Pelikan collectors might be the most passionate sub-group in the writing instruments community. What other brand derives such cult status that the fan base self-organizes to create one day each year to gather together to discuss their love of the brand? For that matter, what brand sees such an organic movement as the Pelikan Hubs and allows it to grow by logistically supporting such a movement? Only Germany's Pelikan.
Judith Fobbe is Pelikan Product Manager. Of the Pelikan collectors, she says, "What truly sets Pelikan apart is the deep relationship that it has built with its fan base. At the heart of this relationship is a shared passion for writing and a deep emotional connection to the act of bringing ink to paper. Writing is more than just a practical task; it is a kind of art, a way of expressing oneself and one's emotions. Pelikan understands this passion and emotional involvement, and everything the company does is guided by a deep appreciation for the feelings and emotions that go into the act of writing."
That "Pelikan Passion" dates back to 1838 when Carl Hornemann founded a company in Hanover, Germany, to make inks and paints. When Plant Manager Günther Wagner took ownership of the company in 1871, he used his family crest of a pelican as the company hallmark. To this day, the Pelikan logo remains a mother pelican feeding her chick.
The first Pelikan fountain pen, with its iconic integrated filling system, premiered in 1929, the Model 100. In the 1950s, Pelikan launched the M400. The new fountain pen was given the nickname "Stresemann" and featured a barrel with green and transparent stripes, reminiscent of the German Stresemann-style suit, which featured pinstripes down the pant leg.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of PEN WORLD.
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This story is from the April 2023 edition of PEN WORLD.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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