Bosnia, Serbia -- A Hotbed Of Pelikan Ebay Activity.... Why?

[Shannon]

I don't think I've paid attention to it before, but it seems that there are a lot of Pelikans from Bosnia, Serbia, etc on eBay. Any idea why? I can't see it being a hotbed of imitation activity, but maybe I'm wrong?

[Leeuwenhoek]

I too have noticed a increase in central European sellers selling, particularly vintage, Montblancs and Pelikans. I actually brought a Montblanc Monte Rosa from a Bulgarian seller which arrived to the UK very quickly and was a pleasant transaction.

 

This post has really made me realise I need to revise my European history. I believe whilst these countries are not direct neighbours to Germany they have come under its geographical sphere of influence. Bosnia and Serbia were both part of Yugoslavia (itself only founded after WW1 after the collapse of the Austria-Hungarian empire) which was invaded by Germany in WW2. I expect these countries may have a higher number of German made pens than other countries such as the UK or France, particularly the 50s to 70s pens I have been seeing. I have also noticed most of the models are "student pens". As these countries economies have been weaker I expect the sellers have realised they can make a good profit exporting the pens, hence the quantity on eBay.

[Dickkooty2]

Yes, I have purchased Pelikan pens and ephemera from these countries, particularly Bulgaria. . And usually without an auction ... perhaps just a 'make an offer'. The materials received are certainly genuine. Delivery may be a bit slow.

 

And, yes, I agree ... it is the history of the WWs that explains the presence of the pens and other articles. When you look at the other items in the store you may find artwork, toys, and military and political paraphernalia.

 

An interesting source!

[MsRedpen]

Being "in the region", I can confirm, indeed Pelikan was the most popular pen from the '30s onwards, used at schools (usually 120, 140N, later MK20... until schools stopped caring and ballpoints became The objects of desire).

Baby boomer generation was (is) more in the M400 range, and often this was a personalized "corporate gift" with either owner's name or company name engraved.

In this part of Europe German brands have strong image of quality and reliability - and all my Pelikans happily justify this!

Personally, I did not have the courage to buy from local auction site, either the prices were set as if buying a new pen from European standard shops, or the poor condition of the nib was already visible on the photo (with the same high prices).

There ARE a lot of genuine Pelikans around - I would easilly estimate that each city household can hide at least one.

 

As Leeuwenhoek said, the weaker economy could bring them to light.

[stephanos]

I, too, have noticed the great increase in Pelikans from the Balkan region (as I only ever search for items for sale within the EU, this means particularly from Bulgaria and Slovenia).

 

Almost without exception, the asking prices seem vastly over-inflated. I'm aware that one can typically 'make an offer', but it seems very odd.

[Dickkooty2]

I, too, have noticed the great increase in Pelikans from the Balkan region (as I only ever search for items for sale within the EU, this means particularly from Bulgaria and Slovenia).

 

Almost without exception, the asking prices seem vastly over-inflated. I'm aware that one can typically 'make an offer', but it seems very odd.

 

Perhaps there is a pen stockpile. As Winston Churchill remarked "The Balkans produce more history than they can consume".

[stephanos]

Perhaps. But then there would be a glut, suggesting lower prices.

Maybe what we're seeing is the vendors from those relatively lower-income areas seeing the prices advertised for new items and trying to cash in on those crazy people, who must have taken leave of their senses...

[Christopher Godfrey]

Very funny, Dick! I like that...

 

I agree regarding the over-inflated prices usually asked in the eBay place -- and when you look at the sort of prices being asked by our own BillP, for instance, his pens look like real bargains alongside these typical eBay offerings. Quite often, too, such offerings are in poor condition and yet <still> being offered at top prices!

 

When you buy a Pelikan from someone like Tom Westerich, Christof, BillP (I have had no dealings with him; but his offerings look honest and well-photographed <and> show specimens of each nib's capabilities), the difference is like night-and-day. Rarely do the sellers we are discussing seem to mention anything about nibs (other than "gold 14carat") -- and to many of us this is <all>-important, isn't it?

 

There <is> one seller who is really different, however: Uber Pens. Dragan is an engineer with a real passion for fountain pens and what he sells are beautifully (professionally) described and realistically-priced. I loved dealing with him! I originally found him through an eBay offering; but his website is now up and running and well worth a look. (Forgive me if I sound like I am advertising for him; but I have been a very happy customer and word-of-mouth is surely the best recommendation?) ;>)

 

Those members of FPN from whom I have bought pens have without exception been wonderful sellers, thus far, and several of them have turned into online friends -- better, I think, to patronize our own sort, where possible...

[Calabria]

I bought a Pelikan M100 from that region; but it arrived with a less-than-perfect nib. Perhaps not the seller's fault - I had a summer job as a student at a now-defunct clothing manufacturer in Stuttgart, Germany, and the lesser products were all marked for export to the US.

 

I just realize how funny that is. A bit of postwar resentment perhaps?

[Calabria]

Also a hotbed of Montblanc eBay activity

[Raif79]

I bought a 400 and a 400nn from that region. Each time the seller stated they were in excellent condition. You know what? They certainly were.

[Berghain54]

Could be just my personal impression, but I've seen quite many "luxury items" coming from or being shipped to that area lately - many manufacturers seem to actually specially produce for this area, like thinking of cigars i know a bunch of "Exclusivo Serbia" regional releases.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Berghain54