Yesterday brought an unexpected glimpse of the next M8xx release out of Hannover, this time courtesy of U.K. based Penbox by way of their Instagram account. The news seems to come a little ahead of schedule as we don’t have any high quality stock photos or other promotional materials available as of yet nor do we see any announcements from other vendors. What we do have is a first look at the upcoming M805 Blue Dunes special edition in what appears to be a pre-release photo meant for retailers. Consistent with the rumors from earlier this year, this M805 has a pattern reminiscent of 2016’s M800 Grand Place. The Blue Dunes embodies swirling shades of blue intermixed with darker tones. We are still awaiting official word from Pelikan with regards to the inspiration behind this finish. The Blue Dunes will join the likes of the Ocean Swirl (2017) and the Vibrant Blue (2015), accented by palladium plated trim. Based on what little info is available at the moment, this one is anticipated for a late June 2019 release.

Since we do not yet have an official product shot, we can only speculate as to whether or not this model will incorporate a discrete ink window or rely on some translucency to demonstrate the remaining volume of ink in the pen. My guess would be the latter based on past finishes. The furniture includes a plated cap top, a beak clip, two cap bands, two trim rings at the piston knob, and a single trim ring at the section. The palladium plating gives all of the trim a silver appearance. The standard dimensions of the M8xx line includes a capped length of 5.59 inches and a weight of 0.99 ounces. The added heft comes from a brass piston assembly. The nib will feature rhodium plated 18C-750 gold, most likely available in the widths of EF, F, M, and B.

As with past releases, the M805 Blue Dunes fountain pen release will be accompanied by a ballpoint pen. It is unclear as to whether or not a rollerball will be available as well. There is no word on pricing at this time but my suspicion is that U.S. retail prices will range from $650 to $700. The pen will likely come with Pelikan’s standard gift box and I would anticipate that vendors will soon begin taking pre-orders.

While the available picture admittedly isn’t of great quality, it does whet the appetite for those eager for the next M8xx release. I’m sure this isn’t how Pelikan had hoped to break the news of the Blue Dunes so I anticipate a more formal announcement to follow soon. The M8xx is one of my preferred sizes and I’m likely to pick this one up. That said, I am getting a little tired of blue pens and long for a splash of color. Still, I’m sure that there are many out there who will love the look of the new M805. What do you think about this newest addition to the M8xx line-up? Once additional details become available, I will post a follow-up detailing all the swirly blue goodness.