Pelikan M800 Souverän Fountain Pen

The Pelikan M800 stands as one of the most respected fountain pens in the Souverän collection, embodying the German manufacturer's long heritage of craftsmanship that stretches back to 1929. This large-format pen features the signature striped barrel design that has become synonymous with Pelikan, typically rendered in the classic black and green celluloid pattern, though the model has also appeared in numerous special editions featuring tortoiseshell, blue, burgundy, and other striking colorways over the years. The piston-filling mechanism, visible through a small ink window at the base of the barrel, reflects Pelikan's commitment to traditional filling systems that reward the user with generous ink capacity and a satisfying tactile experience with every fill. The pen's proportions are substantial without being unwieldy, striking a balance that has made it a favorite among collectors and everyday writers who want a pen with real presence on the page and in the hand.

At the heart of the M800 lies its gold nib, an 18k two-tone piece that carries the ornate Pelikan beak-and-crown insignia along its length. Available in a range of widths from extra-fine to broad, as well as specialty grinds like italic or oblique in some releases, the nib is prized for its smooth, wet writing characteristics and subtle line variation that responds to pressure and angle. The nib's semi-flexible quality allows experienced writers to coax some softness and shading from their ink choices, making the M800 a popular canvas for exploring shimmering or shading inks that reveal their full character on quality paper. The friction-fit cap, secured with a satisfying click rather than threads, protects the nib and speeds up the ritual of uncapping the pen for a writing session, while the pelican-shaped clip pays homage to the brand's namesake and adds a distinctive visual flourish to the cap.

Beyond its mechanical qualities, the M800 carries an air of quiet luxury appropriate for both daily correspondence and important occasions, whether signing documents, journaling, or simply enjoying the tactile pleasure of putting ink to paper. Its weight and balance are calibrated for extended writing sessions, distributing comfortably in the hand whether posted or unposted, though most users find the pen substantial enough to use unposted for optimal balance. The gold-plated trim, including the cap bands and piston knob, complements the resin body and ages gracefully with use, developing a patina that many collectors appreciate as a mark of a well-loved instrument. As a centerpiece of any fountain pen collection or a serious upgrade from entry-level pens, the M800 represents the kind of purchase that rewards its owner for decades, backed by Pelikan's reputation for repairable, serviceable construction that keeps these pens writing beautifully for generations of use.