140 Versus 400

[Cryptos]

I don't know anything about Pelikans but have a question anyway.

 

On Rick Propas' website, in the blurb for his 140s he says that apart from the shape of the ends they are - to all intents and purposes - the same as the 400s.

 

While I don't wish to appear to be casting doubt over Mr Propas' expertise in all things large and beaky, could someone please tell me how accurate that assessment really is? The thing is there is a $50 (at least difference) in prices between the two, and if it's only about shape, well...

[dragos.mocanu]

The 140 has less plating on the clip and band, therefore is more prone to brassing. However, the 140 does not have the more annoying problem some 400s have: the fact that the caps sometimes crack due to plastic shrinkage combined with the cap band design of the 400 (which is different from the one on the 140)...I believe Christof did some very nice diagrams regarding this issue, for his photography thread. Other than these, I don't believe there are other noticeable differences.

Edited December 10, 2014 by Murky

[joss]

I think that the overall build quality is comparable but the 400 is a slightly longer pen with a bigger nib and feed. In my hands, this makes the 400 more comfortable to write with.

 

It is true that the caps are prone to hairline cracks but that problem is often seen on the 140 cap too.

 

The 140 is definitely a pen of great (and possibly underrated) quality.

[sargetalon]

They are pretty similar when I look at them. Comparable length between the 140 and 400 though the 400NN is a bit longer. Same diameter. Both with the ability to gauge ink levels through the barrel. The piston knob on the 140 is more rounded than a 400. Both with 14C-585 gold nibs. The cap top is probably the most striking difference along with the lesser plating as previously noted. Both pens post and balance well. I would not hesitate to pick up a 140 if its more budget friendly as they are great pens.

 

Green 140

 

Tortoise 400 & 400NN

Edited December 10, 2014 by sargetalon

[Ernst Bitterman]

Did someone say brassing?

http://dirck.delint.ca/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Pelikan-0317.jpg

[Bo Bo Olson]

I come from the Standard Pen era...so find a 400-400n (didn't know it's 2mm bigger...don't look it) or the M400 to fit me fine.

The 400nn is a medium-long pen. It took me two years to decide it had that tad better balance than my '90's M400.

 

A 140 Has a semi-flex nib. The '50's 400-400n&400nn can have either a semi-flex or 'flexi'/maxi-semi-flex nib.

The 140 is a medium-small pen that posts long, like a Kaweco Dia, a 760 Geha or some of the Osmia pens. It was a very popular size in the '50's. It posts long like a 400 or 790 Geha.

That the nib is small makes no difference, it fits the pen. It writes like a dream.

The 140 will be semi-flex the '400s will be a gamble between semi-flex and 'flexi'/maxi-semi-flex.

 

That is one of the reasons I recommend the 140 (have 2 OF&OB) it allows the ham fisted to lighten their Hand for three months before going to look for a maxi-semi-flex; which needs a slightly ham fist.

 

Leaving out a D nib of course. The nails nail.

 

A 120 has a nice springy regular flex nib....of the seven 200's nibs that I've trans-mailed two were as good as the 120 which for the longest time until I pushed my '90's 400 nib a bit, I thought them equal. But found the '90's 400& Celebry nibs to be a bit better. 5 of the 200's nibs were as @ as good as the '90's 400. Could say=, but am not going to quibble. The 200 IMO is the best nib Pelikan makes outside the 1000.

I favor a lively nib rather than a butter smooth fat blobby clunker.

I am impressed with the 200's nibs.

 

Pure either or go 400, seldom going to be that. If and when go 140 first....in that sooner or later one will buy a 400 of one of the three eras....buy the 140 first.

That makes sure you know what a semi-flex nib is....in if you got a maxi-semi-flex you...you'd be thinking a semi-flex a nice springy regular flex...if you lack that semi-vintage or vintage springy regular flex nib.

 

The 140 is the perfect pen for a short pocketed Polo shirt.

[risingsun]

Did someone say brassing?

http://dirck.delint.ca/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Pelikan-0317.jpg

 

Did you find that one at the beach?

[whych]

 

Did you find that one at the beach?

More likely from 60 years of use!

Still be going when pens have had new sacs, etc.

 

The 140 nibs, like the 400 nibs, are hit and miss. The majority are flexible, but you get some that aren't.

The old nibs write one thickenss finer than the modern nibs and the broad and OB nibs are great for crisp line variation.

[sargetalon]

 

Did you find that one at the beach?

 

[ThomasA1000]

If I am forced to decide...i take both...

[risingsun]

Getting a little off-topic here... But Ernst's lovely 140 got me thinking...and I have wondered about it before but have never had the courage to ask for fear of it being called a stupid question... Is it possible to effectively replate a gold cap lip ring while still mounted on a plastic cap? Or does it need to be removed and then reinstalled on the cap after plating? Anyone know?

[Cryptos]

I would have thought electroplating would work. Mask off all the plastic above and below the ring. Clean the ring. Coat with the appropriate solutions and electrify it! Kinda. Although I guess the imprints would get filled in? Interesting question, and one that begs the further question of whether imprints are made before or after the original plating.

[ThomasA1000]

Goldplating have no effect imprints. The layer is just a few micrometers

[setriode]

I bought a 400NN a few years ago and it has a wonderful balance. The rounded end cap is a lovely shape.

 

The 140 has the same feature at either end of the pen. It is smaller than the 400 & in my opinion is slightly more elegant. Above all, the 140 has beautiful proportions. I bought one recently on the bay in superb condition in it's original box. I paid $100.

[Bo Bo Olson]

I have been informed by some one who has seen more 140's than me, that there are unmarked with the D, 140 nails.

And some one has a 400nn, with a regular flex nib.

sigh, first the myth of the piston pen holding so, so much ink died.

Now the flex levels of '50-65 pens must be taken with a grain of salt.

[jgrasty]

The nib of the 140 is slightly smaller than a 400 nib, but that's really the only thing I notice when writing with the 140. The 140 nibs I have are nice and springy and a joy to write with.