Pelikan's story originates in 1838 when chemist Carl Hornemann founded a small company to produce ink and water colours. Based out of Hanover, Germany, the Pelikan logo itself is borne from his family's coat of arms and is now synonymous with one of the oldest brands in Germany.

Pelikan are famed for their 1929 invention of the differentiated piston filling mechanism. In the following decades, the company established its international reputation for manufacturing high-quality, plush fountain pens.

The Pelikan D600 sits in the middle of Pelikan's range and features a twist action mechanism (found by pulling the clip section away from the shaft.) This is the classic all-black colour with 23c gold-plated trim. It weighs 25g, measures 13cm in length. It and takes 0.7mm leads, comes in a gift box and is accompanied by Pelikan's three-year warrantee.