Pelikan Souverän Pen Comparison

Ever wondered what the difference is between the various Pelikan fountain pen models? Do the numbers mean anything? We're here to help.

 

Overview

Pelikan is a German manufacturer of fountain pens, with a high focus on quality in manufacturing and materials. Founded in 1838, the company has reinvented itself several times. Originally a manufacturer of ink, they produced their first fountain pen in 1929, and began manufacturing the current fine writing fountain pens in 1982. They continue to make a wide range of product types, including pens for school-age children, art supplies, office supplies, everyday classic fountain pens, and premium fountain pens.

The Premium fountain pen line is called Souverän. This consists of the pen models M400, M600, M800, M1000, and all of their variations.

The M200 isn't technically considered part of the Souverän line, but instead belongs to the Pelikan Elegance: Classic collection of fine writing pens. But given so many commonalities with the Souverän series, we thought it made sense to include it here in this overview.

Numbering

Generally, the first numeric digit in a 3-digit model number, or the first two digits in a 4-digit model number, refers to the overall size and shared features. The M200 and M400 are the smallest, followed by the M600, then the M800, and finally the largest M1000. Not only does the pen body size and weight increase, but the physical size of the nib as well.

The last two digits in the model number refer to the trim color, and/or other unique design feature. Pen models ending in a "00" have gold trim, while pens ending in a "05" have silver trim. The "15" is similar to the "05", but with the addition of silver line designs on the barrel. Other variations are designated by different numbers.

Nib Materials

As you go up in size, the nib material also increases in value. The M200 series is the most affordable with a stainless steel nib. The M400 and M600 feature a 14k gold nib, and finally the M800 and M1000 feature an 18k gold nib.

With each one, the nib is plated to match the trim color. With the 14k and 18k gold nib pens, the gold trim is accompanied by a two-tone (gold and rhodium) colored nib.

Model Overview

Pelikan M200 Series

The Pelikan M200 is the smallest of the bunch. It has an internal piston mechanism, and a stainless steel nib. A lightweight at 14g, with a slender body and total closed length of 126mm (5.2 inches).

• The M200 features a yellow gold trim and gold-plated steel nib.
• The M205 features silver trim and a silver steel nib.

You may also find an M215 on occasion, which builds upon the M205 by the addition of several line designs on the barrel.

Many special editions are available in this series, including the annual special edition color to match the Edelstein Ink of the Year. If you're curious to see those, we've got a whole Edelstein Ink & Pen history blog here. Not every special edition pen has a matching ink, but it's always fun when it does.

So if you're looking for a more affordable fine writing Pelikan fountain pen, and especially if you have smaller hands, the M200 series is definitely worth a look.

 

Pelikan M400 Series

The Pelikan M400 is nearly identical to the M200 series, with only two small changes: 1) the nib is made from 14k gold instead of stainless steel, and 2) the cap and barrel feature a double trim ring instead of a single. Also a lightweight around 15g, with a slim body and total closed length of 126mm (5.2 inches).

• The M400 has gold trim and a two-tone 14k gold nib.
• The M405 has silver trim and a rhodium-plated 14k gold nib.

The M400 series aren't as readily available in the US, perhaps due to their lack of popularity as it feels quite small in the hand. Many opt to jump up to the M600 series instead.

 

Pelikan M600 Series

The Pelikan M600 is is where you start to feel more of the premium nature of the Pelikan Souverän series. The M600 is a popular model, as it is all-around comfortable for both smaller hands and larger hands alike. It continues with many of the features of the M400 series, but increases in size of both the pen body and the nib itself. Still fairly lightweight at 18g, with a total closed length of 133mm (5.24 inches).

I'm partial to the broad nib grind myself -- in fact, I may be so bold as to call it my favorite nib, of ALL the nibs. It's ridiculously smooth and wet flowing. In fact, you'll be hard-pressed to find a scratchy Pelikan gold nib; they're all very smooth.

• The M600 features gold trim and a two-tone 14k gold nib.
• The M605 features silver trim and a rhodium-plated 14k gold nib.
• The M670 (new as of 2024!) features black ion-plated trim and a black ion-plated 14k gold nib.

The M670 is the first Pelikan fountain pen we've ever seen with a black ion-plated nib and trim. It'll be interesting to see if they expand the black nib/trim offering to any other sizes in the future. It looks pretty cool! There are other past M600 variations out there, like the M625 with a sterling silver cap, or the M620 with an upgraded 18k gold nib.

 

Pelikan M800 Series

The Pelikan M800 takes the M600 a few steps up. It's larger in size (both in the pen body and the nib itself), but you'll feel a noticeable difference in weight as the internal piston mechanism is metal instead of plastic. It also features an 18k gold nib instead of a 14k gold. Smaller hands may find this pen a bit large, but for many it's quite comfortable in hand. A bit heavier at 29g, with a total closed length of 141mm (5.56 inches).

• The M800 features gold trim and a two-tone 18k gold nib.
• The M805 features silver trim and a rhodium-plated 18k gold nib.

There are other older M800 variations out there like the M815 featuring silver line designs in the barrel, or the M820 with sterling silver designs on the barrel.

On occasion, you may see a Maki-e limited edition in the M800 series, but most often those designs are reserved for the M1000.

 

Pelikan M1000 Series

OK this is the grail pen! Not only is the Pelikan M1000 pen body larger than the M800, but its 18k gold nib size is impressively large. It is the most expensive, but for many is well worth it. The heaviest Pelikan Souverän at 33g, with a total closed length of 146mm (5.75 inches).

• The M1000 features gold trim and a two-tone 18k gold nib.
• The M1005 features silver trim and a rhodium-plated 18k gold nib.

The oversized nib on the M1000 is comparable in size to a JoWo #8, Sailor King of Pens, or a Pilot/Namiki #30. It's pretty big!

This is also the pen model where you will often see the high-end maki-e limited editions. It makes sense, to maximize the canvas for the beautiful artwork, and a stunning nib to complete it.

Comparison Tools

By the way, you can visually compare all of these models in our Pen Plaza ~ we've photographed them all in a standard way in closed, open, and posted positions, so you can visually see the differences in size. Not just to each other, but also compared against many other fountain pens from the brands we carry.

We also have our Nib Nook comparison tool, where you can view the writing samples from each nib size, and compare across brands. Brian Goulet has written them all with the same ink on the same paper for maximum consistency.

Summary

The Pelikan Souverän fountain pen series have a positive reputation for good reason. The nibs are excellent, the internal piston mechanism is solid, and there's a size and price point for everyone.

Here's a quick summary chart:

Model	Nib	Nib Color	Trim Color	Piston	Cap Rings	Size
M200	Steel	Gold	Gold	Plastic	Single	Small
M205	Steel	Silver	Silver	Plastic	Single	Small
M400	14k Gold	Two-Tone	Gold	Plastic	Double	Small
M405	14k Gold	Silver	Silver	Plastic	Double	Small
M600	14k Gold	Two-Tone	Gold	Plastic	Double	Medium
M605	14k Gold	Silver	Silver	Plastic	Double	Medium
M670	14k Gold	Black	Black	Plastic	Double	Medium
M800	18k Gold	Two-Tone	Gold	Metal	Double	Large
M805	18k Gold	Silver	Silver	Metal	Double	Large
M1000	18k Gold	Two-Tone	Gold	Metal	Double	X-Large
M1005	14k Gold	Silver	Silver	Metal	Double	X-Large

There are certainly other Pelikan models out there, like the M300, or the discontinued M101N or M120, but we aren't covering them in this blog as they are not as readily available. If you'd like to learn even more about Pelikan's full lineup and archives of past editions, they have a great website set up.

The M400 is a bit rare these days, but you should always be able to find colors available in the M200, M600, M800, and M1000 series on our site. Special editions come and go, so keep checking back for new arrivals!

We hope this blog was helpful! For more information, contact our Customer Care team, who will be happy to answer any questions or provide any recommendations. Write on!

 

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