Herb Schulz and his Pelikan Toledo review

I recently had the opportunity for an up close and personal review of the new Pelikan Toledo, the latest Limited Edition of the 1931 Series. Fellow Chicago Pen Club member and collector Herb Schulz favors Pelikan, so he was the obvious choice to visit next for a Collector Profile and this Pelikan review.

Herb Schulz

Herb has retired as of August, 2001 as Professor of Physics at DuPage Community College. Herb and his wife Chris appreciate fine pens and both have built a nice collection over the years. So I thought this is going to be a pretty serious interview with a two-pen collector household.
Herb knew I was also coming over to show the Pelikan Toledo, and I quickly saw the look of anticipation in his eyes as this was his immediate focus.

The Pelikan Toledo

Said Herb : “My first impression and the first word from my mouth was “Gorgeous!”…quickly followed by “I want one!” It is easy to see why Felipe was also so impressed in his recent Pentrace Toledo review.
I hope that this Pelikan Toledo is not the last in the series, as there sure are many collectors that would more than welcome other models. This Toledo is probably to most elaborate decoration in the series with the extremely fine carved designs and very nice gold Toledo style overlay." Of course, Herb immediately bring out his 10x magnifier to really inspect the fine details and make a direct comparison to the original. No, unfortunately he does not have an original, but the Dittmer and Lehmann Pelikan book is a great reference and he enjoys to study.

Display Cabinet

“I find the Toledo overlay design as compared to the photos of the original to be remarkably accurate. As you well know, many collectors will make a major issue over the smallest variation, but here it just takes a glance to know what it really is. Pelikan seems to have a very faithful model reproduction. No overstated embellishments, 14K cap rings and a modern 18K nib.
If Pelikan were to ask my opinion as to what other vintage models or colors should be made, I would not hesitate to ask for the 100 series or the M800 in Tortoise. The all Tortoise was made from 1935 to 1937, the Tortoise barrel and brown cap only from 1936 to 1937 and is considered one of their most beautiful materials. Another color I’d like to see would be the Lizard pattern made from 1935 to 1938. That would be a stunning addition to the line and the Tortoise has been proven to be a real winner with the 800 recently produced as a limited availability for the Asian market. The 1931 100 in the all yellow gold would round out the 1931 Series very well.
The Pelikan pens in this series that I own are the 1931 Green and the Weiss gold.
Other Pelikan in my collection include the M400 blue stripe with a retro fitted 18K XF in a nice soft flex, M600 and M800 sizes in the traditional black, green and black or green and blue stripes. So I guess you can call me a traditional Pelikan collector, with my pens being closer to original designs and patterns.

When asked why I favor Pelikan I just have to say I like the nice clean design and I simply appreciate a well-made fountain pen.
I started using fountain pens back in the 1950’s when I had a Parker 21, only because I could not afford the “51”. Eventually I bought a Parker 61 and was disappointed, the ink supply seemed to run dry too quickly. So the faithful Parker 21 was used all through High School, College and Graduate School. In 1974 I decided to treat myself to a Montblanc 144, well less than $100 at that time, which I bought for myself as a graduation present. I treated myself to my first expensive pen in 1983, buying a Waterman LeMan 100 in black lacquer, which I still have and use.

Display Table

In 1986 I discovered the Pelikan M800 which has the 14K nib I prefer. Soon friends and associates were referring to me as “that eccentric professor using those old ink pens” which really made me laugh because professors build their reputation on being eccentric, so I was glad my reputation was building. Soon I was enjoying other pens, such as the first reissue of the Parker Duofold in maroon, and later purchased the matching ballpoint with cap actuated top which I still have. Later came the Orange Centennial Duofold, several Cross Fountain pens such as the Century in sterling silver, and the beautiful Anniversary Edition. Others quickly followed such as Aurora Optima in Blue, Sheaffer Balance, Namiki Sterling Dragon and also a DuPont.

Cross

When I retired in 2001 my wife, Chris, gave me a Montegrappa with sterling Greek Key pattern barrel simply engraved H.S. 8/2001. This is a very special pen and has a remarkable engraved pattern that actually changes from Greek Key to another pattern depending on the lighting when viewed. I enjoy fountain pens, they seem to slow me down, I find it is very relaxing to write with a softer nib.”

I noticed Herb has a few Levenger pen caddy and holders, so I asked about his daily rotation. Well, is it a sign one can not make up their mind or simply if one pen is good several are better? Herb has about eight pens always ready and inked, and among them several are his favorite Pelikans.

Daily Rotation

So far as inks, I am fond of using a Black and Green Mix (Pelikan in my Piston Fillers, Quink in others) and Aurora Blue when I’m in a Blue mood.

Photography: Len Provisor