This post is a bit late due to an unexpected family illness so please forgive the delay. On Thursday, Pelikan announced a long-awaited and highly anticipated new model. In 2023, Pelikan introduced the “Art Collection,” a series inspired by the company’s deep catalog of historic advertising posters. These were the first pens made with the “Aurora” process, using engraved and guilloched brass barrels instead of resin for a holographic effect. The first model was inspired by a 1909 poster by Glauco Cambon and was well-received. Now, two years later, we have the Rudi Rother Special Edition M600, set for a September release, which builds on the innovation of its predecessor with some new features added.
Rudi Rother (1863-1909) was a German painter and illustrator known for his work in Jugendstil, the German and Austrian form of Art Nouveau. His humorous pen-and-ink illustrations were influential in advertising and commercial art. Rother’s style featured flowing lines, decorative designs, and stylized figures. He submitted a poster design for one of Pelikan’s competitions in 1903 at the age of 40, just six years before his death. Pelikan bought his work from amongst the entries. Rother died in Berlin in 1909. According to Pelikan,
“…the Pelikan Souverän M600 Art Collection Rudi Rother Special Edition Fountain Pen – a tribute to historic poster art and timeless design… This extraordinary writing instrument pays homage to the bold, geometric flair of German artist Rudi Rother, renowned for his decorative style and influential advertising posters during the Jugendstil era.”
Pelikan’s latest Souverän is inspired by a design element from Rother’s poster, specifically the pattern of the protagonist’s dress. The final design significantly differs from the initial prototype shown in 2021. Utilizing the Aurora process, the barrel is crafted from brass that undergoes engraving and guilloché work to create fine grooves for a holographic effect. After applying and polishing ten layers of lacquer, the barrel is printed with an image and polished for a glossy finish. It features a transparent resin cap, section, and piston knob in a teal color. The pen utilizes Pelikan’s classic Souverän trim style, including 24-carat gold-plated trim rings at the piston knob and section, dual cap bands, a beak clip, and cap top. Each pen comes with a 14C-585 gold nib available in EF, F, M, and B widths. Some pre-release photos mistakenly show an 18C nib, likely an error from Pelikan’s marketing team that that was missed during proofing. The pen is packaged uniquely, showcasing Rudi Rother’s artwork. Similar to the Glauco Cambon, there is no ink view with this one. While it maintains the usual M600 dimensions, the brass barrel brings the total weight up to 18.2g, appealing to M800 enthusiasts.
The new M600 Rudi Rother Art Collection has a U.S. MSRP of $790 and will retail for around $632 from most domestic sellers. Prices will vary from overseas vendors and it may well be the case that this is no longer a viable purchasing strategy for United States citizens. The previous de minimis exemption of $800 for personal shipments into the U.S. was eliminated as of August 29, 2025. This means nearly all shipments are now subject to potential import duties and taxes, with the cost determined by the item’s value, its origin country, and the specific tariffs that apply. Once international shipping is factored in, any potential cost savings will likely be eaten up by added fees imposed at port.
When the Glauco Cambon launched in 2023, it introduced fresh ideas and an appealing design. Enthusiast worldwide responded positively, and the release received well-deserved praise. It seems we are on a two-year cycle for Art Collection releases. Three prototypes were initially considered, so we might see Georg Tronnier’s 1903 poster design in 2027. In the meantime, I expect the Rudi Rother release will sell well, making for a successful follow up to what was already a strong start. What do you think of the new Souverän M600 Rudi Rother? Is it the must have fountain pen I believe it to be? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Oooh…I look forward to seeing this in person. The design is quite striking. I really enjoy the lacquered/guilloché effect of the Glauco Cambon, so this could be a really nice addition to the flock.
I’m wondering if this one might not top the Glaucoma Cambon. Can’t wait to see it in person.
Definitely a must – buy for me, already ordered! Not being USian makes it an easier decision.
100% agree with the must-buy.
I just wish it was an 800 rather than a 600: the 800 is perfection, the 600 is a bit small, for me at least.
I agree that the M600 runs small for those that like the M800 but does the added heft of the Rudi Rother add anything for you? I find it to be nice compromise between the two.
That is stunning! I’m partial to green/emerald green, and the story behind the design adds to the appeal. I was just writing a postcard to someone, and explaining why it’s an “ad postcard”, i.e., I picked it up for free at a shop while visiting a local city. I mentioned that while a lot of postcard collectors avoid ad cards, I find them fascinating because they often reflect the culture at a specific moment in time. That’s what I think of when I look at this pen and the ad illustration that inspired it: early 20th century Germany and the flourishing of early Art Nouveau in that part of Europe.
If I had the funds, this would probably be a must-have pen.
I love looking at old ads for the very reason the you mention. They are a neat snapshot in time. It’s fascinating to see how things have changed over time. To have pens paying homage to that is awesome.
So what do you think Joshua, should I start my Art collection earlier than my Cities series? Actually I was thinking about collecting them for my granddaughters 😉
I think this is going to be a must have collection. I vote get ’em while you can.
Oh, I’m saving up. I like that they chose to make the pen blue-green rather than the sky blue of the original artwork. It’s just a gorgeous design.
It’s a pity that international markets will be cost prohibitive for the foreseeable future. That’s likely to drive domestic prices up. This is the one pen I am committed to buying.
I definitely think that the current look is an upgrade from the 2021 prototype. I’m not sure that we will see domestic prices go up, it’s just that domestic prices will continue to be as they have been. I expect that will be a barrier to many when it comes to purchases.
The pen was originally listed at $632 on domestic websites. Now it’s gone up to $756.
With the change in distributor, the original Chartpak quoted prices are not being honored so the change reflects the price increases imposed by the new distributor.
Very happy to see another pen in this series. I think it’s rather beautiful. Interesting use of transparent teal resin instead of a more traditional color. Very nicely done.
I couldn’t agree more. So far I think these are two major successes. These may be the best pens the brand has put out in some time.
I’ve been waiting for this announcement! And it’s even more beautiful than I had hoped. There will be one on its way to Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, as soon as they’re available!
I agree with you but your comment had me searching Lac du Flambeau, a town I had not heard of before. Looks like lovely country up there.
¡Hola y muy buenas noches Joshua ya a todos los Pelikanoparlantes!
Espero que las razones por las que estuviste fuera del aire, ya se hayan
solventado y deseándote y deseándole a todos una buena salud,
Paso al comentario: estoy de acuerdo con Kevin, Marjorie, Debraji.
No poseo la de Glauco Cambon, ni ninguna del M600, que es la que sé que me quedaría perfecta a mi mano. Tengo M800 (linda), M400 (práctica) pero la M600,
es la que debería de tener en las manos… y aún no.
Me alegra de sobremanera que le estén dando un merecido homenaje a los publicistas del principio del siglo XX.
Comparto la opinión de Mike W, pues, ya le hé comprado a mi nieta (de dos años y medio) una Pelikano, una Kakuno, una Kaweco Student y una Liliput.
Espero que además de tener buena letra, escriba y logre transmitir el legado a su descendencia.
Saludos a todos y buen fin de agosto.
Atto.
Pablo.
Thank you for your well wishes Pablo. The M800 is indeed beautiful but these Art Collection pens are in a league of their own. Sounds like your getting your grand-daughter off to a good start.
Thanks for introducing the new M600.
I really like the color combination, and after the last Pelikan models, which didn’t really excite me, this one is completely different.
It’s scheduled to be unveiled, or rather, sold, on September 17th, and I’m looking forward to seeing it in person.
I agree that this is the most exciting release amongst the last several.
I’m a very big fan of the art series. The Glauco Cambon is more my style- the teal and red, while a beautiful color combo, isn’t really a must have or personal favorite. I do think this will receive MUCH more fanfare and applause than the Glauco Cambon because of that. I’m excited to see what comes next- the aurora processing creates some seriously stunning pens.
The Aurora process has made some stunners and I too look forwards to seeing where it goes in the future.
I really like the Glauco Cambon, and I will add this one as well. None of the past few releases particularly interested me, but this one is too unique not to add to my flock.
I couldn’t agree more.
Wonderful writeup Joshua, and I have my example pre-ordered. The Glauco Cambon was actually my first Pelikan (way to jump in, right?) and is a very special pen with the innovate process and I enjoy the added heft of the brass barrel. The packaging of GC was also quite attractive, giving a lot of the history and a special feeling. This Rudi Rother seems to be an equally attractive design, and I love the special nature of the Emerald/teal for the cap/section/piston knob to make it stand out from the base “black” of many Souverans. Can’t wait to see it in person!
That’s quite a way to jump into the brand. Way to do it up in style. You sure picked.a winner. This would be a great follow up to that one.
Indeed! Of course, my flock has grown, which is typically the case, I imagine :-). And my journeys into vintage Pelikan have been guided by your wonderful site, so I thank you for all you do!
I see this at 645 Euros which is over $700 from Euopean vendors. I think the deal will be the $639 at a US dealer and I predict it will be a very desireable pen despite being the 600 size. I have a 1000, 2-800s and the 600 and I actually enjoy the 600 size more, but it still less of a good thing in my opinion. The artwork will make up for the size.
I agree, this will be quite desirable. EU pricing will vary but this one definitely can be found for less than 645 euros. That said, with a weak dollar, the end of de minimis and the tariffs now in effect, anyone in the US will be highly discouraged from buying overseas due to the signifiant associated cost.
I think it’s a pretty pen, but I prefer the more vibrant Glauco Cambon. And I really would like to see some of these art pens done in a larger size. This aurora process seems to produce striking results without adding too much to the price, unlike the Damascus and urushi/raden finishes of some of the larger SEs.
I certainly do appreciate that the Auroa process has remained relatively affordable. I don’t think we’ll see this series in anything larger but we might see other pens using this technique in the future, at least I hope we do.
This article is brilliant and matches the product.
Mike in New Zealand
I hope that your family member is getting the treatment they need to get well. ✌️❤️ from Tulsa OK.
Thank you William. Much appreciated. My wife is home and on the mend thankfully.
Well.. I do love my Glauco Cambon but this design just doesn’t do it for me. Even back in 2021 (I think) when the series was first introduced the GC was the one that caught my eye. It’s a pass for me on this one.
The Glauco Cambon is the one that I was most smitten with as well. That said, I really like this one a lot more than what was put out there in 2021. I’m glad to see them refining the designs.
I ordered mine yesterday. Enough said and very much looking forward to receiving it.
Regarding tariffs, the Washington Post (8-23-25) stated: “Postal companies in several countries, including France, Germany and the U.K., plan to suspend package deliveries to the U.S. because of President Donald Trump’s order ending tariff exemptions.” “Previously, most imported goods with a value of $800 or less were exempt from tariffs. That rule, known as the de minimis exemption, is set to end on Friday….” Further, the article goes on to state: “The duty rate will either match the level of tariff the U.S. has imposed on the country of origin, or a specific duty based on the following:
For countries with a tariff rate of 15 percent or less, such as Britain, each package will incur an additional charge of $80.
Parcels originating from countries with U.S. tariffs of between 16 and 25 percent will incur an additional $160.
Countries with a tariff rate of more than 25 percent will face an extra $200.”
It will be interesting to see how much, if any, sellers are willing to absorb.
What you posted, I’ve been researching in depth. I think the path to ownership for US buyers no longer includes shopping overseas. Its just gotten to be too cost prohibitive.
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