Pelikan M620 Shanghai

[Renzhe]

Summary: The Pelikan M620 Shanghai is a relatively rare, beautiful, and reliable fountain pen which is enjoyable to use.

 

Introduction

Pelikan is a German manufacturer of fountain pens, credited with the invention of the differential-piston filling method. Its flagship line is the Souverän series, consisting of the consisting of the M300, M400, M600, M800 and the M1000. They have a "Special Edition" series based on the M600 model. The first few Special Edition fountain pens were given the model number M620. Many call these the "Cities" series, as their designs were inspired by various cities around the world. The Cities models are Berlin, Stockholm (I review this here.), Madrid, Chicago, San Francisco, New York City, Athens, and Shanghai. This is a review of the Shanghai. After the Cities, the M620 models continued to be named after places such as Piazza Navona, Place de la Concorde, Piccadilly Circus, and finally Grand Place.

 

 

Function

The dimensions of this pen are exactly like that of the M600. That is, it's 13.4cm in length, with a diameter of 12.4mm, weighing 16.4g (Source).

 

It fills with a piston, as most Pelikans do, and as with most Pelikans with pistons, the piston is reliable and easy to use. Because of this filling system, ink capacity is a relatively high 2mL (Source). One operates the piston by turning the black knob and the back end; counter-clockwise to eject ink, clockwise to take in ink.

 

The barrel of this pen is translucent, so one can easily see the ink level if one holds it up to the light. The cap can be posted, and doing so will not scratch the barrel.

 

The nib is a fine-pointed 18K gold nib. I believe all M620 models come with 18K nibs, as opposed to 14K nibs that come with the M600 models. Those familiar with the Souverän series might know that all modern M2XX, M4XX, and M6XX nibs are interchangeable. If desired, one could have many nibs and many barrels of different dimensions, and mix and match them as one sees fit. The nib writes smoothly, moderately wet, with a bit of spring, but none would call this a semi-flex or flex nib. It is very forgiving of varying writing angles. Below is a writing sample.

http://i37.tinypic.com/f523r5.jpg

 

 

Form

Even though it doesn't affect writing performance, some might be bothered that the engraving on some of the nibs are off-center. Other than that, the rest of the pen is finished nicely. The barrel and cap are of a translucent celluloid of mostly red, yellow, and white parts. The red is highly iridescent, and changes dramatically as light hits it from different angles. There are shimmering bits embedded in all the celluoid. See the pictures below.

http://i37.tinypic.com/27y1sup.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2n6dm4p.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2rmp7ns.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/acraps.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2i8i0ar.jpg

 

 

Value

I traded the barrel of what used to be my Stockholm for the barrel of this Shanghai. (The nib is the same as the one in the Stockholm review.) Effectively I paid about $200 for this. I consider this a fairly reasonable price. I honestly don't know what one would pay for a Shanghai right now, as few people have any to sell. The last time I saw one available, it was 280 USD.

Edited September 7, 2008 by Renzhe

[jandrese]

Nice review. IMHO this is one of the two best Cities edition pens along with the Grand Palace.

[Renzhe]

Here's a scan of the nib, so that one can better see the misaligned engraving.

http://www.freeimagehost.eu/thumbs/2e88c2169331.gif Click to go to a bigger image.

Edited September 14, 2008 by Renzhe

[Sonnet]

I really like the text you used for the handwritten part

[ewdin]

I really like the text you used for the handwritten part

Me too.

[Limerick]

I agree it's a very beautiful pen. Thank you for the great photos and especially for the detailed nib shot.

 

I love mine too

[Silvermink]

Best writing sample ever.

 

Nice pen, too!

[calluna]

The Cities & Places have long been near and dear to my heart and I have them all . This is a good review for a gorgeous pen...although I don't think I'd give up the Stockholm. The M620 series has been popular enough that their resale value has held and gone up relatively quickly as they went off the "readily-available" list of Pelikan pens, so I can understand not wanting to put $400 into a Shanghai.

 

cheers,

calluna

[dcande01]

There's a Shanghai for sale on ebay right now, February 16, 2009, if anybody is interested.

[asimplemaestro]

There's a Shanghai for sale on ebay right now, February 16, 2009, if anybody is interested.

 

Link?

[diplomat]

Beautiful pen, great review, thanks.

 

As I go deeper and deeper in my love for Pelikans, I long the city series more and more. It's such a pity that Pelikan stopped the series after this bunch!

I feel that Pelikan should have continued in the spirit of the MB WE: one pen at year, in order to generate interest and burst the expectation.

 

Changing the main theme every five years or so isn't a good idea IMHO.

 

Andre

[Renzhe]

There's a Shanghai for sale on ebay right now, February 16, 2009, if anybody is interested.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pelikan-Shanghai-Fount...1QQcmdZViewItem

That's my picture.

Edited February 16, 2009 by Renzhe

[andy1m]

I must say it REALLY a good looking pen, and great handwritting. Thanks for sharing.

[andy1m]

I must say it REALLY a good looking pen, and great handwriting. Thanks for sharing.

[breaker]

very nice review

[debussy]

just wondering: why it's called Shanghai... i'm from there but can't find anything linked to this colour...

[Lunabeyene]

This may be over due, but I have a Pelikan M620 Shanghai for sale. Its used but in great condition and writes beautifully. Please email me if you would like pictures and a quote on the price. M nib Email: Luna.beyene@icloud.com

[Quadratus]

I would certainly be interested in buying a Shanghai Cities fountain pen if anyone has one for sale! Please email me at philipruttley@aol.com

[truphae_inc]

Super interesting look to this pen. Awesome shots!!