Hannover Pen Show September 2024
I travelled to the Hannover Pen Show this year, having been encouraged to do so by a good friend - and I am glad I made the decision to go.
The show is hosted by Pelikan, at the Pelikan Tintenturm, and it’s fair to say it is an impressive location, not least because of the factory shop! The shop had the new m800 cream and blue edition as well as the new white Toledo - more about that later. The team at Pelikan hosted events for everyone to use their products (not the fountain pens, Pelikan make other stuff like highlighters too). Pelikan were also giving away postcards, with a “Pelikan Tinte” design. A great souvenir.
The opportunity to stay in a converted part of the factory now used as self contained accommodation (Pelikan Viertel) was not to be missed. I recommend it. A few drinks in the Pelikan Bar, and a meal in the 12 Apostles, which was at one time, I am told, a spectacular staff canteen, was great fun.
The show was hosted in a grand hall, containing display cases of limited edition Pelikan pens past and present, as well as Pelikan ephemera such as old ink bottles and the like. Here, pen dealers displayed their wares for sale including modern and vintage Pelikans and other brands. There were a lot of rare pens but my budget didn’t stretch that far sadly. I took a few pictures though!
In addition, there was a table at which a Pelikan artisan worked, creating by hand the Toledo decoration on the silver binde for the latest Toledo pen - the Pelikan Toledo M910 white. It is a fabulously good looking pen. Seeing the work being done made me appreciate the Toledo a lot more.
Rare Pelikan M800 limited edition for Italian market only, long out of production - picture courtesy of FRANCESCO ALFARANO