On a personal note, I had expected that Pelikan would release a re-edition of the Pelikan fountain pen (1929)—the first model Pelikan produced in 1929—as a limited-edition fountain pen to commemorate the company’s 100th anniversary. I thought it was still a long way off since that would have been in 2029, but I was wrong. This Pelikan M101N Herzstück 1929 was released in 2019. While not a re-edition in the strictest sense, its design is reminiscent of the original model. The company created this pen as a "tribute to the original from the 1920s" (Pelikan Archive), and "the original from the 1920s" clearly refers to the Pelikan fountain pen (1929).
 
The design of this fountain pen allows users to see the patented piston filler mechanism, which was first introduced in the Pelikan fountain pen in 1929, and it highlights this feature (Fig.2-1). Pelikan Archive describes the history of the development of the Pelikan fountain pen (1929), focusing on its piston filler mechanism, as follows: ”The engineer Theodor Kovács developed a ground-breaking fountain pen with a differential piston mechanism that resolves the disadvantages of the writing implements that existed at the time. Pelikan’s owner Fritz Beindorff recognizes the significance of the invention, and purchases the patent in 1927. Patent registration follows in Germany in 1928, and just one year later the first Pelikan fountain pen (1929) with patented piston mechanism goes into series production. The new piston mechanism system changes writing culture.” 

The name of this fountain pen, “Herzstück,” is German; a literal translation would be “heart’s piece,” which means “centerpiece.” Needless to say, it refers to the piston filler mechanism, which is literally positioned at the center of this fountain pen.
 
However, the Pelikan fountain pen (1929) featured innovative construction, functionality, and design, as well as the piston filler mechanism. I will discuss these features by comparing the original Pelikan fountain pen (1929) with the M101N Herzstück 1929, a tribute to the original. Additionally, the M101N Herzstück 1929 features decorative elements reminiscent of other past Pelikan models, and I will touch on those as well.

First, regarding the piston filler mechanism in the Pelikan fountain pen (1929): Two screws—the spindle connected to the turning knob and the piston rod connected to the piston seal—are mated within the piston guide, and the rotational motion of the spindle is converted into the back-and-forth motion of the piston rod (Fig.7 of Pelikan fountain pen (ca.1929)). The mechanism works as follows: When the nib is dipped into ink up to the vent hole and the knob is turned clockwise, the piston seal retracts. This creates a vacuum that draws ink into the barrel. This design's key selling point was that it prevented ink from getting on the grip section. This allowed users to easily fill the pen with a large volume of ink without getting their hands dirty (Vintage Pelikan Pens). Furthermore, since the ink chamber and feed were flushed with ink with each filling, ink residue did not accumulate, enabling the pen to remain in pristine condition. The design also featured a double seal to prevent ink from leaking from the barrel through the filling mechanism. Additionally, the turning knob was designed with some play to ensure that ink would not leak immediately if the knob was loosened. The filling mechanism could easily be removed for cleaning or replacement of the piston seal made of cork. The turning knob had a non-slip, knurled finish and an engraved arrow mark indicating the direction to loosen the knob (i.e. moving the piston seal forward). On the other hand, the filling mechanism of the M101N Herzstück 1929 could not be removed from the barrel. The reason for this will be explained later. When you turn the knob, you can see the piston rod and piston seal moving back and forth, so the design is likely almost identical to the original. In the "Originals of their Time" series and "Premium M101" series, the piston rod was fixed to the turning knob side and the spindle to the piston seal side. For the M101N Herzstück 1929, Pelikan changed it back to match the original. This was likely done to showcase the piston rod's movement. The piston rod stands out with its gold metal overlay and is engraved with “Pat. DE647462" (Fig.2-1). This is the patent number for the filling mechanism in Germany at that time (Pelikan’s Perch). Unlike the original, the turning knob and cone also have gold metal overlay. Additionally, the cone is engraved with a serial number in the format XXX/462 (Fig.2-2). Models with a metal overlay on the turning knob did not exist during the models 100 or 100N era. It first appeared with the model 400 series, which includes models such as the model 520. The Souverän M760 is a prime example among relatively recent models (Fig.2-3). I do not believe there have ever been Pelikan fountain pens with a gold metal overlay on the cone. The piston seal is black and matches the body color (Fig.2-1).

Next is the cap. Both the Pelikan fountain pen (1929) and the M101N Herzstück 1929 have the same cap structure. It consists of the cap top, the cap tube, and the drop clip. Please refer to the Pelikan fountain pen (ca.1929) for details on the structure and engravings. The cap can easily be disassembled and cleaned. The cap top secures the clip to the cap tube and also serves as the inner cap, which acts both as a container of the nib and a seal to prevent it from drying out. Perhaps Pelikan believed that fountain pens did not require decoration because this model lacks the cap band found on other manufacturers' models from that time period. To prevent ink from leaking from the nib due to negative pressure inside the cap when it was removed, a pair of vent holes was drilled into the cap tube. The cap was also designed so that the nib would not come into contact with it and become damaged when the cap was closed. The clip was newly designed to securely fasten the pen to a pocket. For the M101N Herzstück 1929, however, the vent holes were omitted because the feed’s functionality had improved significantly. Unlike the Pelikan fountain pen (1929), the cap top features gold metal overlay. This feature is reminiscent of the model 112's cap top, which had a solid 14 carat gold overlay (Fig.3-2). Furthermore, the cap top is laser-engraved with the same 4 chicks logo as the original. However, there is no engraving on the side of the cap top. Another distinctive feature is the drop clip, which, like the T111 Toledo, is engraved with the Pelikan face-and-beak motif (Fig.3-4). Furthermore, the lower end of the cap tube has no cap band, just like the original, but instead is engraved with “Pelikan Herzstück 1929” and filled with gold paint (Fig.3-5). Of course, the original cap tube had no engraving.

The original Pelikan fountain pen (1929) has a very soft nib that is reminiscent of Pilot's FA nib. The nib unit could be removed with special pliers, making it easy to adjust or replace the nib and clean the feed. The feed features an ink reservoir and a unique air channel. These components prevent ink from dripping, even when the air in the barrel expands due to hand's heat and increases the ink supply slightly. They also ensure a stable ink flow, regardless of the remaining ink level. Among all the components of the M101N Herzstück 1929, the nib unit differs the most from the original Pelikan fountain pen (1929). The collar is reinforced with metal parts, making it far more durable than the original. The feed has a much more complex structure that significantly stabilizes ink flow, prevents ink drips, and keeps the nib from drying out. The nib is almost identical in shape and thickness to the nibs in the “Originals of their Time” series (Fig.4-2). The only difference is the engravings. It is engraved with the word "90 years" and the 4 chicks logo (Fig.4-1). While the Pelikan Archive make no mention of this, it's evident that this fountain pen is a commemorative model for the 90th anniversary of Pelikan piston filler mechanism (Pelikan Limited & Special Edition : Hochwertige Schreibgeräte 1993 - 2020). Additionally, radial scrollwork is engraved toward the tip of the nib (Fig.4-1). This is a feature found exclusively on the M101N Herzstück 1929. The nib was only available in size an "M", as producing multiple sizes would have increased manufacturing costs due to the limited production run and complex engraving. When writing with this nib, it barely flexes, resulting in a very stiff writing experience. Additionally, the nib has a significantly larger cuboid-shaped tip than those of the “Originals of their Time” series (Fig.4-4). If you look at Fig.4-4, you’ll see that the nib of the M101N Herzstück 1929 is thick for its size and has a large tip. Consequently, the line width is not what you would call an "M"; it's more like a "B." The ink flow is good thanks to the feed, so writing is stress-free. However, because the nib doesn’t flex and lines and characters written are thick and monotonous. For me, the first writing impression with the nib was a bit disappointing. I reground it myself down to an "F", and only then was I satisfied with the result. It’s ironic that the nib’s hardness is the exact opposite of the original’s. The nib's shape, thickness, and intricate engravings⁽¹⁾ likely contribute to its hardness. Perhaps Pelikan chose a stiff nib for this fountain pen because it's a current trend. Could Pelikan have made the iridium tip larger to make it easier for users to customize, perhaps because the nib was only available in one width?

Finally, we come to the body. The grip section and barrel of the Pelikan fountain pen (1929) was made of Bakelite as a single piece. Then, a celluloid sleeve was fitted over it. The section of the barrel not covered by the sleeve served as an ink window. The M101N Herzstück 1929 has a completely different construction. Its grip is made of cellulose acetate molded as a single piece with the threaded section. It is likely similar to those in the Premium M101 series. The barrel's construction differs from that of the Pelikan Originals of their Time series and Premium M101 series. The barrel contains no combination of materials or patterns, nor any steps. Consequently, there is no structure corresponding to a “sleeve.” Rather, the barrel appears to have the same construction as the Souverän series, consisting of a double-layered structure with a transparent acrylic resin inner tube and a black cellulose acetate outer tube. The outer tube features a long transparent slit through which the piston rod bearing the aforementioned patent number is visible. The slit extends nearly to the grip section and appears to be designed as an ink window. However, unlike other Pelikan fountain pens, it does not wrap completely around the barrel. Therefore, the remaining ink level is virtually impossible to determine, even when held up to the room light. Regarding the color and structure of the outer barrel, it does not appear that this transparent portion was inserted into a black outer tube. It seems more likely that an originally transparent outer tube, with only this portion left exposed, was painted black from the inside (Fig.2-1). The straight, clean lines of the barrel, combined with the cylindrical turning knob, give it a slim, modern look.

Taking another look at the pen, the gold metal overlay on both ends of the fountain pen, the gold clip, the gold engraving on the cap, and the visible gold piston rod from the barrel serve as accents that give the pen a luxurious appearance. These elements could be described as a "chimera," (Pelikan’s Perch) or a combination of various fountain pen designs. However, to prevent the design from becoming disjointed, the body color is solid black, creating a sense of unity. designs. However, to prevent the design from becoming disjointed, the body color was kept solid black to create a sense of unity and avoid an overly ornate appearance. That said, this gives a very different impression from the original, extremely simple design of the Pelikan fountain pen (1929), which embodies the Bauhaus functionalist philosophy of “form follows function” by prioritizing functionality while eliminating ornamentation and superfluous elements (Fig.5-2).

I had forgotten the most important factor—the size, weight, and balance of the fountain pen. I assumed it was a kind of re-edition of the Pelikan fountain pen (1929) and that its size would be the same as the model 100. However, in reality, its length and barrel diameter were nearly identical to those of the model 100N and the Premium M101" series (Fig.5-1). It wasn’t until some time after I purchased it that I realized its model number is M101N. As it lacks a sleeve, and the barrel and turning knob are cylindrical, the M101N Herzstück 1929 may have looked slimmer and shorter to me. On the other hand, it is much heavier than the 100N and Premium M101 series because it has many metal parts⁽²⁾. moreover, due to the turning knob, cone, and piston rod in particular, the center of gravity shifts toward the rear when writing with it compared to those models⁽²⁾. When you post the cap, the center of gravity shifts further back due to the cap's weight. For that reason, I don't post the cap when writing⁽³⁾.
 
As you may have noticed, I haven’t yet mentioned a fountain pen that certainly deserves a mention. It is the Pelikan 75th Anniversary Limited Edition, released by Pelikan in 2004. Based on the Souverän M1000, it featured a piston filling mechanism visible through the transparent barrel, and its piston guide (not piston rod) was engraved with “Pat. DE647462" like the M101N Herzstück 1929. Perhaps because the barrel was made of solid 18 carat gold, it was extremely expensive (priced at 7,500 euros at the time) and only 75 were produced (Pelikan Limited & Special Edition : Hochwertige Schreibgeräte 1993 - 2020). I doubt many people have ever held this fountain pen. The M101N Herzstück 1929 was created with a similar concept but had a retail price of 2,500 euros (Pelikan Limited & Special Edition : Hochwertige Schreibgeräte 1993 - 2020). While it is less expensive than the Pelikan 75th Anniversary Limited Edition, it is still quite expensive for a limited edition fountain pen that does not use precious metals. I agree with the Pelikan’s Perch’s review on the pen that the price stems more from its rarity than from the cost of the materials. However, the M101N Herzstück 1929 more closely resembles the Pelikan fountain pen (1929) and faithfully reproduces the original filling mechanism, I believe this pen is not merely a pale imitation of the Pelikan 75th Anniversary Limited Edition, and has unique value.
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Based on the above, the Pelikan fountain pens that served as the basis for the structure and design of this M101N Herzstück 1929 are as follows:
    • Pelikan fountain pen
    • Pelikan model 100N
    • Pelikan model T111 Toledo
    • Pelikan model 112
    • Pelikan Souverän M760
    • Pelikan 75th Anniversary Limited Edition
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The packaging is unique, distinct from both the “Originals of their Time” series and the Premium M101 series. The inner box has a double-door design (Fig.6-2). When you open the door-like sections on both sides, the inner tray rises from the center on two straps (Fig.5-4). The tray contains the fountain pen, a Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue ink bottle with a special label, and a gold plate engraved with the pen’s serial number. Under the tray is a booklet about the Pelikan fountain pen (1929) and the M101N Herzstück 1929, along with a certificate and a quality card. The package's understated design, featuring a black base with gold accents, enhances the fountain pen’s sense of luxury.

Finally, let’s consider why the filling mechanism of this fountain pen cannot be removed. One of the major features of the Pelikan fountain pen (1929) was its unique filling mechanism, which could easily be removed. This made it simple to replace the cork seal and clean the inside of the barrel. Every aspect of the Pelikan fountain pen (1929), from the design of the cap and nib unit to the structure of the filling mechanism, was designed with a thorough focus on ease of maintenance. However, the filling mechanism on this M101N Herzstück 1929 is deliberately designed so that it CANNOT be removed. In the Pelikan Originals of Their Time and Premium M101 series, turning the knob counterclockwise reveals notches on the piston guide where a special wrench is applied through the gap between the knob and the cone. However, no such notches are visible in the M101N Herzstück 1929 even if doing so (Fig.2-4). Unlike the Pelikan fountain pen (1929), Originals of their Time series, and Premium M101 series, the M101N Herzstück 1929's filling mechanism is not secured with a reverse-threaded screw. I suspect it is likely press-fit into the barrel, instead. No matter how hard you try to turn it, it won’t budge an inch. What was Pelikan so committed to that they were willing to sacrifice such ease of maintenance? It must be the beauty of the fountain pen when viewed from the front. When held vertically with the nib facing you, the side facing you becomes the front of the pen. The slit revealing the ink level and movement of the piston rod, engraved serial number on the cone, and arrow on the turning knob all align vertically in a straight line on the front at that moment. Furthermore, if you place the cap on the grip section in the position with the clip facing the front and rotate it once, the cap will screw on securely, and both the clip and the "Pelikan Herzstück 1929" engraving on the cap tube will then be aligned with the front (Fig.5-3). The "4 chicks" logo on the cap top will also face the clip. This beauty has a striking impact that you'll rarely see in other fountain pens. I believe the reason Pelikan designed the filling mechanism to be non-removable is that if it could be removed and disassembled, these relative positions would gradually shift—unless great care was taken—and when reassembling and reinstalling it to the barrel, thereby ruining the beautiful arrangement⁽⁴⁾. Pelikan likely wanted to avoid this.
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While this fountain pen is functional enough, the commitment to staying true to the original design and incorporating various decorative and functional elements from past Pelikan masterpieces has resulted in a few compromises. For example, the nib is only available in size M, the filling mechanism is not removable, the center of gravity shifts toward the rear when the cap is posted, and the cap tube is not protected by cap bands. This may be expected given that it is a limited edition fountain pen. However, one could argue that it was designed for display and appreciation rather than for everyday writing. In that context, although this fountain pen brings a vintage model back to life for the modern era, it occupies a different position than the "Originals of their Time" and "Premium M101" series.

Note;⁽¹⁾The nib tends to become stiffer when scrollwork or engravings are applied. This is because the engraved areas interfere with the nib's ability to flex smoothly (スミ利文具店). Among Pilot’s 16 nib types, only the FA nib features minimal engravings, similar to that found on original Pelikan fountain pen (1929) (Pilot Corp.).
⁽²⁾For example, the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown weighs 15 g, of which the body weighs 9 g and the cap weighs 6 g. On the other hand, the M101N Herzstück 1929 weighs 25 g, of which the body weighs 17.5 g and the cap weighs 7.5 g. In other words, the body of the M101N Herzstück 1929 weighs twice as much as that of he M101N Tortoiseshell Brown. Moreover, the metal parts (the turning knob, cone, and piston rod) that add weight are concentrated in the rear of the body.
⁽³⁾There is another reason I don’t post the cap, aside from balance. Since the cap tube of this fountain pen doesn’t have cap bands, the cap tube is prone to cracking if I post it too deeply or if I drop it while it’s still posted. That’s why I’m especially careful when handling the cap.
⁽⁴⁾Therefore, you must exercise caution when disassembling and reassembling the nib unit. After you remove the nib and feed from the collar to adjust the nib or clean the feed, if you do not pay attention to their orientation when pushing them back in, the nib may become misaligned when you reinstall the nib unit into the grip section.