Pelikan 100 (ca.1931) - the third generation
Green indicates the changes from Pelikan fountain pen (ca.1930).
Cap top; material: ebonite, shape: conical, inclined cap top edge, logo: old four chicks logo on the top, "Pelikan PATENT Pelikan PATENT" on the lateral side.
Cap tube; material: ebonite, shape: 4 vent holes (two holes facing each other), two gold plated narrow bands.
Clip; shape: gold plated drop clip.
Nib; material: 14 ct gold, shape: round vent hole, logo:
Pelikan
14
KARAT.
B
Feed; material: ebonite, shape: slanted tail, three lamellae with the recess.
Nib socket; material: ebonite. shape: short (12 mm).
Grip section; material: ebonite, shape: inclined top edge, plane side edge, concave grip section.
Barrel; material: transparent celluloid with brass ring.
Sleeve; material: celluloid.
Filling system; material: ebonite with cork seal, shape: knurled turning knob with arrow.
Dimensions;
Major specification changes were made in June 1931 (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). From this version, the model went to the third generation.
The most remarkable change was the designation of the pen (the official site). In 1931, the product range was expanded further⁽¹⁾. As a consequence, model names became necessary. Model 100 with a sleeve in traditional green, black, and new colors (grey, red, blue, yellow) (Fig.9). Model 111 was used as a name for the Pelikan Gold. Model 110 for the fountain pen with a cap and sleeve made of rolled white gold. Model 112, cap and sleeve in 14 carat gold.” T111 (Toledo) was also introduced in the same year (the official site says it was in 1932)(Pelikan Schreibgeräte).
In line with the change of name, major constructional and material changes were made. Now, having the conical cap, the pen became slightly streamlined to the taste of the time (Pelikan Schreibgeräte)(Fig.2, 10). As a result of the inclined cap and grip end (Fig.6), they were faced obtusely and thus called “diagonal seal (Fig.4)." As the diagonal seal was more effective, the lateral seal became unnecessary (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). In the third generation, the lateral seal was at first preserved, but later abandoned. Though shortened, the nib socket held the nib and the feed tightly and fitted securely into the grip section.
As for materials, “They went to celluloid and hard rubber construction” as “bakelite is heavy and brittle and like hard rubber does not take color well (A History of Pelikan).” The grip section was screwed into the barrel. The joint lay in front of the threads for the cap (Pelikan’s Perch). The internal thread of the celluloid barrel was reinforced with a brass ring⁽²⁾. Also, the brass ring, fitting the sleeve, helped to hold it on the barrel (Pelikan catalog No.60 (1934)). The original color of the barrel was "grün" (green) (Pelikan catalog No.60 (1934))(Fig.11)⁽³⁾.
Note;⁽¹⁾In 1930, Günter Wagner had already introduced "Pelikan Gold" and "unofficial pen equivalent to later model 112" (Pelikan Schreibgeräte).
⁽²⁾The earliest celluloid barrels had no such a brass ring (Fig.7).
⁽³⁾Today, most green celluloid is found to be denatured to amber color or opaque black due to ink stains, ultraviolet light, and other factors.
