1838
Carl Hornemann's
first ink factory
In 1832 Carl Hornemann founded a color and ink factory in Hanover, Germany; although it is tradition to consider 28th of April 1838 as the founding date.
1842
Early success
enables expansion
On the 15th of June, Hornemann purchased some property in the Hainholz area of Hanover.
1863
Dedication
to Education
Günther Wagner was promoted to chemist and plant manager. He took over the company in 1871.
1873
Little honey colors
Günther Wagner designed the the PELIKAN pictorial trademark for the “Small Honey Paints”, based on his family coat of arms.
1878
Trademark registration
on November 27, 1878
The pelican with its four chicks, is one of the oldest trademark registrations in Germany.
1881
Expansion of
international business
The production halls were enlarged. The company employed an additional 39 people and Fritz Beindorff. It was his job to visit customers in Austria, Russia and Italy.
1895
Fritz Beindorff takes over
Fritz Beindorff married Günther Wagner’s oldest daughter in 1888 and took over the company, and introduced a new line of copying, stamping, sticking and erasing products.
1896
Pelikan Indian ink
becomes a best seller
Pelikan started to produce Indian ink, winning a strong presence on the market.
1898
1st poster competition
The first poster competition of 1889/99 is a resounding success for the company, over 500 designs were submitted.
