Pelikan Logo PNG
Pelikan: Brand overview
The renowned German company Pelikan has a long history of producing high-quality stationery and is especially known for its high-end fountain pens. The company was founded in 1838 when chemist Karl Hornemann established an ink and paint factory in Hanover, Germany.
Over the years, Pelikan has produced several iconic pens, such as the Pelikan 100 “Liliput” introduced in 1905 and the Pelikan 400 “Tortoiseshell Brown” launched in 1933. Although Pelikan’s high-end pens take center stage, the company’s extensive product line includes drawing inks, markers, art supplies, office accessories, and printers.
A pioneer in their field, Pelikan has created ink formulas with easy flow and innovative fountain pen designs with different nibs and unique refill mechanisms. Among their achievements is the piston refill mechanism, introduced in 1929, a revolutionary invention that allows pens to be refilled directly from the ink bottle.
Pelikan is headquartered in Germany, with major manufacturing facilities located in the country and Switzerland. The company operates domestically and internationally: Pelikan writing instruments are exported to more than 120 countries worldwide.
The Pelikan logo, depicting a flying pelican, is one of Germany’s oldest trademarks, dating back to 1878. Despite its extensive growth and global presence, Pelikan remains a family-owned company under Chairman of the Board Simone Greiner-Hornemann.
In the competitive field of stationery and writing instruments, Pelikan faces rivals such as Montblanc. Nevertheless, Pelikan’s writing instruments still symbolize the quintessence of German craftsmanship, combining high-end design and engineering.
Meaning and History
What is Pelikan?
It manufactures stationery and writing instruments, specializing in fountain pens, inks, pencils, markers, school and office supplies, and art materials. The products focus on writing quality, ergonomics, and durability, featuring patented refill mechanisms and reliable ink delivery systems. The brand is popular among students, professionals, and collectors.
1878 – 1896
1896 – 1913
1913 – 1926
1926 – 1957
1957 – 1984
1984 – 2003
2003 – today
The Pelikan logo consists of a graphic image of a bird and the text of the brand name. The central image features a pelican feeding a single chick in a nest. This composition is taken from the coat of arms of the Günther Wagner family, who founded the company in 1863. At that time, the number of chicks in the nest represented Wagner’s children, but the small figures were barely noticeable. In the modern version, only one chick remains, symbolizing the care, warmth, and attention invested in the company’s products.
The pelican is shown in profile, with its head lowered toward the chick, and the entire scene is enclosed in a circular frame. The illustration is minimalist, with smooth lines and no fine details, creating a sense of harmony and symmetry. The composition is rendered in deep blue, maintaining a unified visual style.
Below the graphic element is the word “Pelikan,” written in bold italic, resembling elegant handwriting. The letters are smooth and rounded, slightly slanted to the right, giving an impression of softness and lightness. The capital “P” stands out with its larger size and graceful curve connecting the upper and lower strokes. The finishing strokes of the remaining letters are also rounded, giving the text a visually neat and warm appearance.
The handwritten style of the text evokes associations with writing something meaningful and inspiring. The symbol of the pelican with the chick reflects a family tradition of care and responsibility tied to the company’s products. Blue gives the logo a professional look, reflecting the brand’s commitment to producing quality stationery. The single chick emphasizes the special attention given to Pelikan products, making the logo warm and memorable.