Some of you may recall a small post that I wrote back in 2015 titled “The (Short) Story of the M151.” If not, allow me to refresh your memory. Pelikan introduced the M150 alongside the M200 back in 1983 in order to provide a smaller alternative in the Classic series of pens. The M150 Green-Black came about in 1988 and underwent a redesign in 1997. Found predominantly in the Italian market, the M151 is nothing more than a regional variation of the standard post-1997 Green-Black M150 sold with fancier packaging. The atypical designation was once explained by one of Pelikan’s European sales & marketing representatives like so; “M151 is the company’s own ‘internal description’ for the M150 model and is the name that the pen has come to be sold under in certain export markets.” Sales literature can be found that seemingly elevates this particular model to some sort of legendary status. One such tagline reads “Everything passes…myths remain.” New for 2019, it would appear that the M151 has gotten a big brother aptly named the M251. Dressed in the exact same trim and color scheme, the M251 is distinguished from the M151 only by its larger size. Read on to find out all of the details.

If you like smaller pens, the M151 is a great daily writer. It is 4.74 inches long capped and expands to 5.81 inches when posted with a diameter of o.43 inches. It weighs only o.42 ounces and holds about 1.18mL of ink. Sales literature indicates that it was popular demand which prompted Pelikan to introduce the M151’s finish in a larger size. Consequently, the M251 sports the same dimensions as a standard M200 which equates to a capped length of 4.92 inches, a posted length of 5.71 inches, and a diameter of 0.46 inches. It weighs in at 0.49 ounces and holds around 1.20mL of ink. We have never before seen a Green-Black M200 (not withstanding the Green-Black M481 ) so this is a unique release in the Classic series, particularly important for those looking to collect them all. Both models sport a crown cap top, a single cap band, a beak clip, and a single trim ring at the piston knob. All of the furniture is gold plated. The plastic crown lacks any plating and the cap top displays Pelikan’s single chick logo. The barrel is a solid green resin in classic Pelikan fashion accented by a black resin section, piston knob, and cap. Each pen sports a gold plated stainless steel nib though the M251’s nib is larger due to the overall size of the pen. Interestingly, it appears that the M251 is being offered only with F and M nibs from most vendors though any M2xx nib should fit. One thing that you should be aware of and for reasons beyond my ability to fathom, Pelikan’s product shots depict the M151 and M251 as having green tinted ink view windows just behind the section. In reality, that is not the case. The pen that you receive will more likely than not have a gray ink view window, a small detail but one that you should be aware of.

Pelikan’s nomenclature has sometimes been fraught with pitfalls and those who have a casual understanding of the brand may remember that the M250 line was once comprised of an upgraded M200 base fitted with a 14C-585 gold nib. No such thing is found on the M251 which may result in some confusion. Like the M151, this new model comes packaged in a nostalgic gift box and includes a bottle of Pelikan’s 4001 Royal Blue ink. While a matching K151 ballpoint could be purchased with the M151, it appears that there is no such accompanying model for the M251. These are available now and it is unclear if they will only be around for a limited time or are intended for a more prolonged production run. Since they are only a regional release, you’ll have to source one from an Italian vendor if interested (I’ll link to a few below). Prices vary but you can pick one up for around €125 (~$138.50) shipped which isn’t a bad deal for a piston filled fountain pen that makes for a very reliable daily writer.

Italian Vendors Carrying The M251

**I have no affiliation with the above retailers. Their inclusion here is simply for your convenience and does not constitute an endorsement of any type**