Pelikan vs Parker Comparison

Wondering whether to go for a Pelikan pen or maybe the more well known Parker pen?

We will be comparing the Pelikan Souverän M800 against the Parker Duofold Centennial. We will compare size, weight and their filling mechanisms.

Pelikan and Parker are both long standing, trusted names in the writing equipment world.

German established Pelikan have been producing pens since 1938, starting with their ink factory based in Hanover. 

Parker have been an American producer of pens since 1888, quickly becoming a household name. 

Pelikan M800

Weight- 29 grams

Length (capped) - 14 cm

Posted - 17 cm

Diameter - 1.3 cm

Parker Duofold Centennial

Weight - 29 grams

Length (capped) - 13.7 cm

Posted - 17.4 cm

Diameter - 1.3 cm

Both pens are on the heavy side with the Pelikan M800 made of celluloid with a brass filling mechanism. The Parker Duofold is made of resin with metal trims.

The Pelikan has a piston filling mechanism to fill with ink giving it a larger ink capacity holding 2.0 ml of ink (an average ink cartridge holds 0.7ml of ink).

The Parker fountain pen uses a cartridge or converter system of ink refill and only Parker own brand will fit their pens. The converter will hold 0.6ml of ink.

The Pelikan M800 has 24 carat gold plated trims and an 18 carat gold nib.

The Parker is very similar with 23 carat gold plated trims with an 18 carat gold nib.

Pelikan nibs are easily available in four nib sizes from us. Parker fountain pens are generally supplied to us in only a medium nib width but other sizes can be ordered upon request.

Pelikan Pens have a 3 year warranty on all their pens and Parker have a 2 year warranty on theirs.

Shop ALL Pelikan Souverans HERE

Jump over to our sister website Pure Pens to see our range of Parker Pens and the Duofold range.

Pictured is the Pelikan Souveran M800 in Green and the Parker Duofold Centennial in Black and Gold.

Size comparison for the Pelikan and Parker fountain pens - image.