Since the pandemic, Pelikan has made it a habit of putting out fewer releases than what was historically the case which gives each new model coming to market a little more gravitas. You might expect that the extra time between releases would actually allow a bit more space for creativity. Imagine my surprise then when Pelikan brought us a new M800 which, at first glance, seems more like a retread of the past. According to Pelikan Schreibgeräte, customers from the United States clamored for a transparent green M800 circa 1991.  Pelikan acquiesced, releasing the Transparent Green M800 demonstrator in 1992.  It was an unnumbered model, similar to the special editions of today.  A total of 3,000 M800 fountain pens were set aside specifically for the North American market with a smaller run of pens supplied to both Italy and France.  The North American importing company had certificates printed at their own expense in order to indicate the limited nature of the run, a trick of marketing that saw this model dubbed “The Collector’s Edition.” The suggested retail price of that fountain pen, at least in the United States, was $450.  The iconic Blue Ocean M800 would soon follow in 1993 which would arguably make the M800 Transparent Green a test case whose success may well have facilitated the numerous limited and special editions that have come to market since. Fast forward thirty one years and Pelikan once again brings another M800 Green Demonstrator to market. While the appearance of the new model is very similar to the old, there are key distinctions worth noting. Are they enough to set this one apart from its predecessor? I’ll allow you to be the judge of that. Read on to learn about all of the nuanced features that set these two models apart.

Appearance & Design (8/10) – Small design changes are welcome but don’t do enough to separate this model from the prior release

The new M800 Green Demonstrator comes in Pelikan’s recently revised G30 gift packaging. The box features a magnetic closure which, when opened, reveals a faux leather pen sleeve that houses the M800. There are no unique flourishes here, but the presentation is sophisticated and refined. The addition of a functional pen sleeve is a nice touch for those that may not have a better way to keep their pens protected when not in use. Once you pull the M800 out of the sleeve, the first thing that grabs your attention is the color. It is a lovely shade of what I would characterize as an emerald green though Pelikan refers to it as an apple green. Placed side by side with its predecessor, I would say that the new model is perhaps a shade darker with the older model looking more like a shamrock green to my eye. You can judge the color for yourself rather than taking my word for it since my wife has long held onto the belief that I’m color blind. Ambient lighting will also make a big difference in how you perceive the pen’s color. This model is a demonstrator which means that all of its innards are on display, perhaps even more clearly than the original. The components haven’t significantly changed though the piston seal is now black compared with the semi opaque clear seal on the prior model. What you see better is the nib, specifically when the pen is capped. Pelikan appears to have revised the inner cap which is now thinner than before meaning the nib is able to be seen much more clearly on the newer model since there is less plastic to create distortion. When uncapped, you can see that the inner cap imparts a slightly darker color to that portion of the cap which it overlies though this really isn’t noticeable at all when the pen is capped.

Pelikan’s M800 Green Demonstrator come’s in the company’s G30 gift packaging (click on a photo to enlarge)

Of course, there are the generational trim difference with this newest model sporting the 24K gold-plated single chick logo cap top that was introduced in 2010. Back in 1992 however, the M800 still featured a cap top with two chicks on a gold medallion with another medallion situated on the piston knob, a very upscale appearance that many still favor to this day. While the furniture on this new M800 is visually similar to the old, its construction is perhaps the biggest change found on this model. The old trim from the early 1990s featured two cap bands and two trim rings at the piston knob. This has been the Souverän standard for decades, a standard that the M800 helped to establish. The bands of the original Transparent Green M800 were connected by a thin piece of metal, anchoring the trim to the resin. The new rings are made from a single piece of metal which appears to be glued into place. To create a new but simultaneously familiar appearance in keeping with the Souverän style, two polished rings are separated by a band with a more matte appearance. The engraving along the cap band is also larger and stronger than the original, reading “Pelikan Souverän Germany.” The pen still features a trim ring at the section and includes a two-toned rhodium plated 18C-750 gold nib. I like the appearance of the revised trim though I do have concerns about its durability which I will outline below. Overall, there are a number of small changes to be found here but I’m not sure that, as a whole, they are enough to really allow the new M800 Green Demonstrator to stand on its own. That said, I do think the new model has a slight edge over its predecessor in terms of appearance. Perhaps if they had chosen a unique color not seen before on an M800 demonstrator, we wouldn’t be drawing these comparisons and the pen could have been judged squarely on its own merits.

A side by side comparison looking at Pelikan’s M800 Transparent Green (1992) and M800 Green Demonstrator (2023) fountain pens (click on a photo to enlarge)

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Construction & Quality (7/10) – A glued cap band raises some concerns about durability

The M800 Green Demonstrator brings a new look to the Souverän line. It is unclear as to whether or not this is meant as a one off change in trim, perhaps something done to create additional separation with the prior model, or if this is a new direction that we may see come to the rest of the Souverän line. The newness of it does have me a little concerned since it is a design without any real world testing. The cap band appears to be glued into place, construction which has the potential to fail, causing the band to come loose. I have seen this type of failure on an Epoch, for instance, which has a glued cap band. The finish appears clean and I’m hopeful that the trim will ultimately prove just as durable as the standard, historically sound design though only time will tell how well this new M800 holds up to several years of regular use. That said, all of the components of this model appear to fit together snugly and with precision. There is a small lip that can be felt on the trim ring at the piston knob, which is not present on other Souveräns, noticeable but not likely consequential. Other than my stated reservations, I see no immediate concerns about the quality of this M800. As such, I would expect it to provide reliable service for the foreseeable future. The only other issue that may rear its head would be the risk of staining but that is an issue inherent to all demonstrators. Some say that the older M800 Transparent Green was prone to this though that has not been my experience. Still, it is something you should be on the lookout for. I do believe that with careful ink selection and reasonable pen maintenance, the issue is a largely avoidable one. Obviously, if staining is a deal breaker, this may not be the pen for you. Similarly, prolonged exposure of the trim ring on the section to caustic inks will eventually result in corrosion and plating loss, another issue that can be mitigated with a modicum of pen hygiene. I see no reason that this new M800 cannot be a daily workhorse for those who like a heftier pen and aren’t put off by demonstrators.

Pelikan’s new cap band and trim ring at the piston knob appear to be glued into place

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Weight & Dimensions (9/10) – A hefty but comfortable pen that many people gravitate towards

Pelikan’s new M800 Green Demonstrator features all of the characteristic dimensions of Pelikan’s second biggest production model. It has a capped length of 5.55 inches and a posted length of 6.45 inches with a diameter of 0.52 inches. Thanks to the brass connector of the piston assembly, the M800 weighs a respectable 0.99 ounces. For those that are averse to larger pens, this one won’t be a good fit for you, but it is a size that does hit the sweet spot for many. The M800 lays nicely in the hand but can be a touch back heavy, particularly when posted. Despite the extra weight and slight balance issue, the writing experience is not at all unpleasant. If you have never used an M800 before, I’d strongly recommend that you try one before you buy in order to get a better sense of whether or not it would be a good fit for you.

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Nib & Performance (8/10) – A standard offering bereft of variation that readily lends itself to customization

The nib of the new M800 Green Demonstrator is the company’s standard two-toned, rhodium plated 18C-750 gold. Some vendors will offer pens with BB and IB versions though the company’s standard nib widths remain EF, F, M, and B and those nibs have been reviewed here countless times. The nib is generally very wet thanks to a generous feed that is outstanding at preventing the nib from drying out, even when faced with a prolonged period of stasis. It makes for a dependable writer that often times benefits from a drier ink to tame the nib and feed. While the line is dependable, it lacks any inherent variation. That is one of the reasons that I decided to explore something different with this one. Regarding Pelikan’s standard nib, I would rate it an 8/10 and the final tally below represents the stock nib’s performance since that is what most people will opt for.

At the time of purchase, I opted for a custom italic grind from Fritz Schimpf, a pen retailer based out of Tübingen, Germany. Nib customization is a service that they offer with the purchase of select pens. Many other retailers offer similar services. In this case, a stock medium was turned into an italic based on my own writing style and preferences. The pre-grind process included a thorough questionnaire detailing my taste in line style and the way in which I hold a pen to write. The nib technician took that information and came up with a pleasing italic medium that makes thicker down strokes (medium) and thinner cross strokes (extra fine). A bit crisper than a stub, this italic nib is very forgiving, lacking the sharp corners that can sometimes catch. The end result is wonderful line variation combined with ease of use. The character that such a nib imparts really adds to the joys of the writing experience and elevates Pelikan’s stock nib offerings in a way that just isn’t possible with a factory grind. This custom work does come at an added cost, but it is worth the investment should you desire something beyond the basics. Factory and custom ground nibs get you to the same place, but one does it with greater panache. Such modifications will void the manufacturer’s warranty, but Fritz Schimpf offers wonderful after sales service if needed. Full disclosure, I have no relationship with Fritz Schimpf other than being a satisfied repeat customer. Should anyone wish to explore a similar custom nib, feel free to reach out as I’ve found the staff at Fritz Schimpf to be universally polite and knowledgeable. I would rate their custom cursive italic grind a 10/10.

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Filling System & Maintenance (10/10) – A best in class filling experience that is second to none

One thing that hasn’t changed in 31 years is Pelikan’s industry standard piston filling mechanism. When you’re already at the top of the class, there is little to embellish upon. The piston is advanced by rotating the piston knob counterclockwise. The travel of the piston along the length of the barrel is very smooth. Submersing the nib into some ink and turning the knob clockwise fills the ink chamber nearly full with a single cycle of the piston. When filled to capacity, an M800 will hold about 1.35mL of ink. While Pelikan has moved away from the ink view as a standard feature, eschewing over 90 years of heritage (yes, I’m still salty about it), a demonstrator side steps this issue, making it easy to determine the amount of ink remaining in the pen. With regular use, the piston can stiffen over time, something that can be remedied by removing the nib and applying a tiny drop of pure silicone grease to the inner barrel. Depending on usage patterns, I find the need for such maintenance arises maybe every 3-5+ years. The piston assembly is removable should the need arise though that is a rare and infrequent occurrence and disassembly should never be included as part of routine pen maintenance. The filling mechanism is unlikely to provide any issues for the life of the pen.

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Cost & Value (7/10) – Significant variations in pricing will be found depending on which region you shop

Pelikan’s M800 Green Demonstrator has an MSRP in the USA of $880 which means that it retails for $704 in the States. When shopping overseas, this one can be had for a retail of €463.87 (~$496.91) when the VAT is excluded. That is a savings of around $200 which is a lot more palatable. For those who already have an original Transparent Green in their collection, I’m not sure that there is much to be gained here. I think there is a lot more potential value for those who may have missed out on the original run 31 years ago. Shop around for the best deal and be sure to patronize your local pen merchant whenever it is feasible to do so.

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Conclusion – The M800 Green Demonstrator looks good but lacks originality

M800 Green Demonstrator: 49/60 or 81.7%

The M800 Transparent Green from 1992 was really a first of its kind. Pelikan wasn’t in the business of routinely making special and limited editions prior to that release. The original Transparent Green has even been credited with inspiring the design of the legendary Chronoswiss Styloscope. That is a lot of heritage for a new M800 Green Demonstrator to live up to. The newer model features the expected generational changes but also employs a complete revamp of the furniture, similar but different from what has been the standard over the past several decades. I actually like the new look though remain concerned about its durability and longevity, a question that won’t be answered anytime soon I’m afraid. I really like the thinner inner cap which allows the nib to be more prominently displayed. While these small design changes are noticeable and in no way detract from the pen, I’m not sure that they are nice enough or unique enough to really create the distance between models that Pelikan was likely hoping to. If you have an original Transparent Green, I see little motivation to run out and buy this one. It would have been refreshing to see Pelikan do something a bit more unique with this model, even if that was nothing more than utilizing a different colored resin. By choosing to play it safe and going with a tried and true green, this feels more like a rehash than something fresh. Perhaps I’m most upset at myself for being surprised. Pelikan seems to take the safe route every time an opportunity to really spread their wings presents itself. Perhaps that is why we are now talking about the brand potentially being up for sale. If you missed out on the original release, then this pen would make a reasonable addition to the flock. For everyone else, this one is a touch underwhelming, and it might behoove you to wait and see what’s up next from the brand. Despite news of a potential sale in the future, I expect business to continue as usual for the time being.

PROS

• A thinner inner cap allows for a much better view of the nib when capped
• The new trim rings are visually pleasing and make for a reasonable refresh to a decades old design
• The feed and nib provide a wet and generous line and the pen is great at resisting drying out
• The M800 is a low maintenance model that easily lends itself to the occasional service
• Pelikan’s piston filling mechanism remains second to none and, hey, there is an ink view!

CONS

• The new trim rings being glued into place raises concerns about durability and longevity with extended use
• The trim ring at the section is at risk for corrosion and plating loss with prolonged use of caustic inks
• The new M800 Green Demonstrator doesn’t really do enough to separate itself from its predecessor
• The M800 is a bigger, heavier pen that won’t be a good fit for those that favor smaller models
• The stock nib lacks any variability in its line giving a technically accurate but uninspired performance

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A Look At The Pelikan M800 Green Demonstrator

Pelikan M800 Green Demonstrator Writing Sample

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*The pen utilized for this review is my own from my personal collection and therefore the opinions expressed are also mine and free of any undue influence.