For your consideration, we are excited to present for sale this extraordinary 2005 Pelikan M1000 “Caelum” Limited Edition Fountain Pen, number 45 of only 580 produced worldwide. This rare masterpiece features Pelikan’s largest 18K solid gold nib in a Medium point and remains in pristine, never-inked, mint condition. It is offered complete with its original Pelikan presentation case, Caelum-themed literature, certificate of authenticity, and warranty card.
Conceived as a tribute to the majesty of the cosmos, the Caelum—Latin for “the heavens”—embodies Pelikan’s union of science, artistry, and precision craftsmanship. The edition draws inspiration from the solar system itself, limited to 580 pens in honor of Mercury’s orbital distance from the sun: approximately 58 million kilometers. Each element of this writing instrument captures the awe of celestial discovery, reflecting Pelikan’s mastery of materials and its century-long tradition of mechanical excellence.
The design of the Caelum pays homage to Galileo Galilei, the father of modern astronomy, whose pioneering use of the telescope forever transformed humankind’s understanding of the stars. The pen’s aesthetic composition celebrates this same spirit of exploration. The cap top represents the radiant sun, its brilliant golden rays engraved in high relief, while the planets of our solar system are artfully arrayed in sequence around the cap and barrel. From Mercury to Pluto, each planet is delicately illustrated in detail, their orbits intertwined with a gilded celestial band that encircles the pen’s deep blue lacquer surface—a rich “cosmos” blue flecked with shimmering points of starlight.
Crafted from sterling silver, the cap, barrel, and gripping section are layered with transparent lacquer to evoke the infinite night sky. The precision of the engraving and the luminous interplay of gold, silver, and cosmic blue transform the pen into a miniature celestial tableau. The result is both sculptural and symbolic—an instrument that celebrates not only writing but the very act of discovery.
At the heart of the Caelum rests the 18K two-tone gold nib. This nib is measuring approximately .82mm at the tip when measured with digital calipers. This Medium nib is renowned for its smooth, expressive performance, even though this example remains uninked and preserved for collection. Pelikan’s hallmark piston-filling mechanism operates with flawless precision and has been tested with water only, ensuring its integrity for the next curator.
This pen measures approximately 6 inches capped and 6 7/8 inches posted, weighing 2.82 ounces—a substantial yet perfectly balanced writing instrument that feels both architectural and celestial in the hand. The upper cap clip band bears the Pelikan Germany imprint, and the limited edition number “045/580” is engraved on the bottom of the blind cap. The cap threads smoothly and securely, and all metalwork retains its mirror brilliance without any sign of dings, dents, wear, repairs, or scratching.
Presented in its original luxury Pelikan display case, this example includes:
- The Caelum Limited Edition documentation and literature
- The Certificate of Authenticity
- The original Pelikan warranty card
The Pelikan M1000 Caelum stands among the most conceptually rich and artistically ambitious creations ever produced by the brand. Combining German precision engineering with profound artistic vision, it bridges the realms of science, art, and craftsmanship.
For the discerning collector, this pen is more than a writing instrument—it is a celestial artifact, a testament to human curiosity and creative mastery. Immaculate, uninked, and complete in every respect, the Caelum will undoubtedly hold pride of place in any world-class Pelikan or fine writing collection.
