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Pelikan M415 Tortoise, M nib

ondine

By ondine
in Fountain Pen Reviews

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ondine Near Mint

ondine

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Introduction

I've wanted this pen since I first laid eyes on it. Seeing it is limited production, I broke down and ordered it.

 

Appearance & Design

I haven't seen a photo that captures the translucence of the tortoise color. The browns are layered and have depth. The lighter browns almost look mother-of-pearl - but below the surface. The cap and blind cap are a very dark brown. Perfect color matching to the tortoise and gold trim. I love that, unlike the other Souveran pens, there are no rings on the blind cap. I now look at my M600 and wish it was the same.

 

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/sbkrame/Public/pel415b.jpg

 

Construction & Quality

The other Pelikans I have are perfectly finished. This one is no exception. I'm amazed how nicely machined these pens are. The cap screws on with almost no wiggle.

 

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/sbkrame/Public/pel415c.jpg

 

Weight & Dimensions

This is my daily carry pen for work. Most pens are too large for me to carry in my shirt pocket, too much weight. I move around fast and need a smaller pen. My other daily carry is a Parker 51 demi and this is nearly the same size with a tad more girth. Still, it is not too small for regular writing. I write with it posted and unposted. For reference, I have average size to large hands and use other large pens like MB149 down to some vest size pens.

 

Nib & Performance

Received unadjusted from seller - writes very smoothly, no skipping, excellent flow, if not a bit wet.

The medium nib is monotone - looks great with the brown coloration of the tortoise. Perfect design choice.

The nib does have a bit of a ball type shape that indeed does give it a slightly broader line than the Medium on my 600. The feel is not significantly different though. I have noticed the ball shape on other photos online. In my photo, sorry it's out of focus - oish, I try - the nib is gold, not silver looking.

 

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/sbkrame/Public/pel415a.jpg

 

Filling System & Maintenance

Typical Pelikan piston fill, smooth with no problems, my favorite all around filling mechanism.

 

Cost & Value

Okay here, we take a hit. A bit expensive - but this was my first new pen purchase and probably my last for some time. I had to have this pen, and all in all, worth what I paid.

 

Conclusion

As you can guess, I love this pen and carry it daily. It's a perfect size for that purpose. I find myself just looking at the tortoise stripes and wishing they made this in an 800 size! If an 800 tortoise is ever in regular production, my 415 (for work) will have a bigger brother (for home).

That's my great great uncle Charlie and his merchandise.

 

Ondine was my beloved childhood cat, with one eye blue, the other green, named for the Debussy Prelude.

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Ondina Antique

Ondina

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Very good review and pictures of a classic and ever coveted pen. (I had to read the OP's name twice to convince myself it was not me!). Thank you.

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Epictete92 Extremely Rare

Epictete92

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Thank you for this review.

I really love this pen, elegant and original for a daily use.

Jean Elie

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Ed Ronax Collectors Item

Ed Ronax

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Great review, thanks, the tortoise is a beautiful pen.

And how can this be, because he is the Kwisatz Haderach.

 

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somethingmishy NOS (New Old Stock)

somethingmishy

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Great review, just enough to make me even more excited - I'm receiving my own in a few days :)

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yym163 Near Mint

yym163

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Great review, I am waiting for my tortoise. Just wonder how wet the medium nib is going to be.

Edited by yym163
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ondine Near Mint

ondine

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My 415 is a fairly wet writer, but I'm sure it will vary by individual specimen and the ink used. I've got MB violet in it now.

That's my great great uncle Charlie and his merchandise.

 

Ondine was my beloved childhood cat, with one eye blue, the other green, named for the Debussy Prelude.

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  • 4 months later...
  • 3 weeks later...
Bill Vintage

Bill

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...I've seen pictures of other M415 Brown Tortoise with the two tone gold nib like this one http://www.vintagepe...t/-pelikan.html . Did Pelikan release some M415s with the two tone nibs, or are they fake M415s?

 

You may be thinking of one of the Kaufhof Galeria editions, either the 2004 version in modern M400 trim ($850 or so) or the more recent (and more rare) version with barrel trim like the current M215. Photos can be found on several past FPN thread.

 

Also, with the ease of swapping Pelikan nibs and parts, hybrids (aka Frankenpens) are out there. I know because I own one of those, too. Bought it from a "reputable" dealer at a show.

 

 

 

Bill

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