Introduced in 1937 as the evolution of the 100, the 100N was a very successful model thanks to its perfectly balanced design and the absolute reliability of it piston filling mechanism. Pelikan pens were widely exported in many European countries and in some cases production plants were created abroad to supply an ever growing market. Italy was one of the main Pelikan export markets and specific models called Pelikan Milano are typical of this market only. In this case the pen on offer is not a Pelikan Milano but it is a pre-war Pelikan 100N with green sleeve whose cap was customised to be used as a celebration promotional for the Gymnastic Meeting in Bologna in 1938/1939. The cap shows the following imprint: C.O.N.I. - Raduno Ginnico - Bologna - A. XVIII - R.F.G.I.

Here is the translation and explanation of the engraving:

C.O.N.I: ( Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano): Italian Olympic National Committee

Raduno Ginnico Bologna: Bologna Gymnastic Meeting

A.XVIII :(Anno diciottesimo Era Fascista)18th Year Fascist Era - Years in the Italian Fascist Regime were  reckoned with 1922 as the reference starting year, thus, the 18th year from 1922 was 1939/1940.

R.F.G.I.: (Regime Fascista Gioventù Italiana) Italian Youth Fascist Regime

This pen is therefore a particularly interesting testimony of an era  as well as a reliable and collectible writing instrument. It is fitted with a 14 ct EF very flexible nib.