Gimborn a Pelikan Company

The Gimborn 150 fountain pen was almost identical to the model Pelikan 300. Only the clip and the missing cap logo were different from the Pelikan version. The name Gimborn is found on the nib. A mechanical pencil was offered, too; this was the Gimborn 175 (design of the Pelikan 350). About 5 years later the black model was extended by three additional color varieties and other models.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.54 oz	5.12 in	4.02 in	2.44 in	0.47 in	2.0 ml
15.4 g	130 mm	102 mm	62 mm	12 mm

Three years after the first model Master, the model Senior was introduced, using parts produced by Lamy. From 1958 the model was slightly modified.  Now the barrel no longer had circumferential ink window, but four round ink windows, which were very reminiscent of the designs of new fountain pen models, such as the new P1S and P1RG models from Pelikan from the same period. The black model Gimborn 130 shows this new design.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity

Just like the model Senior, the Gimborn 120 Junior was reissued from 1954 onwards. It was aimed at students and buyers for writing instruments in the lower price segment. Yet again the parts of this fountain pen were produced by Pelikan. Two modifications are known for this model, which will be done around the end of the 1950s. First, it is noticeable that the round top of the cap head is replaced by a sharper cap end. The filler knob is now no longer hidden under a cap and can be operated directly. The circumferential ink window is replaced by four elongated viewing windows. In one variant (v2) these viewing windows are angular, in a probably later variant (v3) these elongated viewing windows have rounded ends. Also striking in the variant (v3) is the grip section, that tapers further towards the nib. (Such a peculiarity can also be found again when comparing the Pelikan 120 to the Pelikan 120 Merz & Krell.) The dimensions of the variants differ only slightly, the caps could be exchanged between the model variants. There are many indications that these new variants have already been produced by another manufacturer (Böhler GmbH).

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.49 oz	1) 5.18 in 2) 5.22 in	1) 4.04 in 2) 4.00 in	1) 2.38 in 2) 2.48 in	0.47 in	1.5 ml
14 g	1) 131.5 mm 2)132.5 mm	1) 102.5 mm 2) 101.5 mm	1) 60.5 mm 2) 63 mm	12 mm

1) Early variant, 2) later variants (v2, v3)

These piston fillers were produced in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The fountain pens clearly show that they come from the company Hermann Böhler GmbH. Following the trend of the times, these pens have a hooded nib with an internal ink feed. The interrupted ink window looks very much like the last modified version of the Gimborn 120 Junior. The new clip shape with the curved G for Gimborn shows a feature, which is later continued in the series of cartridge pens of the model Major. A trend to more colour is clearly visible. Whether these piston filling models ever came onto the market or whether these are only prototypes is beyond our knowledge.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
	4.84 in	4.38 in	2.25 in	0.41 in
	123 mm	111.3 mm	57.2 mm	10.5 mm

At the beginning of the 1960s, the Gimborn company introduced a Gimborn cartridge fountain pen for the first time, calling the model Major. The features of the major pens are the barrel and grip section of colored plastic, a metal cap and a tapered clip. At the beginning (variants a - c) the pen carries a curved G as a Gimborn logo; in the early 1970s this old logo is not shown anymore (variant d). The cap is matt chromed brass but with a wide polished band around its opening, which bears the engraved name Gimborn. A screwed plastic disc (in the same color as the barrel) closes the end of the cap and holds the clip in place. The hooded nib was initially well hidden but was replaced by two successive new more open nib forms. The pen was also given a continuous band ink window which shows the fill level of the ink cartridge.

The dimensions of the pen also changed over time, although the weight remained nearly the same despite a significantly longer metal cap. Why? - the thickness of the metal cap was reduced by about 2/5 so that the old and new cap weigh the same. Further changes concern the polished ring with lettering on the cap opening, a metal disc at the end of the barrel and (at the end of the 60s) the replacement of the plastic disc by a metal disc on the end of the cap. With the introduction of the new stylized G as a new company logo around 1969, the curved G is missing on the clip and the new logo appears at the end of the cap, instead.

The known variants can be described as follows:

1. Highly concealed gold-plated stainless steel nib, without tin window
2. Approx. 1965: more visible gold-plated stainless steel nib, encircling ink window
3. New nib form (gold plated stainless steel), encircling ink window as b), at the end is a chromed metal disc
4. End of the 1960s: as c), but end cap carries a metal disc, which later also shows the new stylized G-logo of Gimborn

With the change of the variants the colours offered also partly changed. A matching ballpoint to the fountain pen was also offered, with the name Majorette. All these models were manufactured by Hermann Böhler GmbH on behalf of Gimborn. Since Böhler fountain pens are usually equipped with a nib from Degussa, the logo of Degussa (rhombus with half sun) is often found on the nibs of these pens.

For this model, a Repair kit is shown on the site "Tools".

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
a) 0.46 oz b/c/d)0.47 oz	a) 5.12 in b/c/d) 5.30 in	a) 4.41 in b/c/d) 4.43 in	a) 2.26 in b/c/d) 2.50 in	a) 0.43 in b/c/d) 0.45 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
a) 13 g b/c/d)13.4 g	a) 130.0 mm b/c/d) 134.6 mm	a) 112.0 mm b/c/d) 112.5 mm	a) 57.3 mm b/c/d) 63.6 mm	a) 11.0 mm b/c/d) 11.5 mm

Variant a) appr. 1960, b) appr. 1965, c) before 1972, d) after 1972

The Major GOLD was offered as a new variant of the Major (Series I). This fountain pen with a gold-plated cap in strip guilloche, gold-plated fittings and a 14 ct gold nib was intended to appeal to adults in the higher price segment of the market. The first variant corresponds to the variant Major I a), with fully hooded nib and without ink window. Around 1965 there is the Major GOLD, with a new nib form and the continuous band ink window, similar to the way the changes in Major I b) is described.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
a) 0.46 oz b/c/d)0.47 oz	a) 5.12 in b) 5.30 in	a) 4.41 in b) 4.43 in	a) 2.26 in b) 2.50 in	a) 0.43 in b) 0.45 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
a) 13 g b)13.4 g	a) 130.0 mm b) 134.6 mm	a) 112.0 mm b) 112.5 mm	a) 57.3 mm b) 63.6 mm	a) 11.0 mm b) 11.5 mm

Variant a) appr. 1960, b) appr. 1965

Around 1970, Gimborn started a new series of the Major. A first feature of this series is a bar clip instead of the narrow tapered clip. A new corporate identity has been found with the vignette of a stylized G, which now graces the end cap of the new series. No further lettering on the clip or on the cap end shows otherwise that these fountain pens are a product of Gimborn. People interpreted the significance of this new logo with a great deal of imagination, but the connection to Gimborn is often not recognized.

It was therefore decided (around 1974) to modify the following further models of this series Major. The previous clip with a curved edge and 4 mm width is replaced by a smooth clip of 4.5 mm width. On the new clip, the imprint 'Gimborn' now shows the name of the company, while the stylized G at the end of the cap disappears.

All model variants have a continuous band ink window that shows the filling level of the ink cartridges. The ends of the barrel are always closed by a bolted metal / plastic disc. The nib corresponds to the existing nibs of the I. series in the variants c / d. The ink feed now runs under the nib less pointedly and increases the contact surface to the nib.

The following variants of this series are known:

1. Black plastic cap with metal ring on the cap opening which does not bear any lettering. The clip without lettering is held by a metal disc with the logo of a stylized G at the end of the cap. The grip section is black, the barrel is offered in different colors. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

2. Matt black lacquered metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. The clip without lettering is held by a metal disc with the logo of a stylized G at the end of the cap. The grip section and barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

3. Chrome-plated metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. The clip with lettering is held by a metal disc with the logo of a stylized G at the end of the cap. The grip section and the barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

4. Matt black lacquered metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. The new clip with the lettering 'Gimborn' and two differently sized holes is held by a metal disc without a logo at the end of the cap. The grip section and barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

5. Chrome-plated metal cap without lettering at the cap opening. New bar clip with 'GIMBORN', without logo at the end of the cap. The grip section and barrel have the same color. Screwed metal disc at the end of the barrel.

6. As variant e), but with a screwed plastic disc at the barrel end in color of the barrel instead of a metal disc

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
a) 0.43 oz b-f) 0.54 oz	a) 5.31 in b-f) 5.20 in	a) 4.41 in b/c) 4.83 in d/e/f) 4.81 in	a) 2.52 in b/c) 2.39 in d/e/f) 2.38 in	0.45 in	2 x 0,8 ml (Patrone)
a) 12.1 g b-f) 15.2 g	a) 135 mm b-f) 132 mm	a) 112 mm b/c) 122.6 mm d/e/f) 122.3 mm	a) 64 mm b/c) 60.8 mm d/e/f) 60.5 mm	11.5 mm

In the early 1970s, the major gold was further modified. Unchanged is, that the pen is equipped with a 14 ct gold nib. The cap, the clip, the ring on the ink window and the metal plate on the barrel end are gold plated. The nib and the grip section correspond to the barrel of the major from the II. Series. The clip is elaborately shaped as the Major II. The cap shows the stylized G, in the cap edge is imprinted 'GIMBORN MAJOR'.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.54 oz	5.20 in	4.41 in	2.41 in	0.45 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
15.3 g	132 mm	112 mm	61.2 mm	11.5 mm

The Major model has a barrel and a cap made of nickel silver with a 'hammered' surface structure. The grip section is made of black, frosted plastic. The nib and ink feed are the same as those of the Major Series I c / d models.

The Major GLS is similar to the Pelikan SilverStar, but in details the two fountain pens differs.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.81 oz	5.20 in	4.88 in	2.40 in	0.47 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
23 g	132 mm	124 mm	61 mm	12 mm

Similar to the Major GLS model, the Major GL has a cap made of nickel silver with a 'hammered' surface texture (variant a). The barrel and grip section are made of matt plastic in four different colors. The ending is closed by a metal disc. The cap end is closed by a metal disc which carries the stylized logo G and holds the clip, which is completely plain, with no engraving.

At a later time the design of this cap changes (variant b). It is now made of frosted chrome, the end of the cap no longer shows the logo. The new clip now carries the engraved word 'Gimborn'.

Similar to the Major GLS model, the Major GL has a metal cap, but the barrel and the grip section are made of frosted plastic in four different colors. The cap of Major GL can be found in three different variants:

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
a,b) 0.50 oz c) 0.52 oz	a,b) 5.22 in c) 5.18 in	4.48 in	a,b) 2.42 in c) 2.38 in	0.45 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
a) 14.2 g b. c) 14.8 g	a.b) 132.5 mm c) 131.6 mm	113.7 mm	a.b) 61.4 mm c) 60.5 mm	11.5 mm

The MAJOR primo model has a black screw cap and a black plastic grip section. The barrel comes in various different colors. The end of the cap is closed with a plastic disc in the same color as the barrel, while the barrel end is always closed with a black, screwed-in plastic disc. The nib and the ink feed are longer and slimmer than the model Grip so that the nib has more flexibility when writing.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.36 oz	5.28 in	4.79 in	2.45 in	0.47 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
10.3 g	134 mm	121.7 mm	62.3 mm	12 mm

The MAJOR grip introduced a new model of the Major series, which was aimed at students as the target group. The barrel, grip section and cap are made of plastic in the same color. The grip section now has a profile, which is designed to give an inexperienced fountain pen user more security and a better hold for writing. A bead prevents the fingers from sliding on to the nib. The new ink feed lets the nib stand out, giving it more flexibility. The nib has often no air hole, though models are known which the nib has an air hole.

Initially, the barrel is closed by a screwed plastic disc. In later models, the barrel was made in a single piece. The end of the cap is closed by a screwed plastic disc, which also holds the clip. The clip normally carries the embossing, GIMBORN '. However, clips with the label 'MAJOR' and 'MAJOR GRIP' are also known. It is conceivable that these fountain pens were made around 1981, after the company Gimborn B.V. was renamed as Pelikan Nederland B.V.

A sales leaflet Pelikan Nederland B.V. issued for its dealers from the years 1982/83 showed this MAJOR grip as a school fountain pen.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.37 oz	5.34 in	4.83 in	2.51 in	0.45 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
10.4 g	135.6 mm	122.6 mm	63.8 mm	11.5 mm

With the MAJOR junior a new model of the Major series was created. With its slim, cylindrical barrel, it is clearly different from the other models. Grip section, barrel and cap are made of plastic in the same color. The barrel is closed by an internal metal disc. The nib and ink feed are used in the same design as the MAJOR grip, but the nib always has a breather hole. A screwed-on metal disc holds the clip and closes the end of the cap. This metal disc is smooth on the top or has a flat round recess of approx. 7 mm in diameter, which may have been intended for a logo to be stuck on.

A further special feature is found in the caps of these pens: the inner cap for sealing the nib against ink leakage is not connected to the outer cap on the inside, but is flexibly installed. The nib presses this inner cap away from the end of the cap. The inner cap is held on the metal disc by an extension of the screw fastening. The inner cap can thus move up to 2 mm towards the end of the cap when the cap is placed on the fountain pen.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
0.38 oz	5.41 in	4.56 in	2.45 in	0.41 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
10.7 g	137.3 mm	115.8 mm	62.3 mm	10.5 mm

After the MAJOR primo, MAJOR grip and Major junior were offered to target the youth market, the adult model needed to be addressed again. The model MAJOR de luxe has the same barrel shape as the MAJOR junior, but it is produced in more muted colors. The fountain pen is further enhanced by a chrome-plated metal cap.

Weight	Total Length	Barrel Length	Cap Length	Diameter	Ink Capacity
	5.41 in	4.56 in	2.45 in	0.41 in	2 x 0.8 ml (cartridge)
	137.3 mm	115.8 mm	62.3 mm	10.5 mm