1/2 of the Pelikan moderation team checking in...

[chris burton]

I figure that an introduction is in order, so here it is:

 

I have been using fountain pens for almost exactly four years now. It just so happens that my wife, then girlfriend, gifted me with a Porsche Design Tech-Flex mechanical pencil on this date in 2002 (St. Valentines Day). After I opened the box, she proceeded to tell me all about the store where she purchased it, and all of the different fountain pens that they had. Fountain pen, eh? I remember seeing a couple of those in a desk that my parents had when I was a kid, growing up in Eastern Pennsylvania. A few days later, we took a trip to the store and I was amazed. I didn't buy anything, but when we got home I hopped on the internet and found Swisher pen's website. That was all it took...

 

Here I am four years later, happily married to that wonderful woman, and deeper into this "pen thing" than I ever would have imagined.

 

My favorite pens are Pelikans, and the best of the best, for me, are the 100-series pens that were produced in the 1930's. It's the nibs that do it for me. As Rick Propas has said, I tend to think of Pelikan as a BMW (or Audi) to Montblanc's Mercedes Benz, although I certainly like those too.

 

Recently I have come to find that the modern pens are also charming. Rock solid writers that have easily interchangable nibs. Too cool. The 800's are my favorites of the modern Pelikans, although I can't say that I care too much for the finishes that they come in from the factory.

 

I am looking forward to whatever tasks will be required of me here, as it will surely cause me to learn more about my favorite brand, and it's always fun to learn.

[Guest Denis Richard]

Welcome, Thank You and Happy Fourth FP Anniversary Chris

[Cam]

Nice intro, Chris!

 

After starting out with vintage Sheaffers, I've ended up loving modern Pels. I have an 805, a 605, a Chicago, a 215 and an old MC120 de luxe. My wish list? Ah, well that would be an M420 and an M625.

 

It's their utility and total practicality balanced with their good looks and great nibs that make them winners -- you just know you're never going to have a problem.

 

Welcome again, Chris.

[MarkVB]

Chris:

 

Just stumbled across the Pelikan forum. Great idea and I hope to participate some.

 

You'll be a great moderator, but both you and Rick need to realize that the 100N is a far better pen than the 100. The 100 was a nice rough draft, but the 100N is the finished product.

 

Ready to do a 600 with custom body and cap? Are you doing turning knobs?

 

Regards

 

Mark

[Bill Smith]

Chris,

 

Thank you for taking on moderation duties, I know we will be in good hands. Looks like we got ourselves a dedicated forum. I too like my pair of M800's they are real workhorses and so are the 600, blue 605, San Fransisco, three old style 600's, three modern 400's, two vintage 400's, one 400nn and one beater 200 when I need a pen but don't want to take anything nice.

 

Bill

Edited February 18, 2006 by Bill Smith

[chris burton]

Chris:

 

Just stumbled across the Pelikan forum. Great idea and I hope to participate some.

 

You'll be a great moderator, but both you and Rick need to realize that the 100N is a far better pen than the 100. The 100 was a nice rough draft, but the 100N is the finished product.

 

Ready to do a 600 with custom body and cap? Are you doing turning knobs?

 

Regards

 

Mark

Hi Mark,

 

I'll agree with you that the 100N is a better pen than the 100, but I prefer the shape of the 100. it looks more "Pelikan" to me. I also like the colors and materials that they made the 100 in. Coral, coral, coral...

 

And for the 600...body cap and turning knob, almost. I'll probably do the first ones in the next couple of weeks.

[MarkVB]

Hi Mark,

 

I'll agree with you that the 100N is a better pen than the 100, but I prefer the shape of the 100. it looks more "Pelikan" to me. I also like the colors and materials that they made the 100 in. Coral, coral, coral...

 

And for the 600...body cap and turning knob, almost. I'll probably do the first ones in the next couple of weeks.

 

And I'll concede the point about the 100 some how being more "Pelikan"--though the blue is clearly superior to the coral (for the record, I don't have either)...

 

Have you seen a first year (1929) Pelikan pen (pre 100)? Uber "Pelikan".

 

In a few weeks, I'll be able to compare the 100 and 100N with the 800N--I'm looking forward to that receiving that.

 

I'm also looking forwarding to ordering a 600 from you with a complete overlay.

[chris burton]

And I'll concede the point about the 100 some how being more "Pelikan"--though the blue is clearly superior to the coral (for the record, I don't have either)...

 

Have you seen a first year (1929) Pelikan pen (pre 100)? Uber "Pelikan".

 

In a few weeks, I'll be able to compare the 100 and 100N with the 800N--I'm looking forward to that receiving that.

 

I'm also looking forwarding to ordering a 600 from you with a complete overlay.

I have seen a few first year pens. Uber Pelikan indeed. Someday, I hope to get one of those...bandless, straight-sided cap & top, and gorgeous binde. While I don't normally care much for the "Pelikan green" I do really like the early jade pens. Rick Propas had a few at the San Francisco show last October, but they were out of my financial range.

 

Which color/material did you order for the 800N? I was fortunate enough to handle both Lex and Elizabeth's pens at the LA show. You'll not be disappointed in the least. Those things are amazing and Paul's craftmanship is out of this world. What's the eta on it?

[MarkVB]

Which color/material did you order for the 800N? I was fortunate enough to handle both Lex and Elizabeth's pens at the LA show. You'll not be disappointed in the least. Those things are amazing and Paul's craftmanship is out of this world. What's the eta on it?

 

Blue marbled body and cap with dark blue turning knob and cap top. SS clip and double bands.

 

ETA is 4-6 weeks--but we know that those estimates sometimes slip.

 

I'll post pictures here and at pentrace when it arrives.

[wimg]

Hi Mark,

 

Looking forward to those pics! You think you could extend the effort to a review too?

 

Warm regards, Wim

[chris burton]

ETA is 4-6 weeks--but we know that those estimates sometimes slip.

lol. yeah, those estimates sometimes "slip".

 

I'm looking forward to seeing pics of the pen when you get it. Congratulations, it's going to be a beaut.

[KCkc]

Wow, time flies, has it been more than 4 years since I've know you !!!

I remember seeing your nice wedding pictures on PT - felt like yesterday.

 

Congrats on 4 happy years of marriage and new moderator.

[chris burton]

Wow, time flies, has it been more than 4 years since I've know you !!!

I remember seeing your nice wedding pictures on PT - felt like yesterday.

 

Congrats on 4 happy years of marriage and new moderator.

Hi Kitty,

 

Yup, four years in this hobby. Time does fly, but I've only been married for (almost) two.

I need to get JT back to another pen show! LA in '05 was fun. He still has his Dani Trio tamenuri that is the twin to yours. uses it all the time.

[MarkVB]

Looking forward to those pics! You think you could extend the effort to a review too? 

 

Wim: I think I can do that. I've finally dugout my basement photo studio (which was buried under a pile of ceiling tiles when I took down the ceiling in my basement).