Beginning in 1973, the model naming system was changed. Model numbers were converted from two digits to three digits (e.g. P30→P490, P18→P478, P28→P488). The letter "K" was dropped from the alphabet(s) before the model number (e.g. P491 with plastic cap and 18 carat gold gold nib) (Pelikan-collectibles.com, 万年筆評価の部屋). Seeing that the number of models was further expanded (Pelikan-collectibles.com), it is clear that Pelikan focused on cartridge fountain pens in the 1970s⁽¹⁾.

 

As stated above, the most luxurious model P60 was renamed P495 in 1973. The model was all in striped guilloche pattern (from July 1975 only in square guilloche pattern instead of striped guilloche (Fig.5)). Looking at my P495, it tells me that several specification changes have been made since the naming system was changed.

• The cap tube used to have the model number engraved on it, but that was no longer the case.

• Three protrusions were added to the section to hold the cap more securely (Fig.5).

 

Cartridge pens were also offered for the export market. Please see Japanese Pelikan catalog as of April 1974 (万年筆評価の部屋, 万年筆評価の部屋)⁽²,³⁾. Cartridge fountain pens for the Japanese market had the letter "M" in front of the model number instead of the original "P", and came with a factory fitted ink converter (PAULO'S PEN POSTS)⁽⁴⁾. It had been recommended in this period to directly suck in ink through a converter (Japanese Pelikan catalog as of March 1975 (万年筆評価の部屋))⁽⁵⁾. By turning the turning knob clockwise, the piston rod and piston seal are retracted and ink is sucked in. When the red piston rod is visible through the turning knob, you know that the ink has been sucked in (Fig.9).

P series was produced until approximately 1979, after which it was replaced by Signum series introduced in the same year. However, in Japan, P series was sold together with Signum for a while, along with 400NN Merz & Krell. Please see Japanese catalog as of 1980 (万年筆評価の部屋, 万年筆評価の部屋).

Note:⁽¹⁾Was the large number of regular models the result of Pelikan's trial and error efforts to get more generations and classes to use their fountain pens?, or was it because Pelikan didn't have a hit product like 400 or Pelikano, so Pelikan had to increase the number of models to ensure sales?
⁽²⁾It is assumed that the reason for such numbering was because the pens came with a factory fitted ink converter. Also, since the piston filler M100 was still being imported, Japanese distributor may have wanted to unify the model numbers with "Mxxx".

⁽³⁾Some of the models sold in Japan were not available in Germany.

⁽⁴⁾My P495 obtained in Japan came with a converter (Fig.6).  It would have been sold under the name "M495".

⁽⁵⁾This was probably because ink that had accumulated in the section tended to fall out when a cartridge was installed and ink was sucked in from the nib.