The Pelikan Souverän is one of the most iconic fountain pen ranges in the world. Featuring Pelikan's signature striated barrel, piston filling mechanism, and gold nib, it combines everything the brand is celebrated for into a range that has remained largely unchanged and consistently beloved since its introduction in 1982.
History of the Souverän
The Souverän range was introduced by Pelikan in 1982, at a time when the fountain pen market was in decline. Rather than competing on price, Pelikan positioned the Souverän as a treasured writing instrument, something to be used for personal correspondence and signatures, and to be kept for life. The strategy worked. The range is credited with helping to revive Pelikan's fortunes and, in many ways, with helping to revive interest in quality fountain pens more broadly.
Design and Materials
All Souverän fountain pens share the same essential character: a striated resin barrel, a piston filling mechanism, and a gold nib. The gold and silver trim variants (the "05" models) differ in their nib and trim finish, but the underlying quality is consistent throughout the range.
Nibs on the M300, M400, M600, and their silver-trim equivalents are 14-carat gold with rhodium decoration. The M800, M805, and M1000 step up to 18-carat gold. All Souverän nibs are available in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, and Broad as standard.
Choosing the Right Souverän
The most important factors when choosing a Souverän are size and weight. As a general rule, the higher the model number, the larger and heavier the pen. Here is a full comparison:
| Model | Capped | Posted | Weight | Nib | Trim |
| M300 | 11.0cm | 13.3cm | 11g | 14ct gold | 24ct gold plated |
| M400 | 12.5cm | 15.0cm | 15g | 14ct gold | 24ct gold plated |
| M405 | 12.5cm | 15.0cm | 15g | 14ct gold, rhodium plated | Palladium plated |
| M600 | 13.0cm | 15.4cm | 18g | 14ct gold | 24ct gold plated |
| M800 | 14.0cm | 17.0cm | 29g | 18ct gold | 24ct gold plated |
| M805 | 14.0cm | 17.0cm | 29g | 18ct gold, rhodium plated | Palladium plated |
| M1000 | 14.5cm | 17.7cm | 33g | 18ct gold | 24ct gold plated |
Table excludes Limited Edition Souveräns. All Souverän fountain pens use Pelikan's piston filling mechanism and require bottled ink.
Colours
The classic Souverän colours are green, black, blue, and red striations, with the M300 available in green only. The silver-trim "05" models are available in black, blue, and Stresemann (grey). Pelikan also release special and limited editions within the Souverän range from time to time, popular examples include the M800 Stone Garden and M600 Vibrant Orange.
Shop the Souverän at Pure Pens
Browse the full Pelikan Souverän range at Pure Pens. For help choosing the right model, get in touch — we have been selling Pelikan pens for over 20 years and are happy to advise.