Pelikan P1 Puzzles

[Ernst Bitterman]

First-- hey, gang, lookit what I got!

 

http://dirck.delint.ca/beta/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pelikan-0485.jpg

Now, I've got a few observations and questions about this bird:

 

1) The cap impression reads PELIKAN P1 SILVEX. Not, one hastens to note, SILVEXA, as shows on similarly-trimmed M or P20s of the next generation. Since we've more or less established that the word indicates the material of the cap, I really wonder what prompted the change over the space of a few years-- did the marketing department establish the slightly more feminine version draw more buyers? That's more of a rhetorical question, but if any elderly Pelikan marketing department employees want to comment, please do.

 

2) That ring around the middle doesn't define a joint, but rather it has a role in keeping the cap from unscrewing. In other pictures I've seen of this model, this ring can't be seen because they're capped, or doesn't appear... possibly due to lighting. I'm wondering if anyone else with an example can comment on its presence or absence.

 

3) P1? P1?! Allowing that the previous 400, 140, 100 and so forth had no letter at all, the follow-up models all use M or P to indicate piston (mechanik) or cartridge (patronen), which makes fine sense so long as one has the German. Why the devil does this piston-filling version not have an M?

 

4) It's a rather more petite item than I'd expected from pictures. Here's a Parker 51 to the same scale for comparison.

http://dirck.delint.ca/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Parker-0373.jpg

 

5) Man, could Pelikan ever grind a point back in the day. When I've a few more minutes to devote to the exercise, I'll get a review up in the Reviews forum.

[christof]

Ernst

 

This is a first generation P1.

...not seen that often.

Note: the tip of the section is also different to the second generation.

Nice find!

 

Christof

 

PS: and yes, these are slim, and short when cap posted. Rather Parker 61 than Parker "51" sized.

 

PPS: Here's a 1:1 size comparison.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7495055702_b35a59a8a5_b.jpg

Edited May 5, 2014 by christof

[Paul80]

Nice pen.

 

I am sure the one I used to have said SILVEXA on the cap, why ho why did I sell that one, I often ask myself it also had a wonderful double broad nib.

 

Paul

[daffie]

My black P1 is exactly the same as yours, but without the ring in the middle of the barrel

The cap on my one is also marked as 'Silvex', without an 'a'.

 

I think it is a lovely pen, simple but elegant.

I have two, the one I mentioned above and my grandfathers around 1955 new bought P1 in burgundy with rolled gold cap, which is more special to me since he passed away.

Edited May 5, 2014 by daffie

[Ernst Bitterman]

...and that's why sometimes I think about giving up on taking pictures. That is some darned nice photography, Christof, as well as some useful information. Thanks also to Daffie for the confirmation of the impression.

 

Say, while I'm in a questioning mode-- does anyone know what the original price was on these things was?

[Bo Bo Olson]

Christof a very nice selection.

 

Nice pen Ernst.....How's the flex?

I don't want to chase regular flex, and I'm not up on those type of nibs.

[TorPelikan]

Found some information about P1 price.

 

Back to 1963, P1 Rolled Gold model was priced 24DM.

At the same time, 500NN a standard sized pen with rolled gold cap was priced 27DM.

P1 was a relatively expensive pen those days.

 

Sorry, no information about P1 silvexa price.

But, expect from the fact that P25 cartridge filler with rolled gold cap was priced 17.10DM while P15 with silvexa cap was priced at 10.60DM , P1 Silvexa was around 16DM I suppose.

 

 

 

 

Tor

 

 

[christof]

...and that's why sometimes I think about giving up on taking pictures.

.... I have another one for you.

c.

 

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6206/6116547634_bb5bd1a2a1_b.jpg

[Ernst Bitterman]

Oh, Tor-- I do sincerely love primary sources. That's very helpful indeed.

 

Or rather, it will be, once I can stop staring at Christof's photos. I find it very interesting that both models of the P1 you show have "Pelikan" in the trademark script under the clip-- mine, and every other Pelikan I have from about that period (which is only three of them) just have the one line of square print, with PELIKAN ahead of the model name.

 

Oh, and before I forget-- nothing in the flex department to tempt you particularly, Bo Bo.

[christof]

. I find it very interesting that both models of the P1 you show have "Pelikan" in the trademark script under the clip-- mine, and every other Pelikan I have from about that period (which is only three of them) just have the one line of square print, with PELIKAN ahead of the model name.

 

Yes, and the funny thing is that Pelikan did choose a quite old fashioned trademark script! Looks like the pre war font to me...

I have no idea about why.

C.

[entropydave]

I have a P1 very similar to the OP but without the metal ring. I wonder whether the ring is there to help the cap stay on or to protect the plastic. I notice that mine has more microscratching on the plastic where the cap makes contact with it.

 

These are odd looking but excellent pens. The ink capacity is large, like a 1950s M400. The nibs are really nice and soft. Also the pens are very easy to clean because it is quite easy to pull the whole filler assembly out.

 

Since you can find them reasonably priced, they are quite good value.

 

David.