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Pelikan 455 (ca.1955) - the first Pelikan ballpoint pen
On May 23, 1955, model 455 (matching model 400) was introduced. Model 455, along with model 355 (matching model 140), was Pelikan's first ballpoint pen. Günter Wagner was one of the last companies to introduced ballpoint pens. Initially, the company called it "roller", not a ballpoint pen (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). For further information, please see the excellent review (Pelikan’s Perch).
Model 455 was a retractable ballpoint pen. The refill is linked to the push button, and goes in and out with each press of the push button (please see below).
As the tip of the earliest version was proved to be too fragile, it was reinforced by an internal metal tube later. But, this measure was not still satisfying enough, the entire barrel was redesigned (Pelikan Schreibgeräte) (please see below).
In 1959, the push mechanism was redesigned (Pelikan Schreibgeräte).
Pelikan 455 (ca.195?)
My collection.
Pelikan 555RG (ca.1959)
Model 555 was renamed "555RG" in 1959 to make the model match Pelikan P1RG. Thereafter, this model was fitted with a metal tip.
Pelikan 555S (ca.1959)
Model 555S with nickel silver trim was introduced in 1959 to match Pelikan P1S.
Pelikan 575 (ca.1957)
Model 575 was introduced in 1957 to match model 520NN.
Grip section (before and after redesign)
Left; early version, right; the redesigned grip section with metal tube inside the tip. My collection.
Push mechanism (before redesign)
Apart from the mechanism by which ink comes out of the refill, this section describes how the refill is ejected and retracted with the same push. The terms used are for the descriptive purposes only and are not official (I'm sure there are technical terms, but I don't know them).
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Pressing the push-button directly pushes the refill holder and refill forward, while the push-button spring also pushes the rotor forward (the push-button doesn't directly contact the rotor). When the rotor reaches the guide in the barrel, it is pressed against the guide and doesn't advance any further, but rotates 36 degrees counter-clockwise (viewed from the tip) around the refill holder (you'll hear a click). When the push-button is released, the refill holder and refill are locked in the writing position by the rotor and refill spring (you'll hear a click). The ballpoint pen is now ready to write.
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Pressing the push-button again pushes the rotor against the guide and rotates it 36 degrees counter-clockwise to unlock the refill holder (you'll hear a click). When the push-button is released, the refill holder and refill are pushed back into the barrel by the refill spring (you'll hear a click). The refill is now retracted.
This elaborately designed mechanism allows for easy and reliable operation.
According to Pelikan Schreibgeräte, that the ballpoint pen was so late in reaching the market was "explained away" by Günter Wagner as being the result of the company's striving for technical perfection. But, it seems to me that Günter Wagner meant what the company said at least in part.
Push mechanism (after redesign)
According to the captions, this is authentic Pelikan 455 (transparent demonstrator). However, the mechanism seems to be different from the early one shown above. Presumably, this is the mechanism redesigned in 1959, which seems (the prototype of) the mechanism still in use today (YouTube).
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