In the course of monitoring my usual sources of Pelikan news, I came across an interesting post in my Instagram feed today. Çelik Kalem, whose Turkish name translates to “Steel Pen,” gave us a photo of what appears to be the next release in the M101N series. From what I can gather, Çelik Kalem is a family run company who serves as a major distributor for Pelikan pens in Turkey and would likely be positioned to have foreknowledge of upcoming models. Pelikan will soon announce the fourth pen in their series of modern M101Ns slated for release sometime later this year. The pen is the M101N Bright Red. This model will follow the previously released Tortoiseshell Brown (2011), Lizard (2012), and Tortoiseshell Red (2014). It would be the first in the series to break from emulating their vintage counterparts. To date, all of the prior models on the market have keyed off of their predecessor’s designs from the late 1930s. I cannot recall a 101N ever having been released with this color scheme. Pelikan’s description of this model carries the tag line, “Intense luminosity and a unique presence.”

Historic 101N Models

Red cap & tortoiseshell binde (1937-51)

Tortoiseshell cap & binde (1937-51)

Lizard cap & binde (1937-51)

Rolled white gold cap & binde (1938-42)

14 carat gold cap and binde (1938-42)

*Variations exists with short cap tops, Emege versions, and versions with solid vs patterned cap tops which adds to the complexity and number of original variants.

The photo appears to be a professional product shot in the style of many of Pelikan’s prior releases. What is interesting is that this pen appears to use the same nib, section, ink window, piston knob, and cap top as the last release in the series, the Tortoiseshell Red. If not an identical shade of red, the colors are not too far off from what we’ve already seen. What appears to have changed most is the material used to produce the cap and binde. In this instance, both are done in the same shade of red with what appear to be subtle, yellow-orange highlights that snake their way through the resin. Pelikan claims that these pieces are made of a high quality acrylic with a distinctive marbled pattern.

The nib of this pen is likely to be made of a 14K monotone gold available in sizes EF, F, M, and B. The furniture is 24K gold-plated and the section, cap top, and piston knob are made from high quality resin. The ink window is an amber color. This would be a special edition release therefore when supplies run out, they would no longer be available. Previous releases have had an MSRP somewhere around $550.

What are your thoughts on the potential M101N Bright Red? Is this one to add to the collection or something that you would want to pass over? Personally, I don’t mind the pen’s appearance but it looks and feels a bit uninspired. Perhaps it’s one of those that has to be seen to truly be appreciated. Putting the two side by side, I’d go with the Tortoiseshell Red every time.

UPDATE 1/27/16: Vendors have confirmed this pen’s release en mass today. The anticipated release date is March 2017. Pre-orders should be available anytime now. Official pricing has yet to be announced.