Pelikan 400, Tortoiseshell Celluloid Binde GPT, 14C Flex OM

HM2602017
One of the earliest threaded-nib-unit Pelikan 400s — produced after Pelikan abandoned friction-fit units and before the 400N replaced the line in 1956. Dated 1950–1953 by the threaded nib unit, black piston seal, and unengraved cap band — Pelikan did not begin engraving cap bands until 1954.

The tortoiseshell binde on this pen is about as good as it gets. No fading, no crazing, no ambering — just warm honey-and-amber celluloid exactly as it looked when it left the factory. The "Günther Wagner Pelikan" stamping on the binde is exceptionally sharp, and the "OM" stamp on the piston knob is crisp and fully legible. Deep dark brown celluloid cap and finials with a gorgeous depth of color.

The nib is the real joy here. Bouncy, expressive vintage flex with perfect snapback — the kind of nib that makes you reach for a pen just to write one more line. Held at an oblique angle as intended, it delivers a consistent 0.35mm hairline in all directions. Rotate the pen to 90° against the paper and you unlock a beautifully sharp stub character: 0.40mm crossstrokes and 0.60mm downstrokes. Imprints sharp throughout with gold-plated trim in excellent condition.

Tested with Diamine Sherwood Green on Rhodia 90gsm.