Pelikan P3110 Ductus Black & Gold Fountain Pen

The Pelikan P3110 Ductus Black & Gold Fountain Pen represents one of the more distinctive departures from Pelikan's traditional Souverän formula. Introduced as part of the Ductus line in the late 2000s, it combines a substantial modern silhouette with glossy black resin, fine gold-colored longitudinal stripes, gold-plated trim, and an 18k gold nib. The result is unmistakably Pelikan, yet noticeably more architectural and contemporary than the brand's classic striped piston fillers.

The Ductus Design

Pelikan introduced the Ductus collection in 2007 as a more modern, design-driven writing instrument positioned above the earlier Epoch series. Rather than relying on the familiar translucent striped barrel and piston mechanism of the Souverän family, the Ductus embraced a heavier, more sculptural body with bold vertical detailing and a cartridge-based filling system.

The P3110 followed in 2008 as the gold-trimmed counterpart to the platinum-toned P3100. Its black body is crossed by fine gold-colored stripes running lengthwise along the cap and barrel, giving the pen a sense of movement while emphasizing its elongated proportions. The striped motif continues visually into the nib design, creating a cohesive relationship between the writing point and the exterior architecture.

Black and Gold

The P3110 uses a classic black-and-gold palette, but the treatment is distinctly modern. Rather than framing the body with broad metal bands alone, Pelikan integrates thin gold accents directly into the length of the pen. Against the polished black surface, these narrow lines create a tailored, almost Art Deco character.

Gold-plated trim carries the same warm tone across the clip and fittings. The contrast gives the Ductus a more formal character than the platinum P3100 while retaining the clean geometry that defines the collection.

A Different Kind of Pelikan

One of the most unusual aspects of the Ductus is its filling system. Pelikan is closely associated with piston-filled fountain pens, but the P3110 instead uses a cartridge system concealed behind a removable rear section. The internal holder accommodates standard international cartridges, including larger-capacity cartridges, and can also be used with a compatible converter.

This design gives the Ductus the convenience of cartridge filling without compromising the substantial proportions of the body. It also makes the model particularly interesting within Pelikan's modern catalog because it occupies a very different mechanical niche from the Souverän series.

Writing Experience

The P3110 is fitted with an 18k gold nib featuring partial rhodium plating for a two-tone appearance. The broad shoulders and linear engraving visually echo the stripe pattern of the cap and barrel, making the nib an intentional part of the overall design rather than a separate decorative element.

At approximately 143mm long and 40 grams, the Ductus has considerably more weight and presence than many traditional resin fountain pens. Its snap cap provides quick access for everyday writing, while the substantial metal-based construction gives the pen a solid, planted feel in the hand.

Collector Perspective

The Ductus enjoyed a relatively short production life compared with Pelikan's long-running Souverän models. The P3110 Black & Gold was produced from approximately 2008 through 2012, making it one of the less commonly encountered modern Pelikan families today.

Its combination of discontinued design, gold-striped black finish, 18k nib, unusual cartridge architecture, and departure from Pelikan's conventional piston-filled format gives it particular appeal to collectors interested in the less familiar branches of the company's modern history. The Ductus also received notable design recognition during its production era, reinforcing its status as one of Pelikan's more ambitious contemporary departures.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Fountain Pen
• Condition: Very Good Preowned Condition - No Box
• Brand: Pelikan
• Collection: Ductus
• Model: P3110
• Finish: Black & Gold
• Production Period: Approximately 2008-2012
• Body and Cap: Polished black resin with fine gold-colored longitudinal stripes
• Trim: Gold-plated
• Nib Material: 18k gold
• Nib Finish: Two-tone with partial rhodium plating
• Filling System: Cartridge Converter
• Cartridge Type: Standard international, including large-capacity cartridges
• Cap: Snap cap
• Length: Approximately 143mm
• Diameter: Approximately 13mm
• Weight: Approximately 40g
• Primary Color: Black
• Country of Origin: Germany