Today marks the fifth anniversary of The Pelikan’s Perch going live. The last five years have been an incredible experience for me. When I originally started on this path, I never expected that it would lead me to so many engaged and wonderful people. I have thoroughly enjoyed researching each post and continually strive to build upon the existing foundation of Pelikan knowledge. For me, it is truly a labor of love and I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I have. While much has changed in the world over the past five years, the mission of The Perch has not and I hope to continue to share my knowledge and perspective with you for many years to come. The Perch does not accept solicitation nor is it gifted products for review. In doing so, I have tried to remain free of bias so that I might bring you the most critical and honest reviews possible. That is why you don’t see too many giveaways on the site. One year ago was my first attempt at a contest where I gave away a new Pelikan P16 Stola III fountain pen. That giveaway was well received, so much so that I would like to repeat it in honor of The Perch’s fifth birthday and as a thank you to the community. For my second contest ever, I spent a lot of time pondering over just what might be a worthwhile prize. Thanks to the good people at Fritz Schimpf, I have been afforded the opportunity to give away a Pelikan 2019 Star Ruby M205 Demonstrator fountain pen and ink gift set, a pen certain to be on the wish list of many. Read on to learn how you might enter for a chance to win.
UPDATE 9/18/19: The contest has come to an end and I once again thank you all for your kind words as well as your participation in my little giveaway. I’m overwhelmed by your support and thank you for the engagement that keeps me motivated to continue this endeavor. There were over 200 entries this year making my decision quite a challenge. I’m very happy to announce that Jenn Dee was selected as this year’s prize winner. The M205 Star Ruby fountain pen and ink gift set is sure to add some jazz to her flock. I’m not sure what next year will bring but keep an eye on The Perch for all of your Pelikan news. Based on the success of this year’s effort, I anticipate another contest in The Perch’s future. Until then, keep writing and enjoy your flock, big or small.
Pelikan M205 Star Ruby Fountain Pen & Ink Gift Set
Pelikan’s M205 Star Ruby promises to be an exciting release. Due out later this month, this burgundy-pink demonstrator is distinguished by a sparkling finish, something not previously seen in this series. I figured such a unique model would make a fitting prize for this contest. It is a piston filled fountain pen that should be a great writer based on my experience with its predecessors. You can find out more about this model here. Pelikan’s own sales literature states;
“This year again, Pelikan will offer a series of writing instruments matching the color of the latest Edelstein® Ink of The Year 2019 Star Ruby. This beautiful new color, in burgundy-pink, is inspired by the gemstone “star ruby”. The new matching color writing instruments are made with a special crystal effect which makes each pen glisten and sparkle in the light. All pens are unique and now with this new glittering effect provide a special and brilliant look. Pens are offered in shiny silver trim and feature the classic Pelikan beak clip. The highly polished stainless steel nib perfectly complements and adds to the appeal of each writing instrument.”
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. This year, I would like to hear about what you have taken away from reading The Perch, what tidbits of info have stuck or had an impact with you, and/or what topic were you most fascinated by? If you’re new to the site, what interests you about Pelikan pens and what would you like to learn? Also, let me know why you would like to add the M205 Star Ruby to your flock and what winning such a pen would mean to you. Leaving a comment below will earn you one entry into the contest.
3. As a bonus this year, I will allow one additional entry via the social media platforms of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Pick whichever one you prefer. All you have to do is post a picture of your flock with the hashtag #GrowMyFlock and caption it by telling me why this particular Star Ruby set should come home to roost with you. If you don’t already have a few Pelikans in the nest, that’s OK. Show me what you do have and tell me why you’re interested in trying a Pelikan. While you’re at it, please consider following my feed/liking my page. Please make sure you’ve also left a comment below and not just on social media.
That’s all there is to it this year. I’ve tried to keep it pretty straight forward and fun. The contest will run from September 1st though the 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, events, and my own extensively researched articles. It’s The Perch’s birthday but the gift is once again for you. Please make sure to spread the word about this contest before the deadline so that all lovers of the Pelikan brand and/or fine writing instruments in general can get in on the fun.
Contest Terms & Conditions
- The contest will run from the time of announcement on Sunday, September 1st, 2019 until midnight eastern standard time (23:59 EST) on Saturday, September 14th, 2019. 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 M205 Star Ruby fountain pen and ink gift set. The pen and ink combo are brand new. This particular pen and ink set has a U.S. MSRP of $235. 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 age 18 or older. Up to two entries are allowed per person in accordance with the instructions outlined above and below. 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 what you have taken away from reading The Perch, what tidbits of info have stuck or had an impact with you, and/or what topic you were most fascinated by? If you’re new to the site, what interests you about Pelikan pens and what would you like to learn? Also, let me know why you would like to add the Star Ruby to your flock and what winning such a pen would mean to you. Both tasks must be completed for an entry to be considered valid. All comments are subject to review and approval before becoming valid entries. In rare instances, a genuine comment may inadvertently be flagged as spam by Akismet and may not be available for consideration though every reasonable effort will be made to prevent that occurrence.
- A single extra entry via the social media platforms of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram will be available this year. Pick whichever site you prefer. To gain an additional entry, post a picture of your flock with the hashtag #GrowMyFlock and caption it by telling me just why this particular Star Ruby set should come home to roost with you. This is not a substitute for subscribing to the site and commenting on this page. Any social media entries not following steps 1 and 2 above will not be considered.
- The winner will have submitted a valid entry or entries and be selected by me based on the response provided below and/or via social media. The judge’s decision is final.
- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Slack, Pinterest, and Reddit are in no way associated with this contest. There is no sponsorship for this contest. The pen was purchased by The Pelikan’s Perch from Fritz Schimpf 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. I will ship the pen within 7 days of me receiving the package from Fritz Schimpf in Germany. It takes an average of two weeks from the date of release for me to receive overseas items but can take up to four weeks depending upon U.S. customs. I appreciate your patience. The winner’s response to my notification e-mail 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.
- Persons may only win one prize from this site within a 12 month period.
- 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 
I guess the thing I like most about The Perch is the how- to’s. Actually the way I found this page is by searching how to change the nib on an M100. These tips are very helpful and an important part of owning and maintaining my “Flock”. Thanks for the tips and the giveaway and keep up the good work.
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I always enjoy reading the posts about older Pelikans; there’s just something fascinating about them. Thanks so much for all your work!
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I like to read about all the Pelikans especially the older ones that I’ll probably never get to see in person.
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I have found the historical analyses very interesting and rewarding! I have also benefited from the analysis done on current releases. I’m new to fountain pen collecting, I am growing in my appreciation of Pelikan craftsmanship! I look forward to continuing to learn! I’d also love to add the Star Ruby to my collection!!
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Found this site on FPN after commenting on my new Ibis, Really appreciate all the work and time you invest in your articles, you are the Master. Love all the info on vintage Pelikans, and hoping to increase the “flock”
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I was never particularly interested in Pelikan as a brand until I came across your posts about vintage Pelikans. That inspired me to get a 400NN, and now my interest has expanded to modern Pelikans, though I don’t own one yet.
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I’m actually new here. My absolute favorite pen is one of the first I got, which is an M400 tortoise with an EF nib. I do not yet own a second Pelikan yet, but have been choosing which one it will be. The smaller sizes fit me best, so not only would the Star Ruby fit me nicely, but it would propel me into the “flock” status. It’s a beautiful pen!
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The Pelikan’s Perch is a lovely enthusiast site for Pelikan fans, with convenient information about new and classic Pelikan products, how-to’s/maintenance tips, and even some Pelikan corporate history. I am a fellow Pelikan enthusiast, and even though my flock is modest, and I collect other brands as well, the “birds” are my favorite. The Perch is a great one-stop source for all things Pelikan, and I enjoy stopping by regularly!
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I like this blog because I enjoy reading about all the news if fountain pens
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Only 2 birds so far but would love to make it 3.
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I enjoy the reviews and upcoming pens.
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I’m not new to Pelikans (as my Instagram #GrowMyFlock post shows!), but I am new to The Pelikan’s Perch and loving what I’ve seen so far! The post that I was compelled to read immediately was about insuring one’s collection. I’ve also enjoyed seeing more about Toledos and a bunch of other Pelikans I know little about. Plus BONUS….reliable resource for upcoming releases!!
I’d like to add this gorgeous giveaway bird to my flock because: I own no Pelikan’s in the red color group….it’s the first sparkly Pelikan I’ve ever heard of….I’ve never used it owned a Pelikan with a steel nib….and it’s just so darn pretty!
It would mean a great deal to me to win this pen because I’ve recently gotten SUPER into the ink aspect of the glorious world of fountain pens….and since I have Matchy Matchy Disease REALLY bad….winning this pen will penable me to many beautiful, new-to-me inks in it on top of the matching Star Ruby it will come with. Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary and here’s to MANY more!!
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I really enjoy the your in depth discussion of model differences. I have been drooling over Pelikan for a while now and would love to own one, they sound like they would be right up my alley!
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I’m new to this blog but I’m excited to see a blog about Pelikans!! Pelikan is consistently my standout favourite of all the fountain pen brands and I love the way the nibs feel when writing and the solidity of the pen body construction. The Star Ruby is both in my favourite colour and my favourite brand and series and was an immediate covet from the first announcement. I really look forward to using the Star Ruby for my writing and drawing as well.
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I enjoy reading about older Pelikans especially. Just something really neat to me. Thanks for the work and time you devote to this site!
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I just stumbled in here looking for more info about the upcoming Star Ruby, liked the post and the comments and decided to check out the rest of your site. Lo and behold, a contest for said Star Ruby. Now if that isn’t serendipity I don’t know what is.
Either way, congrats on the 5 year anniversary and more importantly on the nice network, a rare thing in these social media times. I just subscribed so I’ll definitely be back.
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I discovered Pelikans less than 10 years ago and I love how this site connects me to the Pelikan legacy. I especially love reading about the history of the brand and about Pelikans in the past.
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It is a lovely reference for anything Pelikan. I lean mostly towards Japanese pens but Pelikan pens have caught my fancy
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I would like to have one of those for I like to write and once I start I just go for a run with the pen and paper.
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When a store was closing out; I bought a black PELIKAN on sale; it’s a nice pen but it drags a bit now. Should I flush it out again to see if that makes a difference? I had MADE IN WEST GERMANY in the gold trim . Thank you.
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I would first use a 10x loupe to make sure that the tines have not become misaligned along the way which is very possible over time. If they look good, then a flush can never hurt.
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Many thanks, I really enjoy your blog
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I recently joined the fountain pen world, and have heard many great things about Pelikan pens. Their designs and colors are interesting. I would love to add this pen to my collection as I’ve been looking for a demonstrator pen and the Star Ruby color is fascinating.
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I always appreciate the fun you seem to have, Joshua, as you share with us your love for Pelikans. It helps me enjoy my flock even more as I learn more about the company, the pens and the inks. I don’t have a demonstrator now–my collection includes a vintage 400N, a couple of 200, a couple of new 400 models and five 800 models, some of which are special editions. I love the color of the Star Ruby and would be delighted to have it join the flock.
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I have developed a deeper appreciation for the rich history of Pelikan.
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Thank you for sharing information about Pelikan pens. I have used this as I have purchased vintage and new pens at antique stores, pen shows, and online stores. Vintage Pelikans are so much fun when writing. I would love to have this new M205 to add to my collection!
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Your site enhances my collection of Pelikans.
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What a beautiful pen. Even if I don’t win this is going on my wish list. I love refillable pens and this is clearly beautifully crafted.
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I don’t own a Pelikan, so winning one would remedy that situation! 😉
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I love this site for both the information on identifying various Pelikan modes in your old posts, as well as your unique insight as a super fan of the brand when new products come out. I would love this Star Ruby M205 in particular because I don’t have any demonstrator Pelikans yet, and red is my favorite color. I’m generally not the biggest fan of demos, but being able to see a Pelikan piston mechanism at work would be a wonderful treat.
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I appreciate having a different form for reviews and information than what seems to be especially common these days. These pens are expensive, and having honest feedback helps support a buying decision. I own a handful of Pelikans and they are my most sought after daily writers. Thank you for providing a means to showcase them, highlighting the good and noting what could be better. The Star Ruby is a particularly beautiful color, offering an option to stray from the blues, greens, and blacks that dominate my small Pelikan collection. Good luck to all who enter! Thank you for offering this contest.
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My favorite article is the archivist at Pelikan. My flock of one m150 in B request the presence of this special gift set because my daughter’s name is Ruby and my wife’s name is Starflower. Fingers crossed, I can commemorate the two with the one pen and ink set.
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Rather than it just being one thing, what Ive gained from The Pelikans Perch is a feel for the huge range of Pelikan pens, the history of the firm, and the amazing collectors who add so much more than I can to the comments!
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I hope I win!
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Saw this from Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy. I’ve heard a ton about the quality of Pelikans, and I would be interested in trying one to see what the hype is about. Think it would serve to suck me deeper into the Fountain Pen Vortex!
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Greetings from Turkey!
I have just discovered The Perch and I am starting to learn about the Pelikan fountain pens. I do not own or used or even touched a Pelikan. They are to expensive for me to buy. The schollarships is just not big enough. Even so I am interested an the OM Pelikan nib and if it fits a M2xx series. İt would be very nice one day to be able to put an OM nib on this Pelikan M205 Star Ruby fountain pen and use it as everyday writter for my lessons and papers. For 10 years I am using a 40 years old Chinese Rainbow 202 that’s my father’s pen. This pen even it is old and patched and refixed many times writes very smooth and has an important sentimental value for me. Even so since it is old and faling apart I will have to retire and would be great to exchange it whit the writing experience and joy that a Pelikan is giving. By taking the pen from my father I took the love for a good writing tool. One day by passing such a good crafted fountain pen to the next generation I will bring happines and continue to nurse the love for fountain pens and ink.
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Currently I have a small flock consisting of the 200, 400 and 800 in the standard bearer green and black color. I would love to put some COLOR into my flock by adding a beautiful Star Ruby and to top it off the new ink color looks amazing. The Pelikan pen is a writing Sensation with their bitterly nibs. I am always captivated by your Supreme knowledge which you pass on to us unknowing readers. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. YOU ROCK
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I own several modern Pelikans, and one of my favorite things that you do is talk about how these modern pens compare to older models and vintage Pelikans. I am curious about vintage pens, but a little leery about falling down that rabbit hole. I would love to add this red pen to my collection, as most of the interestingly colored pens that I have come from Japan. Besides, at heart I am a 12 year girl, and my life is filling with rainbows, unicorns, and sparkles. A sparkly red pen would be a lovely color addition to my carefully curated collection.
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I enjoy both Pelikan pens and ink. It is always a pleasure to learn more about them and others experience with them. Thank you for the effort you put into the blog.
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I love reading the history of Pelikan pens while I drool over the photos 🙂 Thank you for all the passion and knowledge you have poured on to the site. Loving pelikans (although I only have one so far) more and more through your efforts 🙂
My one and only pelikan, a blue M600. I love how wet it is and goes so well with a pelikan blue-black ink. The Ruby Red would be an awesome partner for my Blue M600, as I look forward to more pelikan babies in the future 🙂
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I just love the classic, understated styling and that small touch of whimsy provided by the clip, and that ruby red M205 will fit in perfectly with my ever growing flock.
Keep up the great work on the site!
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I have unfortunately never owned or written with a Pelican pen. I have heard wonderful things about them and have always hope to have one in the future. I enjoy reading about fountain pens and the different designs and features which in my opinion is art. I also really enjoy hearing about different nibs.
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Long time lurker and already subscribe to your email. I like small Pelikans a lot (M200s and M400s) because they fit my hands (and also I can afford them), so I’m always interested to hear from you on what is coming out every year in the sizes I like, and to find out about special Pelikans that I hadn’t heard about before and about all things Pelikan. I remember a post about the ceramic pen stands in a lot of colors and being amazed to learn about that – it was such a nice collection! I also remember your review on the Pelikan collector’s box because I coveted it but it was too pricey for me… And another post I liked was about touring the Pelikan factory (again something where I was going to live vicariously through the blog ;). I always appreciate the in-depth and informative posts here.
Though I do tend to skip buying the pens that are in the warmish colors (yellows, reds, greens), and go for the cool ones (I love the M205 Amethyst and M200 Anthracite), the M205 Star Ruby is an exception because of the sparkles. This is the first time I’ve seen Pelikan do something like that. I’m pretty excited about this and if I’m not the lucky winner here, I’m still planning to get it for my collection.
P.S. I would like to put out into the universe that if they came out with a M205 Star Sapphire, I will be very happy.
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I am new to your blog. I have one Pelikan demonstrator that I use daily. I love how it writes so smoothly. The ruby pen is so beautiful and would be a treat to have another Pelikan filled with a different color ink to use daily!
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I’m new to The Perch, so I’m interested in learning all about the interesting history behind Pelikan pens! I love the sparkly pink-red finish of the upcoming Pelikan m205 Star Ruby, and would love to add it to my collection alongside my Pelikan m205 Amethyst to make it a flock! Thanks for hosting such a lovely giveaway!
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Time is going by very fast. It doesn’t seem like 5 years. One of the great things that I get from you is up to date information about Pelikans. As a result I am better aware of what is coming from them. And what to plan for. Thanks for your work
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I would it to be my first pelikan pen.
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This is my go to site for all things Pelikan. When I was deciding earlier this year which Pelikan to make my next purchase I checked out the reviews here. What I love about this site is the scope of the information here and your obvious love of Pelikan but knowing also that your reviews are honest and will point out the pros and cons to any pen that is being reviewed. Thanks for all your effort to date!
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I don’t follow the market or collect pens, I like to write with pens. Even without subscribing, the feed is one of the places where I can see different news and models without a typically commercial view. I also like the photos. The M205 Star Ruby has become a little dream as I believe I can use it as bait to bring my daughter into this world.
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Thanks for the contest. New to the site, and always been curious about Pelikans!
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Love learning about all of the products, old and new.
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I’ve been an occasional visitor to the site, but I’m not as regular a visitor as I’d like to be. I’m fascinated by Pelikan’s history and the craftsmanship of their pens, but I have yet to acquire one myself. I enjoy your insights into what’s coming next for Pelikan and winning a Ruby of my own would be quite the treat.
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The Perch is my first stop for information on my growing flock and news for all things Pelikan. I have enjoyed the recent articles on rare and even unconfirmed vintage models. I would LOVE to have the Star Ruby Demo for the fact that I have no color of Pelikan which is this much fun! This color would be like the arbol chili pepper to a blend of spices which makes up my flock!
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Five years! It’s hard to believe. When I first met you it was at a Hub held in the upper room of a pub. I loved that place. So I met you the year of or after you started the Perch. I love reading your newsletters. So many birds I’d never see if it weren’t for you. I have a dream of getting a 600 one day. The posts I have loved best were the tutorials and I make sure to save them.
Thank you for running this contest, Joshua. Very kind of you. I’d like to win this pen and ink set because I love the color, and because the budget has been very tight, I’d never be able to get it on my own before they’re all sold out!
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I really like reading about the older Pelikans
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I love reading about the rarities, the models that most of us would never get a chance to see but for coverage on this site.
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I am interested in the history of the Pelikan brand and in German pens overall. Both the pen and the ink are beautiful; I would love the chance to use both of them in my writing! Congratulations on five years!
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I am new to fountain pens, really got into it at around 2017. So I had many misconceptions about fountain pens and certain brands. Reading your blog made me more aware of the Pelikan brand. My first impression of Pelikan was uneducated and negative.
However, after learning about the history of the company and some more background of what made the brand so special, I was more impressed.
This was made possible by the incredible work you put into the site. I don’t think there is any other site dedicated to one brand as good as The Pelikan’s Perch. Please never stop and continue to bring us great stories and informative news about Pelikan.
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I’m a recent visitor, drawn to the site from having a vintage Pelikan 400 and a Pelikan M205 in the collection. Hoping to find out more information about vintage 400s on the site. I’d love to win the new M205 because to me they are the perfect size and the springy steel nibs are a treat to write with. Thanks for the giveaway!
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nice article, thanks for sharing!
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Hi, I’m not entering, because I just ordered one of these. But I wanted to say thank you for all your well researched posts. I follow you on Feedly!
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I am always interested in understanding more about Pelikan’s links to its design past and have enjoyed reading your posts that touch on this. In particular I am curious that their lineup remains so fixed on the Souverain style ‘cylinder’ forms when there are (IMO) nicer forms in the company’s past, like the Ibis, 101 and 140 pens, that are truly iconic forms. I think these small pens could stand to be offered in scaled-up and enhanced versions like the Souverain line.
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I just found you, today! I’m so glad I did.
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I love watching pelicans fly around and dive for food, so getting into fp’s I definitely need to build a flock of my own.
I love reading about both the the new releases and older models.
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I have recently gotten back into using fountain pens and chanced upon your blog . I look forward to reading about Pelicans.
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Definitely my favourite part of The Pelikan’s Perch are the detailed overviews of new and upcoming product announcements – like the M205 Star Ruby, which I’ve been waiting for news on ever since the ink of the year was announced.
Thank you for the wonderful website, and for sharing your passion for Pelikan!
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I am new to this site, but I would like to learn more about Pelikans and the history behind them. I would love to add the star ruby to my small but growing collection because I would like to try pens from many different manufacturers.
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I discovered this blog in a round about way. 2 years ago, I’d been hearing all this excitement about something called a “Pelikan Hub” but being new to fountain pens, I wasn’t understanding what the big deal was. I figured I’d sign up here to learn about the pens and the event to catch up. This year will be my first Pelikan Hub! I’d like to win the Star Ruby because it’s in a size and color that I really find appealing.
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I became, or actually returned as, a fountain pen enthusiast last year and the first one I chose was a Pelikan, I love the design, nibs and most of all writing with one. I now have quite a collection and your blog provides great insight and additional background knowledge for me to better use and appreciate all the pens in my collection. Would love to add the M205 Star Ruby to my collection and then maybe I can get my wife jealous and wanting to switch over as well.
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I keep coming back to the “Perch” – Joshua’s knowledge of all things Pelikan is fascinating! This years special edition “The Star Ruby” is a must-have for my M200 collection – there is just something about that shade…
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I have an m200, an m600, and an m1000 all of which I love. I enjoy being able to look up details on different models, and read about limited editions like the m600 cities series or the m640s. I grade and annotate a lot of papers and tests, and a bright colored pen would be well utilized for educational purposes (in addition to the usual ones).
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One of my very first fountain pens was a Pelikan 120 I bought over 40 years ago. Thus began a slide down a very slippery avian slope. I enjoy reading thepelikansperch’s well-written and comprehensive articles. I am constantly amazed at the depth of Joshua’s Pelikan knowledge. The Ruby Red would be a welcome addition to my flock mainly because of its striking color. Winning one would mean the first time I have ever won something significant.
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Hi Everyone,
I have been interested in pens and stationary and the hobby for about ten years now. My first fountain pen was a Pelican student pen with that great ergonomic grip section. From there, I received a Pelikan M200 which was my first serious fountain pen and fell down the rabbits hole never to return. I love using my pens for writing letters, as well as at work and enjoy introducing my co workers to fountain pens. As a librarian I will use my pens frequently and have even shared them with patrons as well creating a writing and calligraphy class after all the positive feedback I received from people who saw me using them. I would like to win the contest so that I could gift the pen to a young person who is interested in the hobby.
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I like the size of the M-series pens. Searching for a pen one level up from the pens I own today I find the M200 an interesting option. If I would be so lucky as to win this pen it will be my first Pelikan…but I guess not the last!
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I use your site to research old Pelikan pens I have come across.
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I’ve been using fountain pens for more than 50 years and a Pelikan M 800, as far as I can remember, was one of my first splurge acquisitions. Reading your blog has reinvigorated my interest in Pelikans. Since I’m now much more into demonstrators and red is my favorite color, the contest pen immediately struck a chord. Thanks for offering this (whether I went or not!)
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I am of a generation that was raised on fountain pens. In the New Orleans of the 50s and 60s they were standard issue in school, and though ballpoints certainly existed they were considered completely de trop and exceedingly vulgar. Mostly we subsisted on student Sheaffers, but my late brother, an artist and aesthete, was much attached to his Pelikans. What I wouldn’t give to have them now. I wouldn’t call myself a fountain pen collector these days; more like a relentless acquirer with at least 12 in inked rotation at any time. The beautiful Star Ruby would feel perfectly at home here, given pride of place of course.
PS: I only just found your site, but will return.
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I really like you info on the history of the brand and the pens, but the pricing info you give is also super helpful when Pelikan has price changes.
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I’m new to the site and don’t have any experience with Pelikans, other than briefly testing others’ pens at pen shows. I’ve heard the nibs usually need work but find that hard to believe given the price point. I’m glad to have found your site to help research this brand. Winning the Ruby pen would be cool as it would not only be my first Pelikan but it’s also my birth stone. Thanks for the opportunity to win one.
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I really liked your post about the difference between 400s and M400s. I’ll be able to spot the differences at pen shows!
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I found this site after purchasing my first Pelikan via a local auction site, a 1950s 400 in black. As a complete novice to Pelikan pens this site has been vastly useful in my crunching of all things vintage Pelikan to contemporary and set me off with a bug. Now, 6 weeks later I have four addition vintage 400s, an M805, and M815 and an M1005 on the way. Very catchy these Pelikans!
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I recently sold my Souveran/M600 and find myself missing the smooth feel in hand and on the page. It’s been fun reading about Pelikan here and I am currently looking for my next one!
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I’m excited to start reading your site so I can learn more about this brand. I like other German pens but so far my only Pelikan is an M1000 (and also a Twist — the poor man’s Nakaya!) and I don’t find it often in the rotation. It would be cool to try out more of an “entry level” Pelikan for adults and see how it holds up!
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I’ve always enjoyed the reviews because I like to gift pens, but want to be sure of the quality of the product that I end up getting. For this reason, I also find the writing samples very helpful. I wouldn’t mind having the M205 Star Ruby for myself, though. I could write a lot of letters with it.
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I came to read about the promotional pin sent to children with a coded 120, and stayed for all the other interesting information!
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The reason why I found your site and keep on visiting it is info about upcoming pelikan releases. I found that it’s the best place whithout having to check multiple places regulary. And while browsing the site ended up reading something about pelikan (and its pens) history as well. 🙂 Althought I have been eyeing pelikan pens they are quite expensive so didn’t buy any for me so far. Waiting if something will be irresistible. 🙂
Not beeing the correct person to ask what is the best content for your site, but I would definitely say keeping track of what is new is important.
What would winning the pen mean to me? Actualy I would give the M205 Star Ruby to my wife to sparkle interest in fountain pens in her (and make her happy). I’m absolutely sure it’s the right colour and material for that. 😀 (can’t really see myself using it – and I think fountain pens should be used, that is the primary objective and the reason for them to exist)
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I have enjoyed your reviews, and thanks to thanks to this site, I ended up getting not one, but two M815s!
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Well firstly came here to learn more about 400 series, than i realized how good the pelikan pens were you kinda made me addicted to pelikans 🙂 And i really would like to add that pelikan because i dont have one and its beautiful. Thanks for the chance
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Hi Josh,
I love your website and the articles and wealth of information you provide on all things Pelikan: the detailed information on the many Pelikan fountain pen series, history and nuances! After just observing the website for over a year or two, I finally subscribed to receive your posts. Besides learning about new/upcoming issues from Pelikan, I have gone to your wonderful website to research a number of pen details and series. These include the M2xx series (of which I have several: Aquamarine, Smoky Quartz, brown marbled, blue demonstrator [2nd version]), the M400 vs 400 (I have several of them: green, red and blue striated), the M101 and 100/100N fountain pens. As a matter of fact, if it were not for your posts I do not think I would have ever thought of getting a model 100 or 100n let alone a M101 (I have the modern red tortoise) fountain pen!! And, it was through your website that I accidentally learned about the Pelikan Hubs (I went for the first time in 2018)!!
My interest in acquiring the Star Ruby fp is simple: I have already tried out the ink and I love the color!
Thanks again for providing such a delightful website from which one can be immersed in the joy of Pelikan!
best wishes,
-Brent
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I have got a lot of advise on this great web site. I have learned much about Pelikan pens! I have two Pelikans a 1953 400 with 14K nib and coming soon a 100N which I learned about on this website.
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The short how-to on cleaning the section of a demonstrator has been most helpful recently.
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Since discovery your site I have grown my collection of Pelikan fountain pens. I am slowly starting to sell some of my pens to add more Pelikan pens to my collection. I enjoy all the sizes and color. I did not know I would love writing with Pelikan pens that much. Since last year I also started attending the yearly Pelikan Hub in my town. I would love to add this beautiful Pelikan M205 Star Ruby to my collection. I really enjoy reading all of your articles!
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I’ve learned a great deal about Pelikan history from you; they’ve been one of my favorite pen companies and it’s great to know how they got so good!
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I’ve learned a great deal of Pelikan history from you; it’s great to learn how they got so good (and why they’re one of my favorite pen companies!)
(Repeat post to correct email address)
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This Star Ruby would be a valued addition to my tiny flock. I love the articles you post on the pens and company as I am fairly new to the fountain pen world. Though i can only afford the less expensive M200 series, knowing about what is out there allows me to dream. Please keep up your excellent work.
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I found The Pelikan’s Perch a few months ago and Joshua’s expert posts on everything Pelikan have been instrumental to me in a couple of ways. One, I bought my first Pelikan (M800) after learning about the model here, and two, I’ve learned so much about the history of the Pelikan brand and how to identity older models that I might see at pen shows.
I really appreciate the hard work you put into the site and its content, Joshua. You’re expertise is incredibly invaluable to the Pelikan pen loving community.
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I look at your site regularly over the last few years. I enjoy the historical articles and appreciate the detail you go into when presenting new Pelicans. Thanks for the contest opportunity, which forced me to finally get on with it and subscribe. My flock is small, a 2 chick white tort. M400 with both a XF and BB nibs. I also have a W. Grr. C 1980s M200 Blue marble that is no longer functional, but nice to look at. I love the Star Ruby Color. The Star Ruby M205 would be my first fully transparent pen of any brand. Keep up the good work, Joshua. —Alan P
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The Perch is my best source for news about Pelikan. I may read Pelikan news in some blogs, but there is no other place where I find out exactly what Pelikan is doing, and also where I learn about Pelikan history and the relationships between various models.
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I both love and hate The Perch for showing all the lovely limited editions that will never be mine! 🙂
As a relative noob to fountain pens and Pelikan, some of the guides on maintenance were terrifically helpful also.
The Star Ruby would be my first semi-transparent Pelikan. I have the 2009 (I think) opaque red M205 and a dark blue M605, an older 2 chick version. Both were bought second hand.
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The contest is now closed. Thank you all for your entries and the words of support. I will select a winner and make the announcement next week. Stay tuned and check back here for the winner’s name.
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I enjoy reading about all things Pelikan. I now always keep one of my Pelikan’s inked. Currently my vintage 200 is one of my every day writers. It was a W. German model. My favorite pens of theirs are their school pens.
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