Pen Reviews · Profile & review in progress
Pelikan Souverän M800
A piston-filler with Pelikan’s signature striped barrel.
The Pelikan Souverän M800 is often named in the same breath as the Montblanc 149 — a large, gold-nibbed German piston-filler with a cult following. With its green-striped barrel and beak-shaped clip, it's one of the most recognizable fountain pens on the market. Here's the background ahead of our review.
History
Pelikan traces its roots to 1838 in Hanover, Germany, as a maker of inks and paints. In 1929, Pelikan introduced its first fountain pen, using a patented differential piston mechanism, and the piston filler has defined the brand ever since. Its post-war Pelikan 400 established the classic striped look.
In 1982, Pelikan reintroduced the 400 style as the Souverän M400, launching the modern Souverän line. The M800 debuted at the Frankfurt Spring Fair in 1987 as Pelikan's first modern oversized pen, and it reached U.S. shops the following year for Pelikan's 150th anniversary. It remains a core model, and the M800 platform underpins many of Pelikan's special and limited editions.
Design and specifications
- Body: the classic version has a translucent green-and-black striped barrel that lets you see the ink level, with black resin cap and gold-plated trim. Many other colors have been offered.
- Filling system: piston filler. The M800 has a brass piston connector and a threaded piston assembly, which is designed to be removable — something Pelikan's smaller Souveräns don't share.
- Nib: 18-karat gold, rhodium-decorated two-tone nib in sizes from extra-fine to broad, with specialty options. Pelikan nib units can be unscrewed and swapped, making it easy to change nib sizes.
- Weight and balance: heavier than the M400 and M600, in part due to the brass piston parts, with a balance some writers find especially comfortable.
Why it's popular
The M800 combines a large ink capacity, a smooth gold nib, user-serviceable features, and a timeless look. Its interchangeable nib units are a practical advantage: owners can buy additional nibs in different sizes and swap them without sending the pen away.
What we'll evaluate
- Design: materials, finish, the striped barrel, and proportions.
- Writing feel: smoothness, flow, line width compared to label, and nib character.
- Build quality: piston smoothness, threads, cap seal, and durability.
- Value: compared to the Montblanc 149, Japanese flagships, and Pelikan's own M600 and M1000.
Things to know before buying
- Nib width: Pelikan nibs have historically been described by many owners as running wet and broad for their label. Consider a size down if you prefer finer lines, and try before buying if possible.
- Pricing: prices have risen considerably over the past decade. Compare authorized retailers and reputable pre-owned sellers.
- Special editions: Pelikan regularly releases special colors on the M800 platform; some become collectible.
- Maintenance: the threaded piston can be removed with a special tool for cleaning and lubrication, but follow Pelikan's guidance; see our care guide.
Alternatives
The Pelikan M600 offers a lighter, mid-size option; the M1000 is larger with a softer nib. Outside Pelikan, the Montblanc 146 and 149, Pilot Custom 823 (a vacuum filler), and Sailor 1911 Large are common comparisons.
Status
No ratings have been assigned. We'll score the M800 only after the hosts have written with it extensively.
Context
Within Pelikan's lineup, the M800 sits between the mid-size M600 and the oversized M1000. Many collectors view it as the "goldilocks" Souverän: large enough for a confident grip and ink capacity, but not so large that it's unwieldy. Its threaded piston has also made it a favorite of owners who prefer to clean and maintain their own pens.
Ratings
Ratings are editorial opinions and will be added once the hosts have spent time with this pen. No scores have been assigned yet.
The verdict
Coming soon.
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