Old Pelikan M800 Or New

[Snake Charmer]

I am considering a Pelikan M800 for this years 'Surprise' Christmas present from my wife.

 

I have seen older Pelikan M800's ( late 80's ) that have a 14 karat gold nib and which also have a gold plate

at the end of the filler mechanism. The Newer Pelikan M800's have and 18 karat Gold nib but with no gold

plate at the end of the filler mechanism.

 

I must say I do like the nicer finish of the older pen but would be grateful for any advice from an expert.

 

Thanks in anticipation.

[proton007]

I'm no expert, but There are 5 versions of the M800:

 

Versions with the old trim (engraved logo in gold plate on cap, gold plate on piston end)

-- When they were launched in 1987 (14k nib)

-- Till 1997 (18k nib)

 

Version with the new trim, but old two chicks logo (18k nib, no gold plate on piston end):

-- From 1997 to 2003 (Cap logo silk screened on black background).

 

Version with new trim, but new single chick logo (18k nib)

-- From 2003 to 2010 (Cap logo silk screened on black background).

 

Latest version with gold cap top, new single chick logo (18k nib)

-- From 2010 onwards (matte gold logo on glossy gold background).

Edited December 9, 2013 by proton007

[mori45]

If you can find an old version with a 14k nib, go with that one. The 14k nibs are less rigid and have correspondingly more character. They are also suitable for all manner of customization.

[RuiFromUK]

Great advice above.

 

If that helps with your decision I have awarded myself for Xmas a new M800 with a Broad Italic nib and a OBBB nib which I intend to use daily or when practicing Italic handwriting which does not require any (or very little) nib flexibility.

Edited December 9, 2013 by RuiFromUK

[proton007]

Also depends on how much you're willing to spend. A 14k nib M800 can cost significantly more than a 18k version.

[Nibwitz]

I tried both and honestly can not say there're a lot of difference. The old 14K nib isn't really flexible. If you want a flexible Pelikan, buy a even older pen form the 5-'s or 60's like a cute little 140. That will give flex.

The 80's nib is very much like the new nib, the biggest difference is the amount of tipping material that is used; today there's much more tipping material on the nib.

However, it's all about writing, and a well tuned nib from today's production will write very well and very smooth.

(Personally, I also like brand new pens the most, because I'm the first owner...)

[Bo Bo Olson]

I had a '87-89 800 go through my hand (trans mailing from Germany to Spain)...it was a real nice springy regular flex. I would buy one.

It was not semi-flex like a 140. Much less a 'flexi' like a 400NN or easy full flex like a 100-100N.

 

Those in the know say the '87-89 W. Germany 800 nibs are a bit more springy than the '90-97, also in M400 (83-89 vs 90-97). I was told not to chase the '83-89 M400 in I had an '90-97 M400 and a 140 semi-flex and a 400NN 'flexi'. I'd be disappointed.

 

The Modern 800 is a nail....it really don't matter if it's 18K, 14K or steel...a nail is a nail and all that counts is the super butter smooth...so get a Cross Townsend steel nib...a great nail.

I have a Persona nail, a Townsend nail both Large pens, a CPM-1 nail...and some other...I have 5-6 nails...EF, F, M, B. What would I need with a Pelikan nail?

 

Actually, out side of the EF, I might use to edit with, the other Nails are not going to be used my me.

 

If you like nails...the 800 is one and the 600 is just about one...and I've read many complain the modern 400 is also a nail or real stiff regular flex...like perhaps a P-75.

 

What to you want the nib to do?

Nothing...then buy a nail

.Many folks that insist on Large pens, refuse to post at any cost any standard or medium-large pens which balance better posted. Those pens they absolutely refuse to post are too small.

An un-posted 800 is not too small even if it is shorter than a posted 140, M400 or 400NN/600.

OK.

 

There is no use in trying to get a modern 18K nib to be made more flexible...to say semi-flex; none of the masters will waste time trying..

It is not a 18C nib.

 

 

800 semi-vintage '87-89 or '90-97 has a nice springy regular flex nib.

Post '97 are nails.

If you want a nail....you can afford it by selling all those other Pelikans.

I've not done a poll on it, but am under the impression nail users don't like "bendy" regular flex nibs, much less nibs with some flex.

[Snake Charmer]

OK then, I suppose I better had. So that when I'v done it, it'l be over, and I will be with a nail, or something bendy.

I will tell my wife and she will understand what you mean and have no doubt in her mind what to do. I hope?

 

Thank You all for your input.

[proton007]

OK then, I suppose I better had. So that when I'v done it, it'l be over, and I will be with a nail, or something bendy.

I will tell my wife and she will understand what you mean and have no doubt in her mind what to do. I hope?

 

Thank You all for your input.

 

Question is, do you know whats the difference between a 'nail' and 'something bendy' ?

 

If your wife isn't used to writing with FPs but uses BPs, then I'd say a nail is better because BP users tend to put some pressure on the pen while writing.

[Snake Charmer]

The 'Nail' is From my Wife. I just get to make the decision, and then find a suitable proposition.

 

The pen I write with is a Parker Duofold Circa 1955 which I purchased as New Old Stock. In fact, I just bought another new one, chalk marks and all for £26 on the Ebay as

a back up. Please don't tell my Wife. I think they write wonderfully. My quest was to own a stunningly beautiful quality pen that I would keep for Sunday best and I do so love

the Green Pelikan M800 for its looks. Unlike your Avatar which I find very scary...... Hey; I must be a collector of fountain pens. Fancy That!

 

Cheers for the advice all. I will try for an older one I think.

[gregamckinney]

Rick Propas has an extremely detailed "decoding" of the M800 on his site.

 

My personal opinion regarding "old style" versus "new style" is that the old style looks better, but that both pens function equally well.

I have a 14k nib for one of my M800-series Pelikans, but haven't decided on the specific customization yet.

 

Regards, greg

[proton007]

The 'Nail' is From my Wife. I just get to make the decision, and then find a suitable proposition.

 

The pen I write with is a Parker Duofold Circa 1955 which I purchased as New Old Stock. In fact, I just bought another new one, chalk marks and all for £26 on the Ebay as

a back up. Please don't tell my Wife. I think they write wonderfully. My quest was to own a stunningly beautiful quality pen that I would keep for Sunday best and I do so love

the Green Pelikan M800 for its looks. Unlike your Avatar which I find very scary...... Hey; I must be a collector of fountain pens. Fancy That!

 

Cheers for the advice all. I will try for an older one I think.

 

Ah, now I get it. Well, then you already know which model you like.

As for my avatar, I've got other hobbies as well.

[Snake Charmer]

I know which one looks nicer because of the gold plate at the end of the filler on the barrel. But like most things, you

can't judge a book by the cover, and I'm extremely cautious especially when parting with this kind of money for a pen.

I do other stuff too also.

 

Regards

 

Chris

[sargetalon]

My personal opinion regarding "old style" versus "new style" is that the old style looks better, but that both pens function equally well.

 

+1

[Nibwitz]

-1 :-)

[Snake Charmer]

It seems the older ones fetch about a £100 more than the new ones too. ( £317 ) Wow!

[Bo Bo Olson]

W. Germany '87-89 = rare....basically because the nib is a tad more springy regular flex.

Germany, '90-97 almost as springy, not so quite so rare.

post '97=Modern are not rare; do not have a grand nib that folks will pay more for.

 

I have '90's M400 and two '90's Celebry metal Pelikans one steel, one gold. All three of those nibs are very nice nibs with good Pelikan vintage level spring. Actually a tad better than the 120 I have that is a joy to write with. The 120 is seldom out of my 17 pen rotation....the W. Germany 800 that I tried before mailing to it's owner was better. To me the pen was a bit too wide, large and would have taken me a couple of days to get really use to it.

 

If you want a real nice ride with your nib....the '87-89 800 is very good. IMO worth the little bit more than a '90's one....but then I'm looking for such nibs...I have some experience with such, and nibs with more flex....I'd get one.

It is not going to juggle daggers while doing back flips....but give you a good springy ride...that is missing in modern nibs...unless you get lucky with a 200's nib.

The 1000's nib I tried impressed me too, but it's 18K=easy to bend and stay bent....vs a very fine 14 K nib that will not stay bent...if you don't jackhammer it.

In I like semi-flex a lot (26 pens) 12 or so 'flexi'/maxi-semi-flex....I'd like to buy one my self....in that I don't care for nails....I'd never look at a modern 800.

 

It's not a nib for fancy writing...there you need a 400NN or a 100-100N.

 

Because it's rare, you should get @ the same money should you not like it.

Edited December 18, 2013 by Bo Bo Olson

[Guy007]

Cost all depends on where you buy, from a UK retailer the M800 is 266GBP ? If you are buying 'old' stock, make sure its from a reputable dealer where they can help you if you have issues.

[Bo Bo Olson]

cost depends on what nib you are buying...a modern nail, or a rare nib with some spring.

I'd not expect much trouble from a semi-vintage '87-89 pen.

[Alex2014]

In December I bought a green-stripped m800, 18k M nib (300 euros). I'd say it works fine, though M nibs are not my first preference. Any accident (skips, starting, etc.). I used it only with Pelikan ink so far.

Edited January 15, 2014 by Alex2014