Pelikan 100N

[High_Noon]

I've got a hankerin' for a Pelikan 100N, which look rather interesting to me. I'd like to find an excellent to restored example with a broad nib. Does anyone have any experience with one of these they can relay?

 

My Pelikan M600 with a M nib has been my favorite EDC pen since I purchased it several years ago. One of my other favorites is my Aurora 88 (800C), which is a truly awesome and special pen, but I don't view it as entirely suitable for EDC, so I've wanted to try an older Pelikan for quite some time.

 

I am specifically interested to learn how it compares to my M600 - writing experience, nib feel, build quality, operation of the piston mechanism, and ergonomics.

 

Any advice or information you may have would be greatly appreciated.

 

- Thanks

[mana]

Dont have an M600 (the only modern Pelikan I have is an M200) but I could chime in about the 100N though as I have several (they are my favourite pens).

 

What can I say... I like everything about them. I usually have at least one inked and it is also my #1 EDC pen. They are light but durable, compact when capped, grow to a respectable size posted, hold a ton of ink, love the ink window, piston mechanism is reliable and smooth (esp. if lubed with a bit of silicone grease) etc.

 

The diameter of the pen is also not too thin but rather, perfect. Ergonomics wise it is also awesome, the section is shaped just right and the balance when posted is excellent.

 

All of that said the best part is yet to come: the nibs and the nib unit itself. Ebonite feed ensures a steady and copious flow of ink, the nibs themselves fall into the semi-flex category (with the earlier ones being more flexible in general), also, they broader and oblique nibs are cut sharp (think of cursive italic by default). Heavily used ones are often stubby but even those can be made more crisp if you have the willingness to do some nib work... that said, the amount of tipping varies in them and can be rather thin in appearance in some pens. They do write great though.

 

So yeah, the broader nibs are usually a freaking dream to write with. Natural line variation combined with smooth but precise nib feel makes longer writing sessions a pleasure. I have stopped flexing my nibs when writing but knowing that you have that available there in reserve is nice. All in all I can not recommend them enough.

[Joe in Seattle]

Just my two cents. I think looking for a broad nibs will limit your opportunity to buy this pen. You may wish to look for a good example with an M nib and have it re-ground. I don’t think broad nibs were as common back in the 40’s and 50’s. Good hunting!

[High_Noon]

mana: Thank you for the reply - I appreciate the information. Your description is exactly what I would have expected of the 100N. Now to find a good one. The current market price for a 100N seems to average out around $250.00 or so, depending on the condition. I did find a restored '47-'50 example for $249.00, which I'm thinking' hard about.

 

Anyone have a line on a good 100N/B? Thanks.

[High_Noon]

Thanks Joe. Yes, looking for a broad, certainly limits my choices, but I have found a few. I'm not really a fan of fine and extra fine nibs, but I would certainly consider a medium, which is the nib size I have on my M600 and I like it immensely. I've just wanted to try a Pelikan broad nib for a long time. I'm not sure I want to fool with sending out a new acquisition for nib work.

Edited September 19, 2020 by High_Noon

[carola]

Dont have an M600 (the only modern Pelikan I have is an M200) but I could chime in about the 100N though as I have several (they are my favourite pens).

 

What can I say... I like everything about them. I usually have at least one inked and it is also my #1 EDC pen. They are light but durable, compact when capped, grow to a respectable size posted, hold a ton of ink, love the ink window, piston mechanism is reliable and smooth (esp. if lubed with a bit of silicone grease) etc.

 

The diameter of the pen is also not too thin but rather, perfect. Ergonomics wise it is also awesome, the section is shaped just right and the balance when posted is excellent.

 

All of that said the best part is yet to come: the nibs and the nib unit itself. Ebonite feed ensures a steady and copious flow of ink, the nibs themselves fall into the semi-flex category (with the earlier ones being more flexible in general), also, they broader and oblique nibs are cut sharp (think of cursive italic by default). Heavily used ones are often stubby but even those can be made more crisp if you have the willingness to do some nib work... that said, the amount of tipping varies in them and can be rather thin in appearance in some pens. They do write great though.

 

So yeah, the broader nibs are usually a freaking dream to write with. Natural line variation combined with smooth but precise nib feel makes longer writing sessions a pleasure. I have stopped flexing my nibs when writing but knowing that you have that available there in reserve is nice. All in all I can not recommend them enough.

+1

Minus the part about posting. I like to write mine unposted and to me it feels very nicely balanced without being posted. I suppose you will have to find out what suits you better on your own.

 

It´s true the B nibs are harder to find than F or M nibs, but the nibs on the 100N are as easy to swap as on any other Pelikan I have. As far as I remember they are not interchangeable with the nibs of the vintage 400 line or any modern ones though.

 

I got my 100N with 3 nibs to choose from, a Pd nib, a golden B and a golden OB. I didn´t like the Pd nib, had to find out for the third time oblique nibs are somwhat tiring to my hand, but the B was exactly what I wanted. Still have to return the other 2 to the seller at the end of September.

[mana]

Forgot to add, I use mine unposted also! They feel great but yeah, it is an individual/personal thing that depends on what you are used to and like.

 

What Carola said about nibs is true in other ways too. I've bought 400 etc. with nibs that I have sought for (B/BB/BBB) that I've then swapped to 100N nib units. The nibs themselves are completely interchangeable between the 100, 100N and the 400-series pens (400/N/NN & 500 etc.). It is the nib unit (feed and collar) that is different between those models (100, 100N & 400 series pens).

[sansenri]

Great pen, love mine too. I use them uncapped.

If you can find a B or BB they are a nice stubbish experience, with often a tad of flex.

[High_Noon]

Thanks. Good information regarding the nibs. I will first see if I can find a B 100N and if not, attempt to find a B nib unit separately.

Edited September 20, 2020 by High_Noon

[Runnin_Ute]

Thanks. Good information regarding the nibs. I will first see if I can find one w/ a B nib and if not, attempt to find one separately.

Check to see what Rick Propas has. He may have what you are looking for. Penguinpen.com

[High_Noon]

Will do. Thanks, Brad.

 

EDIT: No 100Ns, but he does have some rather nice 400NNs that look good.

Edited September 20, 2020 by High_Noon

[carola]

Forgot to add, I use mine unposted also! They feel great but yeah, it is an individual/personal thing that depends on what you are used to and like.

 

What Carola said about nibs is true in other ways too. I've bought 400 etc. with nibs that I have sought for (B/BB/BBB) that I've then swapped to 100N nib units. The nibs themselves are completely interchangeable between the 100, 100N and the 400-series pens (400/N/NN & 500 etc.). It is the nib unit (feed and collar) that is different between those models (100, 100N & 400 series pens).

Ah, thank you, mana. I was talking about nib units of course. I never tried my hand at swapping single nibs to other units. I suppose it´s possible but I never wanted to mess with the configuration of the nib units. I´ll leave that to the pros...

[tacitus]

Hello High_Noon,

 

 

I have early 100Ns around 1937 that have ebonite grip section, celluloid body reinforced by metal ring, ebonite piston mechanism with cork seal (cork seal is missing in the photo), and ebonite cap.

 

Nib feel is flexible. "Build quality" was improved compared with 100, and "operation of the piston mechanism" is still secure after 80 years. Cork seal is durable if well kept. As for ergonomics, grip feeling is great.

 

Please note that 100Ns were produced from 1937 to 1954. There were many variations in materials. You may have different impression on 100Ns of different time, especially of post war production.

Edited September 21, 2020 by tacitus

[mana]

High_Noon, check your PM (sent you a lead on one with a B-nib)

[High_Noon]

tactics: Thanks for posting those photos. I've seen the 100N green color before, but I don't believe I've ever seen an ebonite grip section. Both are probably rare birds.

[High_Noon]

PMs received & response sent. Thanks.

[High_Noon]

Oddly enough, I've found several broad 100Ns, including a "Fully Restored" one here in the States for $220.00. Seems like a solid deal and I may pull the trigger.

I'm also thinking about those nice 400NNs Rick Propas has.

Restored 100N for $220.00 or a 400NN for a bit less?

I'm leaning towards the 100N Broad.

Edited September 21, 2020 by High_Noon

[carola]

I have both and would gladly buy both of them again. So maybe you should consider it a question of "and" not "or".

[carlos.q]

I have both and would gladly buy both of them again. So maybe you should consider it a question of "and" not "or".

I'll vote for that!

[Seney724]

 

Oddly enough, I've found several broad 100Ns, including a "Fully Restored" one here in the States for $220.00. Seems like a solid deal and I may pull the trigger.

I'm also thinking about those nice 400NNs Rick Propas has.

Restored 100N for $220.00 or a 400NN for a bit less?

I'm leaning towards the 100N Broad.

 

A "no brainer!"

100N

 

Personally, I far prefer the 400s over the 400NNs.