Pelikan is a German-Swiss manufacturer of writing instruments, inks, and office supplies with origins dating to 1838, when chemist Carl Hornemann established an ink and paint factory in Hanover, Germany. Gunther Wagner acquired the company in 1871 and expanded production, adopting the pelican bird as the company trademark. Pelikan introduced its first fountain pen in 1929, featuring the innovative differential piston filling mechanism that remains a defining characteristic of Pelikan fountain pens today. The company is headquartered in Schindellegi, Switzerland, with manufacturing operations in Germany.

Pelikan's luxury writing instrument range is anchored by the Souveran line, considered the brand's flagship collection. The Souveran series is available in multiple sizes designated M200, M400, M600, M800, and M1000, each featuring the brand's signature striped resin barrel, gold trim, and piston-fill mechanism. The M800 and M1000 models, fitted with 18-karat gold nibs, represent the premium tier. Pelikan also produces the Toledo line, featuring hand-engraved gold-plated sterling silver overlays in the damascene technique, a process originally developed in the 1930s.

Beyond its core Souveran and Toledo collections, Pelikan issues annual limited and special edition pens, including the Hommage a l'Art series and various numbered editions that are sought by collectors. The brand produces a full range of fountain pen inks, including the widely used Edelstein (gemstone) ink collection.

Pelikan distributes through authorized pen retailers, stationery specialists, department stores, and its online platform. The brand maintains a strong collector following, particularly for its limited editions and vintage models, which are actively traded in the secondary market.

Luxury Collectibles

Pelikan writing instruments, particularly limited editions and the hand-engraved Toledo line, are actively collected. The brand produces annual limited and special editions, including the Hommage a l'Art series and numbered releases, that are sought by pen collectors worldwide. Vintage Pelikan models also trade actively in the secondary market.

Luxury Pens & Stationery

Pelikan is a heritage writing instrument manufacturer with origins in 1838, known for the Souveran fountain pen collection featuring the brand's signature piston-fill mechanism and striped resin barrels. The M800 and M1000 models with 18-karat gold nibs represent the premium tier. The Toledo line features hand-engraved gold-plated sterling silver in the damascene technique. Pelikan also produces the Edelstein gemstone ink collection.