Pelikan Souverän Series Explained: A Collector’s Dream Pen Range

Introduction: The German Icon Every Collector Reveres

In the world of luxury fountain pens, Pelikan stands tall as one of the most respected, historic, and technically advanced brands. While other luxury pen makers emphasize prestige, Pelikan places its heart in pure writing excellence — engineering, craftsmanship, and an unmistakable aesthetic inspired by nature and tradition. At the center of Pelikan’s legacy lies the legendary Souverän Series, one of the most loved, collected, and timeless pen ranges in the world.

Known globally as the Stresemann, after the striped suits of the German diplomat Gustav Stresemann, the Souverän pens are instantly recognizable for their elegant striped barrels, buttery-smooth piston mechanisms, and perfectly tuned gold nibs. For collectors, the Souverän line represents everything a luxury pen should be: beautiful, reliable, heirloom-worthy, and a joy to write with.

This in-depth blog explores every Pelikan Souverän model, including special editions, craftsmanship details, performance characteristics, and what makes this series a true collector’s dream.

What Makes the Pelikan Souverän Series Special?

1. The Best Piston-Filling System in the World

Pelikan’s piston mechanism is widely regarded as the smoothest and most durable in the industry. It offers:

• Large ink capacity
• Silent, effortless movement
• Long-term reliability
• Brass components for long life

Many collectors buy Pelikan specifically for this piston system.

2. The Iconic Striped Cellulose Acetate Barrel

Pelikan’s striped pattern is hand-laminated using:

• Multi-layered cellulose
• Precision milling
• Hand polishing

The stripes shimmer beautifully under light, making each pen visually dynamic.

3. German Hand Assembly & Testing

Each Souverän pen is hand-assembled in Hanover, Germany. Artisans tune and test every nib individually before it leaves the factory.

4. Easily Interchangeable Nibs

Pelikan nibs unscrew instantly, allowing collectors to change:

• Gold nib sizes
• Writing profiles
• Custom nib grinds

This adds tremendous personalization value.

5. A Pen for Every Hand Size

Pelikan is one of the few brands offering the same design across multiple sizes:

• M1000 – Oversized
• M800 – Large
• M600 – Medium
• M400 – Medium-small
• M200 – Classic steel-nib entry tier

The design language stays consistent — only sizing changes.

6. Rich Special Editions

Pelikan’s annual colour releases and limited editions are often sold out immediately and become top collector items.

Complete Pelikan Souverän Series Breakdown

Below is the fully corrected and complete Souverän range, including Classic models often collected alongside the gold-nib Souveräns.

 

Pelikan Souverän M1000 / M1005

The Flagship. The King. The Statement Pen.

The M1000 is Pelikan’s largest and grandest pen — often compared to the Montblanc 149 but with a softer, more expressive writing feel.

Features

• Oversized body for powerful presence
• 18k soft, springy gold nib
• Extraordinary ink capacity
• Smoothest piston action
• M1000 = gold plated trim
• M1005 = palladium trim

Writing Experience

• Bouncy, semi-flex feel
• Perfect for expressive writing, signatures
• Very wet, luxurious ink flow

Popular Colours

• Black-Green (classic)
• Black
• M1005 Black-Blue
• M1005 Stresemann

Collector-Grade Special Editions

• M1000 Raden Sunrise
• M1000 Raden Green Ray
• M1000 Raden White Ray
• Limited production models

Collector Verdict

A true grail pen. Holds and increases value significantly.

Pelikan Souverän M800 / M805

The Most Loved Collector Size

The M800 is the perfect balance between size, weight, and usability. It is often considered the best all-round luxury writing instrument in the Pelikan family.

Features

• 18k gold nib
• Perfect weight distribution
• Firm nib feel with controlled feedback
• M800 = gold plated trim
• M805 = chrome trim

Writing Experience

• Smooth, consistent, highly reliable
• Ideal for long writing, daily office use, journaling

Classic Colours

• Black-Green
• Black-Blue
• Black-Red
• Solid Black

Famous Special Editions

• M800 Green Demonstrator
• M809 Matte Black
• M805 Stresemann
• M805 Blue Dunes
• M805 Metal Sleeve
• M800 Crème Blue
• M815 Metal Striped Blue

Collector Verdict

The heart of Pelikan’s collector community. A must-have.

 

Pelikan Souverän M600 / M605

The Elegant Mid-Size Jewel

The M600 is smaller and lighter than the M800, making it ideal for writers with medium/small hands or those who prefer a delicately balanced pen.

Features

• 14k gold nib
• Slim, elegant design
• Lighter weight = effortless long writing
• M600 = gold trim
• M605 = silver trim

Writing Experience

• Slightly softer nib feel
• Incredible shading properties
• Perfect for journaling & daily writing

Popular Colours

• Black-Green
• Black-Blue
• Black-Red
• Green-White
• Violet-White

Special Editions

• M600 White Rosegold
• M600 Rudi Rother
• M600 Red White
• M600 Pink (extremely collectible!)
• M600 Vibrant Orange
• M605 Stresemann Anthracite

Collector Verdict

Beautiful designs + great size = collector favourite.

Pelikan Souverän M400 / M405

The Classic Pelikan DNA

The M400 preserves the proportions and writing feel of Pelikan’s vintage pens. It’s the ideal everyday luxury pen.

Features

• 14k gold nib with a soft, vintage-like feel
• Lightweight body
• Perfect for extended writing
• M400 = gold plated trim
• M405 = chrome trim

Writing Experience

• Soft, gentle feedback
• Smooth wet ink flow
• Easy to control

Popular Colours

• Black-Green
• Black-Blue
• White-Tortoise
• Brown-Tortoise

Collector Verdict

A classic Pelikan experience — iconic and timeless.

Pelikan Classic M200 / M205

The Steel-Nib Entry Point With Souverän DNA

Though technically the Classic Series, these pens share the same piston system, design language, and aesthetic identity as Souverän models — making them highly collectible companions.

Features

• Steel nib (extremely smooth for steel!)
• Lightweight and durable
• Affordable yet luxurious feel
• Same piston-filling system as higher models

Popular Colours

• M200 Brown Marbled
• M200 Apricot Achat
• M200 Smoky Quartz
• M205 Petrol-Marbled
• M205 Demonstrator
• M205 Apatite
• M200 Orange Delight

Writing Experience

• Smooth, reliable, beginner-friendly
• Great shading behaviour

Collector Verdict

Best budget-friendly Pelikan for everyday use or for starting a collection.

Pelikan M900 Toledo

The Crown Jewel of Pelikan Artistry

The Pelikan M900 Toledo is one of the most exquisite writing instruments in the world — a blend of engineering and hand-engraved art.

Features

• Hand-engraved sterling silver sleeve using the Toledo technique
• 18k gold nib
• Black high-grade resin body
• Each piece is individually crafted and unique
• Very limited production

The Toledo Process

• Skilled artisans hammer patterns into silver
• Engrave details by hand
• Apply black lacquer
• Polish to perfection

Collector Verdict 

An heirloom-level masterpiece. Among the most coveted Pelikans ever made.

 

Pelikan M101N Series

Vintage Pelikan Reborn

Pelikan periodically releases M101N Special Editions, recreating iconic designs from the 1930s.

Features

• Compact vintage size
• 14k gold nib
• Old-style Pelikan logo
• Special packaging
• Celluloid-like materials

Editions

• M101N Lizard
• M101N Red Tortoise
• M101N Brown Tortoise
• M101N Grey Blue
• M101N Bright Red

Collector Verdict

Pure nostalgia + rare availability = high collector interest.

 

Comparing All Pelikan Souverän Models

Model	Trim	Nib	Size	Best For
M1000 / M1005	Gold / Silver	18k	Oversized	Signature writing, luxury collectors
M800 / M805	Gold / Silver	18k	Large	Balanced daily writing, core collectors
M600 / M605	Gold / Silver	14k	Medium	Long writing, journaling
M400 / M405	Gold / Silver	14k	Medium-small	Everyday luxury writing
M200 / M205	Gold-tone / Silver	Steel	Medium-small	Beginners, daily users
M900 Toledo	Gold / Silver	18k	Medium-large	Serious collectors, heirloom buyers
M101N Series	Gold	14k	Compact	Vintage enthusiasts, collectors

 

Why Collectors Love the Pelikan Souverän Line

1. Writing Comfort Above All

Pelikan pens are made for real writing, not display alone.

2. Long-Term Reliability

The piston system and resin construction last decades.

3. Value Appreciation

Pelikan limited editions steadily rise in price.

4. Collector Community Strength

Pelikan collectors worldwide share tuning tips, trades, and insights.

5. Personalisation

Nib swapping and tuning make the pens uniquely yours.

 

Why Buy Pelikan Pens from Makoba

Makoba offers:

• 100% authentic Pelikan pens
• Rare Souverän models & special editions
• Collector-focused service
• Corporate gifting options
• Expert nib & pen guidance
• Engraving services
• PAN-India shipping

Makoba is India’s trusted luxury pen destination for serious collectors.

Conclusion: Pelikan Souverän – A Lifetime of Writing Pleasure

The Pelikan Souverän series is more than a pen range — it is a legacy of German craftsmanship, a symbol of refined taste, and one of the most collectible writing instrument families in history.

From the majestic M1000, the perfectly balanced M800, the elegant M600, the classic M400, the versatile M200, and the artistic M900 Toledo, to the nostalgic M101N, each model offers a unique writing experience and an emotional connection.

For collectors, owning a Pelikan Souverän is not just about writing — it’s about preserving tradition, appreciating craftsmanship, and celebrating the art of fine writing.