The facts: This is a late, probably 1950's Pelikan 100N. The section is smooth (not stepped) and the feeder already has 4 finns like the Pelikan 400. The nib collar has two tiny slots for the use of the nib removal tool and the piston seal is white plastic. Everything correct for a 1950's pen so far. Now the Special thing: The binde!
Usually Pelikan 100N do not have translucent bindes. Usually they are green marbled, gray marbled and black, but opaque (except tortoise, which also is translucent). That's why there is an inkwindow needed on this pens. This binde is different. It's highly translucent, like the material on Pelikan 400 barrels.
The second special is that it's striped. Usually this pattern has been used on Pelikan 400, 400N and 400NN but not on 100N. It's not mentioned on Martin Lehmanns site "Pelikan-guide. On Werner Ruettingers site "Ruettinger-web" there are two variants mentioned: green striped and tortoise striped. Well this one is definitely not green and not tortoise. It's clearly gray striped. Here's a pic for comparison with a gray 400 and 400NN.
Now, is this a prototype? I don't think so. I think it has been produced regularly but in small number. Probably, the most people preferred the sleeker and more elegant Pelikan 400 in this period, when Pelikan 100N and 400 has been produced at the same time. And probably, most people prefered brighter colors as green, or tortoise than grey. But at least one person liked and bought this!
... and I do too!
Edited by Christof Z, 12 March 2013 - 07:43 AM.
