influence.
Contest Terms & Conditions
- The contest will run from the time of announcement on Saturday, September 1st, 2018 until midnight eastern standard time (23:59 EST) on Friday, September 14th, 2018. The winner will be notified via e-mail within 72 hours of the close of the contest. They will then have 72 hours to respond before they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner is chosen.
- One winner will be chosen to receive a Pelikan P16 Stola III fountain pen with a medium nib. The pen is brand new and will come in a silver gift box. This particular model has a U.S. MSRP of $45. The prize is not transferable to another person.
- The contest is open to people worldwide (excluding residents of Quebec, Canada and in countries where such a contest is prohibited by law) to persons aged 18 or over. Only one entry per person. Myself, my family, or anyone else directly associated with The Pelikan’s Perch are excluded from consideration.
- To take part in the contest, first click to subscribe to this site via e-mail. You can use the link above, click the button at the bottom right hand corner of the page, or sign up via the widget in the side bar to the right. If you are already subscribed, you can skip to the next step. Once subscribed, just leave a comment below letting me know either what you like about Pelikan, what you’ve learned from my site, and/or what topics you would like to see me address in the future. Both tasks must be completed for an entry to be considered valid. All comments are subject to review and approval before becoming valid entries.
- The winner will have submitted a valid entry and be selected by me based on the response provided below. The judge’s decision is final.
- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Slack, Pinterest, Reddit, and Google+ are in no way associated with this contest. There is no sponsorship for this contest. The pen was purchased by The Pelikan’s Perch for the sole purpose of this contest. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.
- The prize will be mailed to the winner via the United States Postal Service within 7 days of the winner’s response which must include a valid shipping address.
- The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary.
- The Pelikan’s Perch reserves the right to publish the winner’s name to this blog. Neither the blog nor its administrator can be held liable for lost/delayed e-mail, typographical errors, or technical failures.
The Pelikan's Perch 
The Pelikan brand is an icon in the history of writing. Those who use writing as work or leisure, know that quality is important in the end result.
With The Pelikan’s Perch we can always learn a little about the history of Pelikan, its characteristics through the ages. The knowledge of the works published on its website, are always important for those who like this German brand. Thank you!
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Pelikan – Beautiful pens and fantastic quality, wins every time.
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Amazing website, every post makes it better and more useful to the community.
What I love about Pelikan is the attention to details in reliable pens that last forever.
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Love the site and enjoy reading the articles. I only have a few Pelikans but wish I had more. I’ve started to recognize the patterns for new releases, but maybe a short article summarizing releases and other big events during a typical year if you are looking for article ideas? Thanks, Sean
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I’m just starting out learning about Pelikan so the info you post has helped me as I look closer at this brand of pen such as the Pelikan 101 post. Thanks for all the great information!
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Thanks for this site – I love that people outside the pen world wouldn’t recognize a Pelikan if it bit them, but to those in the know they are works of art.
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Pelikans are in my top five favorites and reading this site has enhanced my knowledge and appreciation. It was a prime resource when I was shopping for an older tortoise pen and that pen is a treasure to me! I may have too many Pelikans, but I don’t think so!
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Pelikan has been around for 180 years for a reason: it consistently produces high-quality writing instruments with an exceptional build quality. Their fountain pens are reliable with an unmatched filling system. The nibs write smoothly out of the box. They are very easy to clean and maintain owing to the nib being removable. It is an innovative company that continues to produce striking designs. And due to the variety offered in terms of sizes and materials used, one can always find a pen to suit his or her needs. Congratulations on 4 years, Joshua. Your site, without question, is THE source for the latest Pelikan news. Your reviews, how-to videos, historical pieces, and personal insight posts are always executed at such a high level. And, probably most telling, you always have found the time to answer any question, regardless of how mundane it might have been, I had regarding fountain pens. Just like your posts, your responses are always well thought out, detailed, and helpful. Bravo!
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Thanks for doing this (the site and the giveaway). I’ve been on a Pelikan kick this year, more than doubling the number I own, so this site has been a go-to resource for research. What I like about the brand is they never abandoned the low end. For the future, I’d be interested in more historical pieces and explainers.
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I have two lower end Pelikans, and often think of moving up. Your website has so much helpful information I will be coming back again and again. Thanks!
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Pelikan Persch é essencial a quem gosta de escrita.. pelo que há que absorver toda a preciosa informação.
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What I love about Pelikan: Their pens just fit my hands. They feel so good. I almost always have one inked and ready to go.
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This is a delightful way to observe your anniversary; I wish you many more years of sailing the seas of information!
What I like about Pelikan is that they haven’t (yet, at least, and I touch wood against it) put all their energy into the up-market lines. One who doesn’t have the money to throw at an M1000 or a Pura can still enjoy a Pelikan– the writing qualities of a Style or a Pelikano Up are such that you don’t feel like you’re using an inexpensive pen. I sometimes wish I were more willing to be seen in public using my Twist, because it’s a jolly nice pen to write with.
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Hey, Joshua, congratulations on four years publishing this informative blog. I have learned lots about my Pelikans from you. I was able to confidently buy a few older Pelikans because of what I’ve learned here about dating and identifying their various models. I own 21 Pelikans now, and have just ordered #22: the Bright Red M101N. I’ve had my eye on that one for a while now, and finally pulled the trigger. I settled on a medium nib because I don’t have many in that size. I’m looking forward to a great writing experience, as I get with all my birds. I have four M3XX minis in my collection; I call them my “chicks.” I have very small hands, so they suit me perfectly! I haven’t bought larger than an M600, but I’m sure even if I did, they’d be so well balanced that their size wouldn’t really present a problem. But I’m happy with their smaller models.
Thanks for continuing to put out all the useful information on this site. I always look forward to reading new articles.
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I love the Pelikan bill design on the clips of the pens!
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Every year I’m adding Pelikan pens to my collection and I enjoy writing with them so much. They are also very nice to look at. I have a range of pens from M200 to M800 and I like them all. I like to use their ink also. Makes my writing experience smooth and enjoyable. Congratulations to you!
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Your reviews have been extremely thorough and well researched. The photography is great also.
Even if I’m not nearly as into Pelikan (in particular) or collecting (in general), it’s interesting to see what aspects are of the most interest to collectors.
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Pelikan combines a high standard of excellence with beautiful craftsmanship.
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Thank you for doing the giveaway!! I think in the future I would like to hear a little bit more on what Pelikan can do to innovate and move forwards yet still keep their place in enthusiast’s hearts. Will Pelikan ever bring back standard OB or AT grinds? Will they do anything past their annual ink releases? Do they need to?
Again, thank you so much for doing this
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Joshua, congratulations on four years of publishing one of the best fountain pen blogs the internet has to offer!!! It’s because of you that I’ve developed a love and hunger for anything Pelikan. I love that I can confidently buy older Pelikans because of your meticulous research on their various models. Such beautiful craftsmanship and I’m happy that I own a few. Your love for Pelikan is infectious and I enjoy reading from you. Keep up the excellent work!!
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I’d love to see you address which of the higher-end Pelikans is the best value.
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I like the timeless shape of Pelikan
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I love the nib of Pelikan.
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I can relate to your fountain pen journey. I’m really hoping to find a brand that suits me too (I just wish I had the extra funds to indulge!) I haven’t tried a Pelikan yet but it’s at the top of my wish list after reading your blog (and thanks to your blog, I know I’ll get the most out of my Pelikan pen).
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I’m new to Pelikan pens and to your blog, so I want to learn as much as I can. I like vintage pens and will look back on your previous posts to read about vintage Pelikans. Congrats on turning 4!
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The Pelikan brand is the standard for me in fountain pens. Early in my fountain pen collecting, I gravitated toward Pelikans due to the quality, beauty, and excellence of their products. Your website has provided me in-depth historical insights and product assessment, enhancing my love and appreciation for this iconic mainstay in my collection.
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My first Pelikan gets shipped tomorrow, and if you’d told me a couple months ago that it would be a vintage pen more than sixty years old you could have measured on a seismometer the shock from my jaw hitting the floor. And moments later, seeing my first photograph and description of it in your Guide to Buying Pelikan, you would have been able to measure with that same seismometer my excitement after being grabbed by the 140. Don’t worry, from your blog I discovered not only enthusiasm for these pens, but also some good reasons for buying vintage in the first place and where I could get it done while keeping my first Pelikan buying experience a good one. Congratulations on your anniversary!
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I love the Pelikan brand because of its history and wide variety of pens…
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Thanks for all the great information on your web site. I love all of my Pelikans but I can’t tell the difference between writing with a gold nib and a steel nib. Of course I know which ones have a gold nib and the pens that have a steel nib. I believe they use the same tipping material and that is the only thing touching the paper. I also try to use very little pressure when writing so flexing of the nib doesn’t seem to affect my writing. I’m not going to worry about it so i’ll just continue to enjoy using them.
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Pelikan is synonymous with high quality writing instruments. The addition of this “bird” to my collection would be momentous!
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Very informative site! I usually check if I plan to purchase a particular model and I’m happy to be updated on current releases. So far I have an M200, M215 and pelikan 120. More power to to pelikansperch!
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I like it that it’s pretty and delicate and can store a lot of ink, so that I don’t need to stop in the middle, interrupted, to fill ink when I’m furiously writing.
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I was first introduced to Pelikan by my father who purchased the Pelikan 120 in 1940. For years he looked after it carefully and never once did it fall from his hand. It’s a sheer beauty to hold and even look at. He would write cursive style, in black Pelikan 4001 ink. I have followed his footsteps and purchased a Pelikan M200 in 2004. I take good care of it, and it’s definitely better than the much-hyped Mont Blanc pens. A sheer pleasure to hold and write with: that’s Pelikan for you!
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I love how Pelikans write and how they are built to last. I love their range of inks and how they complement their pends.
Thank you for always sharing the past, the present, and the future of Pelikans with your readers.
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I love your blog and tweets! You have opened the Pelikan world for me. Thanks for your work!
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Its a brand of perfection!!!
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I like the aesthetic of Pelikan pens, it’s hard to quantify but they really speak to me. Truth be told I don’t have any yet but I am saving to rectify that soon I hope!
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Pelikan makes some very nice looking pens! I’ve actually never even held one, and this year I will be attending my first Hub. That’s another thing I like about Pelikan. Their generosity in supporting the annual Hubs.
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Pelikan is my favorite fountain pen company. Every Pelikan I own writes smoothly and they are all very dependable. I have enjoyed the Pelikan Hubs in the past and certainly look forward to enjoying this years event. I especially love checking out your collection of pens! You always seem to have interesting topics therefore I am sure whatever topic you choose in the future will be of interest to me.
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A pelican pen has a simple clean look to it and delivers a great writing experience.
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Joshua,
I am fortunate that my palate was touched early with excellence in the arena of fountain pens and writing: from the time I was tiny, I received demonstration and impartation of the goodness of quality writing instruments, and the place (and potential power) of a hand-written note, thoughtful in its very presentation — the beauty of the writing conveying gratitude and meaning beyond the words therein.
Pelikan pens have been integral to my experience all along the way, the observations of childhood leading to ownership and regular use throughout adulthood. Worthy objects of affection, they, on so many levels!
What a joy, to discover your site this far down my Pelikan-loving road!
I have gained greatly from the incredible resource you have created here. I am specifically grateful for your detailed instructions regarding such things as cleaning the section of demonstrator pens, tightening/reorienting the crowns and clips on pen caps, etc.– I am in your debt– but benefit most from your ongoing, intelligent enthusiasm.
I quote you often:
“… Pelikan pens have some indescribable quality, a character and a discipline, that makes owning and using them a joy that transcends the sum of their parts.”
A character and a discipline, indeed.
Thank you! 🙂
~ S.
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Love this comment for the sheer beauty in terms of the choice of words and the writer’s joy of using a fountain pen. Truly, one must love writing and be able to appreciate the joys of seeing the words form on the page, and a cursive style of writing would do much to rediscover the lost joys of writing.
I have a Pelikan M200 and have intentions of expanding my collection. I use the Pelikan 4001 series black ink.
Pelikan pens are expensive, but what the heck, you live only once. So let’s use whatever’ left of this life and enjoy the sheer pleasures of reading and writing and rediscover lost joys!
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I just found this site and I’ve been browsing the back catalog. I bought my very first Pelikan (an M800) last month, and its elegance is so satisfying, visually and mechanically. Looking forward to writing with it and seeing all the Pelikan lore here!
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Pelikan is an iconic brand. A friend had an M400 White Tortie. Holding that pen made me want to get back into fountain pens. It is just a gorgeous specimen.
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I don’t quite know what it is about Pelikan, but it just has a certain quality to it. If I had the money to, I could see getting rid of every other pen I own, and keeping a collection of only Pelikans, and I think that would be fine. Pelikan doesn’t have the general brand cache of a Montblanc, or the ubiquity (at least in the US) of a Pilot, but it has a more understated dominance’s of the pen world. No one ever said that they bought a new Pelikan to be greater with the response of “oh, I don’t trust that brand.”
My only Pelikan fountain pen right now is an M205, but I know that I will some day pick up s souveran (probably the M80X or M100X, to get the upgraded piston mechanism.) your blog has been a great resource in learning about this brand.
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I love the look of this pen. Your review gave me a lot of information so I added it to my wish list.
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I love the experience of writing with Pelikan pens – they’re smooth, wet, and above all, reliable (and most of them – the piston-fillers, at least – hold a ton of ink.)
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I’ve been following your blog since I bought my first Pelikan an M800. It’s my favorite fountain pen and carry it daily. Your articles are well written and researched. I enjoy reading about Pelikan’s history and your insight on new products about to be released.
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congrats on your anniversary. I really like the clean lines of the stola pen. It would join my Lamy as an EDC pen!
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I have used primarily Pelikan inks, and enjoy their colors quite a bit. I have tried a few different Pelikan pens, but have not purchased one yet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and congratulations on the anniversary!
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Congratulations on your Anniversary. I am newly back into fountain pens after a 30 year hiatus. There is so much going on. My first inks, upon my return, are Pelikan 4001 Turquoise and Royal Blue. The more experience I gain, the more I love Pelikan inks. The colors are gorgeous. They write like a dream and they are nice to my pens. Now it’s time to learn about Pelikan pens. I’m glad I found your site. Robbin
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I just bought my second Pelikan and am loving my m200 smokey quartz.
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I love Pelikan’s little pelican on the cap’s top. I’ve heard they’ve changed over time and would love to hear more of its story over the years.
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Entries are now closed folks. A winner will be announced soon. Check back in a few days to find out who won and thank you for participating in my little giveaway.
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I received my beautiful Stola III today. Thank you so much. My first ever Pelikan pen and I’m very excited and grateful. I guarantee that I will be reading in the future. Thanks for the great site and the great prize. Robbin A
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I’m glad that it arrived to you safe and sound. You’re welcome and I hope that you enjoy. Just beware, a first Pelikan often leads to others and before you know it, you have a flock. Congrats again!
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Greetings and Salutations, I am the incredibly pleased winner of the Stola III, Robbin A. I have been trying to send a message to express my gratitude. I have lost the email address which announced my selection so I have been replying to different notices. Not to beat a dead horse, but I don’t want to take my prize and run. Once again, thank you for selecting me to receive my first Pelikan pen. Robbin A.
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Your appreciation of the gift really makes it all worthwhile. Congrats again. Enjoy your pen!!!
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I love the engravings on the nib of fountain pen. I love to write and i usually write quotes and poems and pelikan fountain pen would be a compliment to my writing.
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