Numbers On Pens?

[rorrim]

What do the numbers mean on pens like the meisterstuck 149 or the pelican m200?

[MisterBoll]

They are model numbers and have no meaning unless you start looking at the esoteric meaning of said numbers.

 

BUT - in actuality the Pelikan is 51 better than the Montblanc. Kinda like an amp that goes to 11.

Edited April 1, 2014 by MisterBoll

[AndrewC]

Model numbers, and depending on the brand, there may be meaning to them. For instance, both MB and Pelikan numbers will designate size, large numbers being larger pens. For Pelikan, models ending in 5 will be trimmed in silver metal versus gold colored. Vintage MB pens have a whole range of meanings, with the first number designating the range it is in-from student to fancy pen, with the other numbers having corresponding meanings. Vintage Waterman pen numbers will tell you size, trim, nib, whether it is vest sized ("V"), etc. Parker pens have model numbers, which give you an idea of when they were made, plus some have date codes.

 

Learning the meaning of the numbers is all part of the hobby.

[Montblanc owner and lover]

...won't say anything about first answer...
MB numbers MEAN something,for exemple 149: 1 design Meisterstuck 4 design this model of meisterstuck (there was 139 before and again before was the 129) and the n°9 design the size of the nib. Same for the 146 it's the same range(meisterstuck) the same model (4th) and is suited with a n° 6 nib and the whole size of the pen accord to the size of the nib etc.

Edited April 1, 2014 by Montblanc owner and lover

[sargetalon]

As stated, Pelikan's model number designates size...

 

M300 < M100 = M150 < M2XX = M4XX < M6XX < M8XX < M1XXX

 

M100-250 is the tradition series. M300-M1000 is the Souveran series.

[Silvire]

Just model numbers. However for Pelikan pens, Pelikan does explain some rationale behind the naming, such as M205 where the M is for Mechanism meaning piston mechanism, etc.

[Runnin_Ute]

As stated, Pelikan's model number designates size...

 

M300 < M100 = M150 < M2XX = M4XX < M6XX < M8XX < M1XXX

 

M100-250 is the tradition series. M300-M1000 is the Souveran series.

Except for that M481 right, sarge? What did we figure out on that one- same size as the M200?

 

 

 

Of course some pens have names instead of numbers:

Lamy Al Star (aluminum - AL being the abbreviation on the periodic table of elements for aluminum)

Waterman Phileas - (Jules Verne - Around the world in 80 days)

Noodler's Konrad - just a name

True Writer Silver Anniversary - made to commemorate Levenger's Silver Anniversary (25 years) in business

Edited April 2, 2014 by Runnin_Ute

[nigelg]

On many Sheaffers I understand it can simply mean the original price (in dollars).

[sargetalon]

Except for that M481 right, sarge? What did we figure out on that one- same size as the M200?

 

Yes, thats right. The M481 = old style M200 but those aren't overly abundant out there. Again, as stated, the Pelikan models that end in 0 generally has gold trim and one that ends in 5 has rhodium trim. There are some other variations that denote vermil or silver such as 20, 25, 30.

[zaddick]

Model numbers, and depending on the brand, there may be meaning to them.

 

Learning the meaning of the numbers is all part of the hobby.

That's your answer, right there.

 

Long lived lines of pens have so many exceptions to the rule it will make your head spin. Best not to focus on that unitl you find some models of pens that draw your eyes and, ideally, your hands to them. Then you can start in on all the details of what number means what and for which years it was made, etc.

[kulindi]

Don't even go near the Conway Stewart numbering system for their vintage pens...!!!

[pajaro]

It's the BFE factor.

[Florida Blue]

As has already been stated, certain models numbers do have meaning. Legend has it that the Parker 51 is named so because development of the pen was completed in 1939, the 51st anniversary of the Parker Pen Company's founding in 1888.

 

Also, there is a practical reason for naming pens after numbers. 51, 149, m200 etc. can be translated into any language, which makes them easier to advertise and create a global brand awareness.