Timeline - Revised Piston filler

Patent of Theodor Kovacs for inner ink conductor

June 4, 1958

Since 1955, Theodor Kovács had developed a new internal ink feed with an additional large reservoir for excess ink. Pelikan adopts the patent from June 1958 as the 'Pelikan thermic-regulator'.

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Piston pen P1RG and P1S

September 2, 1958

Based on the Thermic-regulator the piston pen P1RG (= Rolled Gold) and P1S (= Silvexa) with covered nib are released.

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Completely revised design

February 1965

New half-hidden nib, wide decorative ring between grip and circumferential ink window and plug caps are the characteristics of the modified design of the new piston pen. The caps are made of argentan (Silvexa) or Gold Doublé (Rolled Gold). The engraving on the cap ring reveals the model number.

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First Pen with plastic cap

February 1966

For a small budget fountain pens are also made with plastic cap instead of the metal cap. The 'K' (= Kunstsoff in German = plastic) in the model number indicates this particular feature, since the barrel is often not different from a model with metal cap.

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Model with goldplated nib and deskpens

1967

There are new models which are only equipped with gold plated nibs. Pens with extended filling knobs are manufactured as deskpens for export.

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New design

1969

The fountain pens present themselves in a new design, which is characterized by a modified nib form and a narrow trim ring. Some of them are fountain pens with white gold nib and later models with grained matte argentan cap follow.

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18 ct. gold nib

August 1970

The models M30, M60 and M100 receive 18 ct. gold nibs.

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3 digit model numbers

February 1973

The model numbers have three digits. The MK10 models are created in a new design as M480. The barrel stays unchanged, the cap now has a wide bar clip. The model number is no longer engraved in the cap edge. There also is a customized deskpen.

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Patent of Theodor Kovacs for inner ink conductor

Piston pen P1RG and P1S

Completely revised design

First Pen with plastic cap

Model with goldplated nib and deskpens

New design

18 ct. gold nib

3 digit model numbers

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Pelikan - The advanced conductive ink feeder

A new development of fountain pens was made possible by the patent from Theodor Kovács, that Pelikan took over as the 'Pelikan thermic-regulator'. This Thermic ink feeder is built into the grip section and allows an easy and fast way to change the nib.

The pens have been revised over the years. They are distinguished in particular by their nib form.

  1. Pelikan P1 - September 1958: the piston filler P1 was introduced to the market, it has a narrow, hidden nib
  2. Pelikan M/MK models with half covered nib - from February 1965: new fountain pen models with plug caps and half covert nibs are offered
  3. Pelikan M/MK models - redesigned - from 1969: the models are revised, the nibs are more visible, with with angled edges
    (See also plug-in nibs for piston and cartridge pens since 1958)

 

Pelikan P1

In September 1958 Pelikan introduced the first of a new generation of fountain pens that had been completely redeveloped in construction and design. The shape was slimmer than previous fountain pens. The piston mechanism had remained unchanged technically. But the key was the new ink feed. Developed by Theodor Kovacs and called the 'Pelikan thermic-regulator', it had a significantly larger volume for storing remaining ink. Atmospheric pressure and temperature variations were no longer a problem. In addition, this new development now also allowed the installation of a hooded nib.

The P1 initially had screw caps; later developed piston fillers had only push-fit caps, until the 1980s.

The first model (September 1958 until March 1959) has a clutch ring on the barrel, the later model until 1963 had the clutch ring hidden in the cap.

From 1958-1962, the cap engraving was a single line. In the last production period (1962-1963) the cap was engraved with two lines.

The picture below shows the two different grip sections, one with flattened edges (used 1959 and 1960) and one without. So far we have not been able to identify further details of the relationship between the section styles and production timeline.

Changing the nib or unscrewing the ink feed was only possible with a special tool, which can be seen in the photos below.

Model Production Period Nib
P1S (Silvexa)
P1RG (Rolled Gold)
9/1958-1963

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.51 oz 5.20 in 4.84 in 2.40 in 0.43 in 1.5 ml
14.6 g 132 mm 123 mm 61 mm 11 mm


P1 Rolled Gold

P1 Rolled Gold Diamond black Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1963Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100 DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Hauptpreisliste 110 / 1963
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: goldTrim: silver-colored
P1 Rolled Gold Agate grey Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1962Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: greyCap Color: goldTrim: silver-colored
P1 Rolled Gold Emerald green Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1962Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: dark greenCap Color: goldTrim: silver-colored
P1 Rolled Gold Ruby red Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1962Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: burgundyCap Color: goldTrim: silver-colored

P1 Silvexa

P1 Silvexa Diamond black Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1963Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100 DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Hauptpreisliste 110 / 1963
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
P1 Silvexa Agate grey Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1962Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: greyCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
[+] Variation: P1 Silvexa Agate grey with clutch ring
P1 Silvexa Emerald green Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1962Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: dark greenCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
P1 Silvexa Ruby red Series Production Color
Production: 1958-1962Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPreisliste 100
Logo: Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: burgundyCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
P1 Silvexa Demonstrator Low vol. Production Color
Production: 1958-1963Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Without Logo Low vol. Production
Barrel Color: clear transparentCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored

Pelikan M/MK models with half covered nibs

All fountain pens with the new half covered nib have now no screw cap, but feature a plug cap. They all feature a revolving window that shows the level of ink. As a further feature every fountain pen has a wide metal ring at the transition from the grip section to the ink window.
Rules of the model name: The model number starts with Mxx or MKxx. The M stands for filler with mechanics (ie piston filler). The models Mxx have a metal cap, either made of nickel silver (Silvexa) or gilt nickel silver (gold Doublé). The model numbers MKxx denote the less expensive models with plastic cap (K = plastic in german "Kunststoff").
In two exceptional cases, these rules differ: the Model MK10 black / green is as identical model called 120 black / green. The model MK30 is black also known as identical model under the name M25 black.

M10 and MK10 have a stylized beak clip.

Model Production Period Nib
M10, MK10, 120, M20, MK20, M25, M30, MK30, M60, M100 1968-1970

Steel, gold plated

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
MK10: 0.44 oz 5.24 in 4.53 in 2.44 in 0.43 in 1.1 ml
MK10: 12.4 g 133 mm 115 mm 62 mm 11 mm


M10 Black Exportmodel Color
Production: 1967-?Nib: Steel, gold plated
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
MK10 Black Series Production Color
Production: 3/1967-8/1970Nib: Steel, gold plated Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 180E
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
[+] Variation: MK10 Taylorix
MK10 Black/Silver Exportmodel Color
Production: unknownNib: Steel, gold plated
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
MK10 / 120 Green-Black Exportmodel Color Details
Production: 3/1967-1969Nib: Steel, gold plated
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

In the late 1960s also as Pelikan 120 offered.

M20 Silvexa Blue Series Production Color
Production: 3/1965-1969Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan für die Schule
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
M20 Silvexa Black Series Production Color
Production: 2/1965-8/1970Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan für die Schule
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
MK20 Black Exportmodel Color
Production: 5/1966-7/1969Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
MK20 Clear transparent Low vol. Production Color
Production: around 1966Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Low vol. Production
Barrel Color: clear transparentCap Color: clear transparentTrim: silver-colored
MK21 Black Series Production Color Details
Production: unknownNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

The difference between M25/MK30 and MK21 is the more narrow cap ring.

MK30 / M25 Black Series Production Color
Production: 1966-1968Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
M30 Blue Rolled Gold Series Production Color
Production: 2/1965-11/1969Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan für die Schule
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated
M30 Black Rolled Gold Series Production Color
Production: 2/1965-7/1970Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan für die Schule DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 180E
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: goldTrim: silver-colored
MK30 Clear transparent Low vol. Production Color Details
Production: around 1966Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Low vol. Production
Barrel Color: clear transparentCap Color: clear transparentTrim: silver-colored

Cap and pen mismatch in some details (the beak clip and the cap engraving)

MK30 Green marbled Prototype Color
Production: unknownNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Prototype
Barrel Color: green marbledCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
M60 Rolled Gold Series Production Color
Production: 2/1965-7/1970Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan für die Schule
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: goldCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated
M100 14 ct Gold Guilloche Low vol. Production Color Details
Production: 2/1966-7/1970Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Low vol. Production
Barrel Color: goldCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated

Weight: ca. 0.93 oz 

Pelikan M/MK pens in redesigned style

With the redesign and development of the new nib style some of the old models run out, others are replaced by successor models. All models have in addition to the new nib style now a narrow ring between the grip section and the ink window.

Model Production Period Nib
MK10, M20, MK20, M21, M25, M30, MK30, M60, M100, M480 1969-1983

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
5.24 in 4.53 in 2.44-2.48 in 0.43 in 1.1 ml
133 mm 115 mm 62-63 mm 11 mm


M20 Silvexa Black Series Production Color
Production: 1969-1971Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 180E
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silvexaTrim: silver-colored
MK20 Black Series Production Color
Production: 1969Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
M21 Silvexa Black Series Production Color Details
Production: 1/1971-10/1973Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 1973 - 220 DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 230
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: nickel silverTrim: silver-colored

Brushed stainless steel cap made from nickel silver.

M30 Black Rolled Gold Series Production Color
Production: 8/1970-10/1973Nib: 18 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 1973 - 220 DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 230
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: goldTrim: silver-colored
MK10 Black Series Production Color Details
Production: 9/1970-1/1973Nib: Steel, gold plated Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 1973 - 220 DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 230
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Without Logo Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

Late models received the straight bar clip. See catalog 230 from 1973.

MK10 Green-Black Exportmodel Color
Production: 9/1970Nib: Steel, gold plated
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
M60 Rolled Gold Series Production Color Details
Production: 8/1970-6/1979Nib: 14/18 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 1973 - 220 DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 230
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: goldCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated

From 1971 18 ct gold nibs were used.

M100 14 ct Gold Guilloche Low vol. Production Color Details
Production: 8/1970-10/1973Nib: 18 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 1973 - 220 DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog 230
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Low vol. Production
Barrel Color: goldCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated

Weight: ca. 0.93 oz 

M480 Green-Black Exportmodel Color Details
Production: 2/1973–?Nib: Steel, gold plated
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

The Pelikan model M480 replaced the Model MK10 and had minor changes. The bar-clip has broadened, the gold ring between grip section and the ink window is narrow, the nib are adjusted according to the time. The green-black version is offered only as an export model. Also as an export version is a Deskpen M480S in this color variant available to replace the model M10S.

M480 Black Series Production Color Details
Production: 2/1973-2/1983Nib: Steel, gold plated Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentPelikan Katalog S300
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

Beam clip

M481 Black Series Production Color Details
Production: unknownNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

like M480 with gold nib.

M486 Black Series Production Color Details
 Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Logo as of 1938 (two chicken) Series Production
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

Under the same name, there is a model with converter for the Japanese market.

Pelikan Deskpen M10S, M30S and M480S

The demand for Deskpens was great in some countries, so Pelikan let produce the models MK10 and MK30 with an elongated, non-removable knob for export in the version as Deskpen.
1973 replaced the new Pelikan model M480 the model MK10 with minor changes. The bar-clip has broadened, the gold ring between grip and ink window is narrow, the feed and the nib unit are adjusted according to the time. Similarly, there is now an export version of the variant M480S green as a Deskpen to replace the Deskpen model M10S.

Model Production Period Nib
M10S, M30S and M480S 1967-1983

Steel, gold plated

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.37 oz 6,77 in 4.02 in 2.28 in 0.43 in 1.1 ml
10.5 g 172 mm 102 mm 58 mm 11 mm


M10S

M10S Deskpen Green-Black Exportmodel Color Details
Production: 1967Nib: Steel, gold plated
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

Length of the barrel 170 mm, length of Deskholder (without mechanics) 60 mm.

M30S

M30S Deskpen Black Exportmodel Color
Production: 1967Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

M480S

M480S Deskpen Green Exportmodel Color
Production: 2/1973Nib: Steel, gold plated
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
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