International website Sign-in | Contact | Company Kids Teens Teachers Parents Job Retailer Our Company History 1838-Today Pelikan - Quality since 1838. Fine Writing Writing Coloring and Crafting Printer Accessories Office Home Company The Brand Pelikan History History When the unknown chemist Carl Hornemann started producing and selling colours in 1838,he could have hardly anticipated that it would eventually lead to a business that would remind generation upon generation of their unforgettable school experiences... How a "Pelikan" became famous, as to what else happened within those other 170 years of company history can be revisited here: 1838 1842 1863 1881 1895 1896 1901 1906 1912 1913 1929 1931 1934 1938 1950 1960 1972 1838 The beginning: Carl Hornemann's first ink factory In 1832 chemist Carl Hornemann founded his own colour and ink factory in Hanover Germany. Here at Pelikan though we tend to consider the 28th of April 1838 as the founding date, as it was the date on the very first price list. All company anniversaries are therefore based on this date. Legal notice | Privacy policy | Contact | FAQ