Gimborn

As a corporate identity, the company name was reproduced in a curved spelling on Gimborn products. This is reflected on the nibs of the first fountain pens. From about 1960 onwards, a curved G written as a logo is embossed on the clips of the writing instruments.

At the end of the 1960s, Gimborn commissioned an advertising agency to develop a new corporate identity, the vignette of a stylized G. Because this G isn't associated with Gimborn by the clientele, it was therefore decided to add the name Gimborn under this heading.

As from January 1, 1981 the company name Gimborn BV was changed to Pelikan Nederland BV, and the manufacture of writing instruments under the Gimborn name ended. Until the final closure of Pelikan Nederland BV on December 31, 1995, writing instruments were marketed under the name of Pelikan.

The information on Gimborn and its writing instruments was only made possible through intensive and friendly support from Otto Lütkemeyer, Frans Maathuis and Jan Bouwman. Thank you very much!

Gimborn 150 Master

The Gimborn 150 fountain pen was almost identical to the model Pelikan 300. Only the clip and the missing cap logo were different from the Pelikan version. The name Gimborn is found on the nib. A mechanical pencil was offered, too; this was the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350). About 5 years later the black model was extended by three additional color varieties and other models.

Model Production Period Nib
150 Master 1951-1957

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.54 oz 5.12 in 4.02 in 2.44 in 0.47 in 2.0 ml
15.4 g 130 mm 102 mm 62 mm 12 mm


Gimborn 150 Black Company Order Color Details
Production: 1951-1957Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Company Order
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

Gimborn 150 fountain pens were identical to the model Pelikan 300. The model was produced without beak clip, cap logo or Pelikan logo on the nib. On the nib is Gimborn imprinted. The company Gimborn was sold in 1931 to the Pelikan company. Nevertheless, the Gimborn company remained largely independent and produced continue under the name Gimborn. Belonging to the fountain pen was a mechanical pencil offered, the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350).

Gimborn 150 Emerald green Company Order Color Details
Production: 1956-1957Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Company Order
Barrel Color: dark greenCap Color: dark greenTrim: gold plated

Gimborn 150 fountain pens were identical to the model Pelikan 300. The model was produced without beak clip, cap logo or Pelikan logo on the nib. On the nib is Gimborn imprinted. The company Gimborn was sold in 1931 to the Pelikan company. Nevertheless, the Gimborn company remained largely independent and produced continue under the name Gimborn. Belonging to the fountain pen was a mechanical pencil offered, the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350).

Gimborn 150 Peacock blue Company Order Color Details
Production: 1956-1957Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Company Order
Barrel Color: dark blueCap Color: dark blueTrim: gold plated

Gimborn 150 fountain pens were identical to the model Pelikan 300. The model was produced without beak clip, cap logo or Pelikan logo on the nib. On the nib is Gimborn imprinted. The company Gimborn was sold in 1931 to the Pelikan company. Nevertheless, the Gimborn company remained largely independent and produced continue under the name Gimborn. Belonging to the fountain pen was a mechanical pencil offered, the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350).

Gimborn 150 Venice red Company Order Color Details
Production: 1956-1957Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Company Order
Barrel Color: burgundyCap Color: burgundyTrim: gold plated

Gimborn 150 fountain pens were identical to the model Pelikan 300. The model was produced without beak clip, cap logo or Pelikan logo on the nib. On the nib is Gimborn imprinted. The company Gimborn was sold in 1931 to the Pelikan company. Nevertheless, the Gimborn company remained largely independent and produced continue under the name Gimborn. Belonging to the fountain pen was a mechanical pencil offered, the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350).

Gimborn 150 Grey Low vol. Production Color Details
Production: 1952Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Without Logo Low vol. Production
Barrel Color: greyCap Color: greyTrim: gold plated

Gimborn 150 fountain pens were identical to the model Pelikan 300. The model was produced without beak clip, cap logo or Pelikan logo on the nib. On the nib is Gimborn imprinted. The company Gimborn was sold in 1931 to the Pelikan company. Nevertheless, the Gimborn company remained largely independent and produced continue under the name Gimborn. Belonging to the fountain pen was a mechanical pencil offered, the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350).

Gimborn 150 Demonstrator Prototype Color Details
Production: unknownNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Without Logo Prototype
Barrel Color: translucentCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated

Gimborn 150 fountain pens were identical to the model Pelikan 300. The model was produced without beak clip, cap logo or Pelikan logo on the nib. On the nib is Gimborn imprinted. The company Gimborn was sold in 1931 to the Pelikan company. Nevertheless, the Gimborn company remained largely independent and produced continue under the name Gimborn. Belonging to the fountain pen was a mechanical pencil offered, the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350).

Gimborn 130 Senior

Three years after the first model Master, the model Senior was introduced, using parts produced by Lamy. From 1958 the model was slightly modified.  Now the barrel no longer had circumferential ink window, but four round ink windows, which were very reminiscent of the designs of new fountain pen models, such as the new P1S and P1RG models from Pelikan from the same period. The black model Gimborn 130 shows this new design.

Model Production Period Nib
130 Senior 1954-1960

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity


Gimborn 130 Black Other Color
Production: 1954-1960Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Other
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
Gimborn 130 Red Other Color
Production: 1954-1960Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Other
Barrel Color: burgundyCap Color: burgundyTrim: gold plated
Gimborn 130 Demonstrator Other Color
Production: unknownNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Without Logo Other
Barrel Color: translucentCap Color: translucentTrim: gold plated

Gimborn 120 Junior

Just like the model Senior, the Gimborn 120 Junior was reissued from 1954 onwards. It was aimed at students and buyers for writing instruments in the lower price segment. Yet again the parts of this fountain pen were produced by Pelikan. Two modifications are known for this model, which will be done around the end of the 1950s. First, it is noticeable that the round top of the cap head is replaced by a sharper cap end. The filler knob is now no longer hidden under a cap and can be operated directly. The circumferential ink window is replaced by four elongated viewing windows. In one variant (v2) these viewing windows are angular, in a probably later variant (v3) these elongated viewing windows have rounded ends. Also striking in the variant (v3) is the grip section, that tapers further towards the nib. (Such a peculiarity can also be found again when comparing the Pelikan 120 to the Pelikan 120 Merz & Krell.) The dimensions of the variants differ only slightly, the caps could be exchanged between the model variants. There are many indications that these new variants have already been produced by another manufacturer (Böhler GmbH).

Model Production Period Nib
120 Junior 1954-1960

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.49 oz 1) 5.18 in
2) 5.22 in
1) 4.04 in
2) 4.00 in
1) 2.38 in
2) 2.48 in
0.47 in 1.5 ml
14 g 1) 131.5 mm
2)132.5 mm
1) 102.5 mm
2) 101.5 mm
1) 60.5 mm
2) 63 mm
12 mm
1) Early variant, 2) later variants (v2, v3)


Gimborn 120 Black Other Color
Production: 1954-1960Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Other
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
Gimborn 120 Red Other Color
Production: 1954-1960Nib: 14 ct gold Leaflet: DeutschLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog
Logo: Without Logo Other
Barrel Color: burgundyCap Color: burgundyTrim: gold plated
Gimborn 120 Red (v2) Other Color
Production: 1954-1960Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Without Logo Other
Barrel Color: burgundyCap Color: burgundyTrim: gold plated
Gimborn 120 Red (v3) Other Color
Production: 1954-1960Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Without Logo Other
Barrel Color: burgundyCap Color: burgundyTrim: gold plated

Gimborn new piston filler

These piston fillers were produced in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The fountain pens clearly show that they come from the company Hermann Böhler GmbH. Following the trend of the times, these pens have a hooded nib with an internal ink feed. The interrupted ink window looks very much like the last modified version of the Gimborn 120 Junior. The new clip shape with the curved G for Gimborn shows a feature, which is later continued in the series of cartridge pens of the model Major. A trend to more colour is clearly visible. Whether these piston filling models ever came onto the market or whether these are only prototypes is beyond our knowledge.

Model Production Period Nib
New piston filler appr. 1960

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
4.84 in 4.38 in 2.25 in 0.41 in
123 mm 111.3 mm 57.2 mm 10.5 mm


Blue unknown Color
Production: appr. 1960Nib: 14 ct Gold
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo unknown
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: blueTrim: gold plated
Black unknown Color
Production: appr. 1960Nib: 14 ct Gold
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo unknown
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: gold plated
Green unknown Color
Production: appr. 1960Nib: 14 ct Gold
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo unknown
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: greenTrim: gold plated

Gimborn Major (Series I.)

At the beginning of the 1960s, the Gimborn company introduced a Gimborn cartridge fountain pen for the first time, calling the model Major. The features of the major pens are the barrel and grip section of colored plastic, a metal cap and a tapered clip. At the beginning (variants a - c) the pen carries a curved G as a Gimborn logo; in the early 1970s this old logo is not shown anymore (variant d). The cap is matt chromed brass but with a wide polished band around its opening, which bears the engraved name Gimborn. A screwed plastic disc (in the same color as the barrel) closes the end of the cap and holds the clip in place. The hooded nib was initially well hidden but was replaced by two successive new more open nib forms. The pen was also given a continuous band ink window which shows the fill level of the ink cartridge.

The dimensions of the pen also changed over time, although the weight remained nearly the same despite a significantly longer metal cap. Why? - the thickness of the metal cap was reduced by about 2/5 so that the old and new cap weigh the same. Further changes concern the polished ring with lettering on the cap opening, a metal disc at the end of the barrel and (at the end of the 60s) the replacement of the plastic disc by a metal disc on the end of the cap. With the introduction of the new stylized G as a new company logo around 1969, the curved G is missing on the clip and the new logo appears at the end of the cap, instead.

The known variants can be described as follows:

  1. Highly concealed gold-plated stainless steel nib, without tin window
  2. Approx. 1965: more visible gold-plated stainless steel nib, encircling ink window
  3. New nib form (gold plated stainless steel), encircling ink window as b), at the end is a chromed metal disc
  4. End of the 1960s: as c), but end cap carries a metal disc, which later also shows the new stylized G-logo of Gimborn

With the change of the variants the colours offered also partly changed. A matching ballpoint to the fountain pen was also offered, with the name Majorette. All these models were manufactured by Hermann Böhler GmbH on behalf of Gimborn. Since Böhler fountain pens are usually equipped with a nib from Degussa, the logo of Degussa (rhombus with half sun) is often found on the nibs of these pens.

For this model, a Repair kit is shown on the site "Tools".

Model Production Period Nib
Major (Series I.) appr. 1960 until early 1970s

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
a) 0.46 oz
b/c/d)0.47 oz
a) 5.12 in
b/c/d) 5.30 in
a) 4.41 in
b/c/d) 4.43 in
a) 2.26 in
b/c/d) 2.50 in
a) 0.43 in
b/c/d) 0.45 in
2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
a) 13 g
b/c/d)13.4 g
a) 130.0 mm
b/c/d) 134.6 mm
a) 112.0 mm
b/c/d) 112.5 mm
a) 57.3 mm
b/c/d) 63.6 mm
a) 11.0 mm
b/c/d) 11.5 mm
Variant a) appr. 1960, b) appr. 1965, c) before 1972, d) after 1972


Major (a) Olive green Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (a) Anthracite Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: anthraciteCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (a) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (a) Brown Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: brownCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (a) Red Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (a) Pastel blue Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (b) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (b) Anthracite Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: anthraciteCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (b) Red Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (b) Pastel blue Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (c) Red Exportmodel Color
Production: end 1960sNib: Steel
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Orange Exportmodel Color
Production: early 1970sNib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: orangeCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Purple Exportmodel Color
Production: early 1970sNib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: purpleCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: eraly 1970sNib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Red Exportmodel Color
Production: early 1970sNib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Anthracite Exportmodel Color
Production: early 1970sNib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: anthraciteCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored

Gimborn Major Gold (Series I.)

The Major GOLD was offered as a new variant of the Major (Series I). This fountain pen with a gold-plated cap in strip guilloche, gold-plated fittings and a 14 ct gold nib was intended to appeal to adults in the higher price segment of the market. The first variant corresponds to the variant Major I a), with fully hooded nib and without ink window. Around 1965 there is the Major GOLD, with a new nib form and the continuous band ink window, similar to the way the changes in Major I b) is described.

Model Production Period Nib
Major Gold (Series I.) 1960s

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
a) 0.46 oz
b/c/d)0.47 oz
a) 5.12 in
b) 5.30 in
a) 4.41 in
b) 4.43 in
a) 2.26 in
b) 2.50 in
a) 0.43 in
b) 0.45 in
2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
a) 13 g
b)13.4 g
a) 130.0 mm
b) 134.6 mm
a) 112.0 mm
b) 112.5 mm
a) 57.3 mm
b) 63.6 mm
a) 11.0 mm
b) 11.5 mm
Variant a) appr. 1960, b) appr. 1965


Major Gold (a) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: 1960sNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated
Major Gold (a) Demonstrator unknown Color
Production: 1960sNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo unknown
Barrel Color: translucentCap Color: translucentTrim: gold plated
Major Gold (b) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1965Nib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated

Gimborn Major (Series II.)

Around 1970, Gimborn started a new series of the Major. A first feature of this series is a bar clip instead of the narrow tapered clip. A new corporate identity has been found with the vignette of a stylized G, which now graces the end cap of the new series. No further lettering on the clip or on the cap end shows otherwise that these fountain pens are a product of Gimborn. People interpreted the significance of this new logo with a great deal of imagination, but the connection to Gimborn is often not recognized.

It was therefore decided (around 1974) to modify the following further models of this series Major. The previous clip with a curved edge and 4 mm width is replaced by a smooth clip of 4.5 mm width. On the new clip, the imprint 'Gimborn' now shows the name of the company, while the stylized G at the end of the cap disappears.

All model variants have a continuous band ink window that shows the filling level of the ink cartridges. The ends of the barrel are always closed by a bolted metal / plastic disc. The nib corresponds to the existing nibs of the I. series in the variants c / d. The ink feed now runs under the nib less pointedly and increases the contact surface to the nib.

The following variants of this series are known:

  1. Black plastic cap with metal ring on the cap opening which does not bear any lettering. The clip without lettering is held by a metal disc with the logo of a stylized G at the end of the cap. The grip section is black, the barrel is offered in different colors. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

  2. Matt black lacquered metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. The clip without lettering is held by a metal disc with the logo of a stylized G at the end of the cap. The grip section and barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

  3. Chrome-plated metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. The clip with lettering is held by a metal disc with the logo of a stylized G at the end of the cap. The grip section and the barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

  4. Matt black lacquered metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. The new clip with the lettering 'Gimborn' and two differently sized holes is held by a metal disc without a logo at the end of the cap. The grip section and barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

  5. Chrome-plated metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. New bar clip with 'GIMBORN', without logo at the end of the cap. The grip section and barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

  6. As variant e), but with a screwed plastic disc at the barrel end in color of the barrel instead of a metal disc

Model Production Period Nib
Major (Series II.) after 1972

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
a) 0.43 oz
b-f) 0.54 oz
a) 5.31 in
b-f) 5.20 in
a) 4.41 in
b/c) 4.83 in
d/e/f) 4.81 in
a) 2.52 in
b/c) 2.39 in
d/e/f) 2.38 in
0.45 in 2 x 0,8 ml (Patrone)
a) 12.1 g
b-f) 15.2 g
a) 135 mm
b-f) 132 mm
a) 112 mm
b/c) 122.6 mm
d/e/f) 122.3 mm
a) 64 mm
b/c) 60.8 mm
d/e/f) 60.5 mm
11.5 mm


Major (a) Red-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (a) Blue-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (b) Yellow-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: yellowCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (b) Green-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (b) Pink-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: pinkCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (c) Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Yellow-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: yellowCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Orange-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: orangeCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Pastel green-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: pastel greenCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (d) Red-Black Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major (e) Red-Silver Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major (f) Blue-Silver Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored

Gimborn Major Gold (Series II.)

In the early 1970s, the major gold was further modified. Unchanged is, that the pen is equipped with a 14 ct gold nib. The cap, the clip, the ring on the ink window and the metal plate on the barrel end are gold plated. The nib and the grip section correspond to the barrel of the major from the II. Series. The clip is elaborately shaped as the Major II. The cap shows the stylized G, in the cap edge is imprinted 'GIMBORN MAJOR'.

Model Production Period Nib
Major Gold (Series II.) 1970s

14 ct gold nib

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.54 oz 5.20 in 4.41 in 2.41 in 0.45 in 2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
15.3 g 132 mm 112 mm 61.2 mm 11.5 mm


Major Gold (c) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: 1970sNib: 14 ct gold
Logo: Curved Gimborn Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: goldTrim: gold plated

Gimborn Major GLS

The Major model has a barrel and a cap made of nickel silver with a 'hammered' surface structure. The grip section is made of black, frosted plastic. The nib and ink feed are the same as those of the Major Series I c / d models.

The Major GLS is similar to the Pelikan SilverStar, but in details the two fountain pens differs.

Model Production Period Nib
Major GLS appr. 1970

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.81 oz 5.20 in 4.88 in 2.40 in 0.47 in 2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
23 g 132 mm 124 mm 61 mm 12 mm


Major GLS (a) Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1973Nib: Steel Leaflet: Französisch,SonstigeLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog 1973/74
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: silverCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major GLS (b) Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1973Nib: Steel Leaflet: Französisch,SonstigeLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog 1973/74
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: silverCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored

Gimborn Major GL

Similar to the Major GLS model, the Major GL has a cap made of nickel silver with a 'hammered' surface texture (variant a). The barrel and grip section are made of matt plastic in four different colors. The ending is closed by a metal disc. The cap end is closed by a metal disc which carries the stylized logo G and holds the clip, which is completely plain, with no engraving.

At a later time the design of this cap changes (variant b). It is now made of frosted chrome, the end of the cap no longer shows the logo. The new clip now carries the engraved word 'Gimborn'.

Similar to the Major GLS model, the Major GL has a metal cap, but the barrel and the grip section are made of frosted plastic in four different colors. The cap of Major GL can be found in three different variants:

Variant

Cap

Engraving capring

Clip

Engraving Clip

Cap end

a)

nickel silver with pounded surface

GIMBORN MAJOR

bar clip, bead edge

without

Metal plate with ‚G‘-Logo (2,0 mm thick)

b)

brush matted chrome

without

bar clip, bead edge

without

Smooth metal plate (2,0 mm thick)

c)

brush matted chrome

GIMBORN – GIMBORN - GIMBORN

bar clip with two holes

‚GIMBORN‘

Smooth metal plate (1,3 mm thick)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Model Production Period Nib
Major GL from 1970

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
a,b) 0.50 oz
c) 0.52 oz
a,b) 5.22 in
c) 5.18 in
4.48 in a,b) 2.42 in
c) 2.38 in
0.45 in 2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
a) 14.2 g
b. c) 14.8 g
a.b) 132.5 mm
c) 131.6 mm
113.7 mm a.b) 61.4 mm
c) 60.5 mm
11.5 mm


Major GL (a) Dark green-Silver Exportmodel Color
 Nib: Steel Leaflet: Französisch,SonstigeLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog 1973/74
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: dark greenCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major GL (a) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: from 1970Nib: Steel Leaflet: Französisch,SonstigeLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog 1973/74
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major GL (a) Red Exportmodel Color
Production: from 1970Nib: Steel Leaflet: Französisch,SonstigeLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog 1973/74
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major GL (a) Blue Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1973Nib: Steel Leaflet: Französisch,SonstigeLink opens PDF documentGimborn Katalog 1973/74
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major GL (b) Red Exportmodel Color
Production: from 1970Nib: Steel
Logo: Logo Gimborn G Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored
Major GL (c) Green Exportmodel Color
Production: after 1974Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: silverTrim: silver-colored

Gimborn Major Primo

The MAJOR primo model has a black screw cap and a black plastic grip section. The barrel comes in various different colors. The end of the cap is closed with a plastic disc in the same color as the barrel, while the barrel end is always closed with a black, screwed-in plastic disc. The nib and the ink feed are longer and slimmer than the model Grip so that the nib has more flexibility when writing.

Model Production Period Nib
Major Primo appr. 1975

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.36 oz 5.28 in 4.79 in 2.45 in 0.47 in 2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
10.3 g 134 mm 121.7 mm 62.3 mm 12 mm


Major Primo Blue-Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1975Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major Primo Red-Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1975Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major Primo Orange-Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1975Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: orangeCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major Primo Yellow-Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1975Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: yellowCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored

Gimborn Major Grip

The MAJOR grip introduced a new model of the Major series, which was aimed at students as the target group. The barrel, grip section and cap are made of plastic in the same color. The grip section now has a profile, which is designed to give an inexperienced fountain pen user more security and a better hold for writing. A bead prevents the fingers from sliding on to the nib. The new ink feed lets the nib stand out, giving it more flexibility. The nib has often no air hole, though models are known which the nib has an air hole.

Initially, the barrel is closed by a screwed plastic disc. In later models, the barrel was made in a single piece. The end of the cap is closed by a screwed plastic disc, which also holds the clip. The clip normally carries the embossing, GIMBORN '. However, clips with the label 'MAJOR' and 'MAJOR GRIP' are also known. It is conceivable that these fountain pens were made around 1981, after the company Gimborn B.V. was renamed as Pelikan Nederland B.V.

A sales leaflet Pelikan Nederland B.V. issued for its dealers from the years 1982/83 showed this MAJOR grip as a school fountain pen.

Model Production Period Nib
Major Grip appr. 1980

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.37 oz 5.34 in 4.83 in 2.51 in 0.45 in 2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
10.4 g 135.6 mm 122.6 mm 63.8 mm 11.5 mm


Major Grip Red Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: redTrim: silver-colored
Major Grip Red Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: redCap Color: redTrim: silver-colored
Major Grip Green Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: greenTrim: silver-colored
Major Grip Blue Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blueCap Color: blueTrim: silver-colored

Gimborn Major Junior

With the MAJOR junior a new model of the Major series was created. With its slim, cylindrical barrel, it is clearly different from the other models. Grip section, barrel and cap are made of plastic in the same color. The barrel is closed by an internal metal disc. The nib and ink feed are used in the same design as the MAJOR grip, but the nib always has a breather hole. A screwed-on metal disc holds the clip and closes the end of the cap. This metal disc is smooth on the top or has a flat round recess of approx. 7 mm in diameter, which may have been intended for a logo to be stuck on.

A further special feature is found in the caps of these pens: the inner cap for sealing the nib against ink leakage is not connected to the outer cap on the inside, but is flexibly installed. The nib presses this inner cap away from the end of the cap. The inner cap is held on the metal disc by an extension of the screw fastening. The inner cap can thus move up to 2 mm towards the end of the cap when the cap is placed on the fountain pen.

Model Production Period Nib
Major Junior appr. 1980

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
0.38 oz 5.41 in 4.56 in 2.45 in 0.41 in 2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
10.7 g 137.3 mm 115.8 mm 62.3 mm 10.5 mm


Major Junior (a) Black Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: blackCap Color: blackTrim: silver-colored
Major Junior (a) Yellow Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: yellowCap Color: yellowTrim: silver-colored
Major Junior (a) Dark blue Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: dark blueCap Color: dark blueTrim: silver-colored

Gimborn Major de luxe

After the MAJOR primo, MAJOR grip and Major junior were offered to target the youth market, the adult model needed to be addressed again. The model MAJOR de luxe has the same barrel shape as the MAJOR junior, but it is produced in more muted colors. The fountain pen is further enhanced by a chrome-plated metal cap.

Model Production Period Nib
Major de luxe

Steel

Weight Total Length Barrel Length Cap Length Diameter Ink Capacity
5.41 in 4.56 in 2.45 in 0.41 in 2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
137.3 mm 115.8 mm 62.3 mm 10.5 mm


Major Junior (b) Green Exportmodel Color
Production: appr. 1980Nib: Steel
Logo: Without Logo Exportmodel
Barrel Color: greenCap Color: greenTrim: silver-colored
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