From 1997 to 2003, Pelikan released a series of re-editions of fountain pens based on the model 100 under the title “Originals of their Time.” At the time, if you purchased models 1931 or 1935 from the series in Japan, the package reportedly included a photo of the model 101N and a questionnaire asking if you wanted that pen (Pen Cluster). Pelikan fans naturally expected a re-edition of the model 101N, but they had to wait until 2011. The first model released was the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown. I recall that it did not carry a series name like “Originals of Their Time.” It was modeled after the model 101N tortoiseshell, which was released in 1937 and had a tortoiseshell cap and sleeve. I remember the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown causing quite a stir (among Pelikan fans). While most reviews were positive, some were negative or neutral. Many of these comments noted that the pen’s “color didn’t closely resemble that of the original 101N tortoiseshell” (Pen Cluster) or that “its actual appearance differed from what was shown in photos”(Ore d'ozio). Similar reviews and opinions were also posted on Fountain Pen Network. At the time, I already owned two 101N tortoiseshell, and since the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown looked more like “green tortoiseshell” to me, I decided not to buy it. However, many years later, I posted photos of my Pelikan Magnum and 101N tortoiseshell on Fountain Pen Network, and while looking at the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown many times for comparison, I became interested in, then fascinated by the pen, eventually, I bought it.
 
In the “Originals of Their Time” series, as was evident from the series name which included the word 'Original' and the model names featured the year the fountain pen was first released, Pelikan sought to recreate the fountain pens as faithfully as possible to the originals, from their shape to their materials. In other words, Pelikan's concept was to "revive vintage fountain pens in the modern era, faithfully recreating their original appearance, thereby giving many collectors the opportunity to experience masterpieces from the past" (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). Since the series was quite expensive and made of celluloid—a material, which turned out to be somewhat fragile (please see Pelikan 1935 Green (1998)), —I believe there are actually quite a few pens that are not used, and are simply kept as collector’s items. Even when they do appear at auctions, they are listed at high prices. Conversely, the series of fountain pens beginning with the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown did not have a series name when they were first released. However, if you look at the Pelikan Archive website, you will see that they are categorized under “Premium M101 Series” of Historical Models." Much like the “Originals of their Time” series, the concept behind this series was to revive vintage fountain pens for the modern era. However, the approach was to "preserve the characteristics of vintage fountain pens, while adapting their style to contemporary tastes, and utilize the latest technology and materials to create fountain pens appealing to "modern" Pelikan fans and practical for "modern" Pelikan users. This distinction sets it apart from the “Originals of their Time” series. In fact, the series of fountain pens starting with the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown was released not as a “limited edition” with a restricted production run, but as a “special edition”⁽¹⁾.
 
I will now describe what I learned by seeing the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown in person and taking it apart, and comparing it with the original 101N tortoiseshell (hereafter referred to as the "original 101N"), and clarify how Pelikan brought the above concept to life.

First, let’s examine the nib unit. The nib is essentially a “downgraded” (my apology) version of the “Originals of their Time” 18 carat gold nib—retaining the same shape but made of 14 carat gold—yet the engraving is identical to that of the original 101N (Fig.2). The word "Pelikan" is written in dotted script. Since the original 101N had a 14 carat gold nib, one could argue that this version is closer to the original 101. N. The collar and feed are likely the same as the “Originals of their Time” model's, and it is actually compatible with the “Originals of their Time” nib unit (see below). The original 100N nib unit was incompatible with the one for the 100, as the diameters of their collars were different.

The grip section is straight and without the step, which is likely a reproduction of the grip section introduced on the original 101N in 1949 (Fig.3-1). However, the grip section and the threaded section for the cap are molded as a single piece (made of cellulose acetate), a feature not found on the original 101N (Fig.3-2), but introduced from the the “Originals of their Time” series (please see Pelikan 1931 Gold). The color is brown, different from the original 101N. The ink window is made of transparent green acrylic resin, the same material used for the original 101N starting in 1940 (Fig.3-6). I found the transition between the ink window and the sleeve particularly interesting. On the original 101N, the ink window and barrel were formed as a single piece of celluloid or cellulose acetate (later, acrylic resin), and the sleeve was fitted over this structure. Consequently, there was a step between the ink window and the sleeve equal to the sleeve's thickness (Fig.3-3 top). However, on this M101N Tortoiseshell Brown, there was no step (Fig.3-3 bottom). Since it resembled a feature of the Milan model—a variant of the original 100N in which the separate ink window and barrel were welded together without a step—I assumed that the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown was constructed in the same way. I realized this was not the case when I removed the filling mechanism to examine it closely. Just as I had done when posting about the Milan 100N model, I looked at the rear end of the barrel and found that the same green acrylic resin as the ink window (Fig.3-4 arrow) was seen beneath the sleeve (Fig.3-4 arrow head). In other words, the barrel was made of acrylic resin integrated with the ink window, and the sleeve made of cellulose acetate was fitted over it. So, in terms of structure and materials, it was constructed the same way as the original 101N (1940-1942) (please see Pelikan 100N (ca.1942))⁽²⁾. However, the surface of the barrel was shaved down to the thickness of the sleeve, specifically in the area where the sleeve fits, so that, when the sleeve was attached, it would be flush with the ink window (Fig.3-5, 3-6), just like the Milan Model 100N. Combined with the straight grip, this gave the silhouette and the design an almost identical appearance to the Milan Model 100N (1949) (rather than 101N tortoiseshell (1949)), resulting in a modern, streamlined design (Fig.3-7). In this way, the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown incorporates various elements from the original 101Ns and 100Ns. Notably, the technique of machining the barrel, which was not used in the original 101N, was first adopted in this model. This demonstrates that Pelikan's intention was not merely to create a copy or replica of the original 101N.

What I really wanted to write about begins here: the colors of the sleeve and cap.
 
At first, I thought the reason this Tortoiseshell Brown fountain pen looked green was because of the green acrylic resin used for the barrel. The green color was same as that of the original 101N⁽³⁾. However, it should be noted that the original 101N underwent an additional step in the manufacturing process. Specifically, they applied opaque white paint to the barrel and then fitted a translucent sleeve over it (Pen Cluster). This prevented the barrel’s color from showing through the sleeve. The combination of the white base coat and the tortoiseshell color of the sleeve created the unique hue you know so well. Since the sleeve on my original 101Ns cannot be removed, I attached photos of my Pelikan Magnum (ca.1935) with a similar structure for reference. You can see that, thanks to the white paint, even though the barrel has turned blackish, the sleeve retains its beautiful tortoiseshell color. Conversely, the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown omitted the opaque white paint on the barrel. I had long assumed that the sleeve color on the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown was the same tortoiseshell color as the original 101N, and that due to the lack of white paint on the barrel, the green color of the barrel showed through the sleeve, making the sleeve appear greenish. However, upon examining the pen by myself, I realized I was wrong. The sleeve itself has a greenish tint and can be described as "pearl green"(Fig.3-5, 3-6). In other words, the sleeve appears greenish not only because of the green barrel underneath⁽⁴⁾, but also because of the sleeve's greenish tint.

Next, let's take a look at the cap. This is where Pelikan really shines. To match the sleeve color as closely as possible, they lined the inside of the cap tube with green acrylic resin (Fig.4-1)⁽⁵⁾, creating the same structure as the barrel. This ensures that the cap and sleeve have a unified color tone. I was quite surprised when I noticed this. While Pelikan used metal liners in cap tubes for reinforcement in the vintage era, I believe this is the first time they’ve added a liner to unify the color with the barrel, as seen in this M101N Tortoiseshell Brown. You can sense Pelikan’s dedication to making the entire fountain pen beautiful. On the “Originals of their Time” models, the cap top logo was the original "four chicks" logo. However, on this M101N Tortoiseshell Brown, it's the "one chick" logo—the same one currently in use. The engraving on the side of the cap top also reads "Pelikan Germany" in a modern font (Fig.4-4). There isn't a hint of the vintage fountain pen aesthetic in this typeface. These elements represent a contemporary reinterpretation rather than a strict reproduction of the original 101N. As expected, the clip is the same drop clip found on the original 101N. The cap tube is ingeniously designed as well: When the cap is posted on the rear, the rim of the cap tube comes into contact with the cone and the turning knob. Since the cap is not secured by the turning knob alone, it does not wobble. Furthermore, cap bands not only serves as decorative accents but also help protect the cap tube; when the cap is posted deeply (Fig.4-5 top), the most force is applied to the cap tube at the area directly above the end of the cone and the base of the turning knob (Fig.4-5 bottom). The cap tube is designed so that one of the cap bands surrounds the tube at this area—thereby preventing the cap tube from cracking. This design feature was already incorporated into the cap tube when the original 101N was released in 1937.

The filling mechanism is a standard piston filler. While it looks almost identical to the original 101N (Fig.5-1), its construction is quite different once you remove and disassemble it (Fig.5-2). On the original 101N, you pinch the cone (part of the piston guide) and turn it clockwise to remove the filling mechanism. However, on the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown, the cone acts more like a spacer and is not fixed to the piston guide (Fig.5-2). Therefore, turning the cone may simply cause it to rotate freely. The proper procedure is to first turn the knob counterclockwise to reveal the piston guide (Fig.5-3 bottom). Then, apply a special wrench to the notches of the the piston guide (Fig.5-3 arrow) and turn it clockwise, then the filling mechanism can be removed. This was likely done to prevent general users without the special wrench from easily removing the filling mechanism. After disassembling the filling mechanism, you will see that, unlike the original 101N, the spindle is fixed to the piston seal and the piston rod is designed to rotate via the turning knob. However, the piston rod is not fixed to the turning knob⁽⁶⁾, so maintenance and replacement appear straightforward. This design was likely adopted starting with the Pelikan Souverän M400 and was also used in the “Originals of their Time” series⁽⁶⁾. The filling mechanism can be installed to the barrel of “Originals of their Time” series, and vice versa. The diameters of the piston guide and piston seal seems to be same as those of “Originals of their Time” series. Of course, the filling mechanism of the original 100N was incompatible with the one for the 100.

Regarding the packaging, my M101N Tortoiseshell Brown model came in a simplified blue paper box (Fig.6-1) and a certificate (Fig.6-2) similar to other regular models, unlike the “Originals of their Time” series, which featured unique packaging and booklets. Packaging might have varied from region to region, period to period in which the pen was sold (please see here). 

I’ve now covered everything there is to say about the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown. While this should suffice, to do the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown justice, I must also discuss the M101N Tortoiseshell Red, released three years later. This model is based on the Pelikan 101N brown/tortoiseshell first released in 1937, featuring a red brown cap/turning knob and a tortoiseshell sleave. The re-edition M101N Tortoiseshell Red closely resembles the color of the original 101N red tortoiseshell. Indeed, the pattern and tint of the sleeve differ from those of the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown; it lacks a pearly and greenish tint. Furthermore, the color of the ink window/barrel is amber rather than green. Once again, no surface treatment has been applied on the barrel. Consequently, the color of the sleeve results from the interplay between the amber barrel and tortoiseshell sleeve itself. Why were the colors of the ink window/barrel, and sleeve changed in the M101N Tortoiseshell Red? Was it in response to criticism that the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown differed in color from the original 101N, or was it the plan from the start? Incidentally, since the cap tube on the M101N Tortoiseshell Red was opaque red, there was no need for acrylic resin to adjust the color of the cap tube. The same was true for the subsequent M101N Bright Red, so the inner layer of acrylic resin in the cap tube was first used on the Tortoiseshell Brown—and only once.
 
Finally, I lined up the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown with two original 101Ns—101N tortoiseshell (1937) and 101N tortoiseshell (1949))—and M101N Tortoiseshell Red that I own (Fig.7). The M101N Tortoiseshell Brown is the third from the left. Its cap top and turning knob colors are identical to those of the 101N Tortoiseshell (1949), which is the second from the left in Fig. 7. Of these four pens, the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown certainly stands out with its greenish tint. While it deviates slightly from the typical image of "tortoiseshell brown," it doesn't look as out of place among the other fountain pens as I initially thought it would. Its beauty is in no way inferior to that of the other pens. On the other hand, the sleeve of the M101N Tortoiseshell Red more closely resembles that of the original 101N.

Thus, comparing past and present versions of the 101N tortoiseshell highlights Pelikan’s evolving approach to manufacturing fountain pens. In hindsight, when Pelikan produced the re-edition of the 101N Tortoiseshell, they may have chosen to make the ink window and barrel green simply to match the green pearl sleeve⁽⁷⁾. A white paint base was no longer necessary. Rather, Pelikan may have thought that painting the barrel white would cause it differ slightly in color from the cap. Instead, they coated the inside of the cap tube with green acrylic resin to match the sleeve’s color. Although the color differed from the original 101N, Pelikan likely didn’t mind because they never intended to reproduce it faithfully. Rather, they may have even taken pride in their own vision of what a modern tortoiseshell should look like. They shaved down the barrel so that the ink window and sleeve would be flush, creating a modern shape. The result was the beautiful M101N Tortoiseshell Brown fountain pen. It was meticulously crafted with attention to the finest details while keeping costs down. Although it has the look of a vintage fountain pen, it is truly modern. This pen was likely well-received and sold well. Few Pelikan fans would have refused to buy it simply because its color differs from that of the original 101N. Perhaps reconsidering its strategy, Pelikan subsequently released the M101N Tortoiseshell Red, which closely resembles the original. However, judging by prices on the secondary market, the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown seems to be far more popular.
 
In closing, I would like to point out that Pelikan always designs unique concept for each of its fountain pen series. Based on that concept, Pelikan have been producing pens whose materials, construction, and colors all have specific meanings. While this approach hasn’t always been successful, the Premium M101 Historical Models series, beginning with the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown, can generally be considered a success.
 
Note;⁽¹⁾At the time, I saw statements on several websites such as “Pelikan used a 14 carat gold nib on the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown to keep the price down,” “Instead of sticking to the original materials of the 101N at the time of its release, they used easier-to-handle materials like acrylic resin and cellulose acetate,” and “To reach more Pelikan fans, they released as a special edition” (I don't know exactly how many the pens were produced, though). While the above includes some speculation, it likely doesn't differ much from Pelikan's actual intentions.
⁽²⁾As they had a bitter experience with celluloid (please see Pelikan 1935 Green (1998)), it may be natural that Pelikan chose acrylic resin for the barrel material.
⁽³⁾Since the ink window of the original 101N was green, one might think it was only natural for Pelikan to use a green ink window on the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown. However, the reality is not quite that simple. Within the “Originals of their Time” series, which is dedicated to faithfully reproducing the originals, the green ink window was only used on the 1935 Green (1998). All the others featured amber colored ink windows. Digressing slightly from the main point, the original ink window color was basically green for both the 100 and 100N models. This is evident from surviving catalogs from that era (Pelikan catalog No.60 (1934), Pelikan catalog No.63W (1936), Pelikan catalog No.70 (1938), Pelikan catalog No.73H (1938), Pelikan catalog No.80 (1953)).
⁽⁴⁾For your reference, some original 101N has barrels that were never painted or have lost nearly all of their paint. The sleeves of these models have a greenish tint (though not as pronounced as the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown). There is also 101N red tortoiseshell recently assembled using unused original 101N parts, and this pen has a greenish tint as well. These pens show that the green tint of the barrel also contributes to the green tint of the M101N Tortoiseshell Brown sleeve, and that is likely why Pelikan went to the trouble of lining the cap tube with acrylic resin, too.
⁽⁵⁾Upon close inspection, it becomes clear that the inner layer of acrylic resin is thicker at the top of the cap tube than at the bottom (Fig.4-1). Consequently, the upper half of the cap tube appears to have a stronger green tint (Fig.4-2). The reason for this structure is unknown.
⁽⁶⁾In the “Originals of their Time” series, the piston rod was fixed to the turning knob.
⁽⁷⁾Or maybe it was the other way around—perhaps Pelican adopted the green ink window first and then made the sleeve greenish to match it.