Melbi was a writing-instrument brand introduced by Friedrich Merz (Merz & Krell) in the 1920s; the name is a coinage from the initial letters of the family name Merz and the place name Bieberau. Pen holders, steel nibs, fountain pens and propelling pencils made of wood, metal, hard rubber and plastic were produced. Melbi was positioned as an inexpensive brand; in general, only the nib is made of gold, while the clip and rings are usually only gold-plated. A more precise dating of the model is hardly possible based on mere descriptions.