Pelikan M450 and M450

So, what can we say about the new Pelikan 450 and 420? Well...

To start with, they are both done in the M400 size pen. Thus they might seem somewhat small to those of us who feel that the M800 size is where pens begin, going upwards in size from there. For many people however, the M400 is almost the perfect size for a writing instrument. It's an "everyday use" pen, not designed to be a status symbol or an "item of luxury for the discriminating connoisseur". In that regard, the decision to produce these two new pens in this size makes sense.

Given that they are done in a slightly smaller scale than Pelikan's flagship model, these pens, especially the M450 manage to make an amazing impression upon those who have seen them in person. The M450 especially. In fact, it's really not fair to review the pair together, as the M450 is likely to completely overshadow the M420, and that's really not fair to the M420, a very nice pen on it's own.

Given that, we'll begin with the M420! This is a very simple pen, the word "understated" fits very well. Basic black barrel, paired with sterling silver, a very classic combination.

The combination is pulled off very nicely with the M420. The cap and piston knob at the barrel end are finished with deeply engraved fine lines running lengthwise. That's about the extent of the "flash" included with the M420. Everything else is simple, sturdy, and very much performance based.

The M420, as you would expect from any pen built on the M400, is still a fairly light pen. Posting the cap puts a substantial proportion of it's weight up high in the hand, it didn't bother some of us, others found it distracting when in use and preferred it unposted. It's not the overall weight, even with the metal finishings, the M420 is still not a heavyweight, it's just a question of balance, too much metal hanging around on top of a light plastic barrel.

Aside form the question of "to post or not to post", the M420 was very pleasant in use. Your choice of nibs, Pelikan makes it all, from extra fine to triple broad oblique. The piston mechanism worked smoothly, and ink capacity, while not huge, was more than adequate for normal use. The number one comment from those who got the chance to try it out was "it's a Pelikan", which is pretty high praise.

The M450.... "Gorgeous", "elegant", "lovely" "beautiful". These were the sort of comments floating around when the package was opened. Another common observation was that the M450 is very "vintage" in appearance. It does take quite a lot from the Pelikans of the 1950s, both the gold cap and piston knob, as well as the wonderful green/gold barrel celluloid.

The barrel was actually the first thing to really stand out on the M450. That's a bit surprising for a pen with both the entire cap as well as the piston knob finished in nicely engraved gold over sterling silver, but it's true. The celluloid on the barrel is a step away from the "basics" of Pelikan colours. Instead of the dark brown and gold stripes of the Tortoiseshell, it's a light green shade with shimmering highlights of amber gold, interspersed with deep reddish brown.

Once again, the cap and piston knob are finished with a line pattern deeply engraved into the metal. Like the M420, the metal is sterling silver, this time under a coat of gold. The trim is also finished in gold plate to match. The rich colour of the gold brings out the highlights of the barrel material quite well, while also managing to harmonize with the darker portions. Visually, it's a perfect match, and the M450 is one of the most attractive Pelikans we've seen in quite a while.

In use, the same caveats apply as to the M420. It's a bit top heavy if used with the cap posted. It is available with the same nib choices, and has the same reliable piston mechanism.

Making a choice between the two was easy for most of us. The M450 won hands down. Given the fact that it's a stunning new colour of barrel being compared to basic black and silver, that's not surprising. The M420 will very likely have it's supporters, it's just too nice a pen not to, but for right now, it looks as though the M450 will be seen as the belle of the ball!

BACK TO CONTENTS