| Founded in 1838 by chemist
Carl Hornemann in Hanover,
Germany, the company
started out in the color and
ink business and remained
that way for many decades.
The use of a pelican as a
company logo didn’t come
about until 1878, and it was
one of the first German
trademarks.
Pelikan continued to grow
over the years, being strong
in art supply, office supply
and school supply. It wasn’t
until 1929 that the Pelikan
fountain pen was born. It was
well known for its trademark
green shaft, technically
innovative ink flow and
transparent ink window. The
differential piston mechanism
was a true revolution of its
time.
Further paint and pen
innovations followed,
interrupted by WWII.
However, in 1950 the big
German industrial boom
started and Pelikan introduced
its model 400 fountain pen,
easily recognized by its black
and green striped shaft. This
model became the most
popular fountain pen in its
price range, and the signature
black/green striped shaft
remains with us today.
Pelikan fine writing
instruments find admirers
among collectors and casual
users alike. Finely crafted in
more than 300 individual
steps, Pelikan pens are a
testimony to German
dedication, precision, and
perfection. They are designed
to inspire. |
