1950s Pelikan 400 in light Tortoiseshell or MOP

[Chris Chalmers]

I got into a discussion about early Pelikans made in this material - so here is a photo for JP

It came to me by way of an absolute stranger who had heard that I was into fountain pens - so was a gift of the very best kind! The original owner had used it for all of her University studies - and ever since it had been rolling around in a desk drawer. It came to me just in the nick of time - or was going to be sent to a charity shop!!!

I had to ask about it on Pentrace - and Rick Propas told me all about it - it was made for the Argentinian market - so I sent it to Rick to be checked over - it needed a nib - it has a broken CS nib stuck in it - and a new seal - but apart from that it was good to go! Rick found me an OM 14K nib that was true to the year - and I use it and love it!

Edited May 5, 2009 by Chris Chalmers

[jpr]

Holy Cow! What a beautiful Mother of Pearl pen, Chris! Good call on sending it to Rick Propas.

How was it determined that it was made for the Argentinian market? I'm so curious to know these details

as I have only started to like vintage Pelikans recently.

Thanks for posting, by the way.

Edited May 5, 2009 by jpr

[jpr]

By the way, Chris, this pen is what started my tortoiseshell interest

 

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3273411633_e92748bdcd_b.jpg

 

[daenghafez]

I had the opportunity of getting one 400NN light tortoise in my city years ago. The guy was selling curio collectible item at a flea market here. The pen was engraved with red chinese character (longevity, I was told). Nonetheless, the pen was in worn condition and the nib was bend a bit. He offered me $150 at that time. I did not bring much money at that time and the ATM machine was far away. I decided to come again the following week, alas the guy and the pen never came back. :bonk: :bonk: :bonk:

[Chris Chalmers]

Hi jpr and daenghatez!

 

I knew nothing at all about my pen when I posted a pic of it on Pentrace - it was Rick who told me all the details. I think you can find this online http://www.ruettinger-web.de/e-pelikan-modell-400.html There must be better places - I see them all the time - but haven't saved them!

I just relied on Rick and his knowledge. BTW, he told me that mine in its original state was worth about US$1200. How about that!

I figure if I sold it I'd have to share the funds with the donor - but I did ask and they said it was "just an old green pen" - so I'll keep it and use it and thank them in my mind every time I do!

[RevAaron]

Interesting material! I had a 400NN with a similar light tortoiseshell celluloid, but in the more common striped arrangement with a black cap. Traded it away in one of those "Bah, I got screwed" sort of deals.

 

Great story- penkarma = love, fo' sho.

[daenghafez]

I had the opportunity of getting one 400NN light tortoise in my city years ago. The guy was selling curio collectible item at a flea market here. The pen was engraved with red chinese character (longevity, I was told). Nonetheless, the pen was in worn condition and the nib was bend a bit. He offered me $150 at that time. I did not bring much money at that time and the ATM machine was far away. I decided to come again the following week, alas the guy and the pen never came back. /default/wallbash.gif/default/wallbash.gif/default/wallbash.gif/default/crybaby.gif/default/crybaby.gif

Finally after almost a decade, I managed to get one in an excellent condition with no crack or personalisation or ambering and most important in working condition. There is a small glue residue on the cap which I intend to polish later. The feed is incorrect but will content with it at the moment. Enjoy the photo porn. ;P

[BillH]

Just stunning! I can only wish.

[sargetalon]

Amazing pen. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

[mana]

Oh you bought that one? Cool! Was watching the auction myself... It really is a nice pen. <3

[Bo Bo Olson]

By the way, Chris, this pen is what started my tortoiseshell interest

 

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3273411633_e92748bdcd_b.jpg

 

Well, my 500 is not sea green, it is a lighter tortoise, it is also chased but not so extreme. I have a '54 400 transition that also has the same lighter tortoise ...Picture from Ruddiger. My '90's-96 tortoise is much darker.

First is a 500 second is a 500nn. That is rolled gold cap and piston cap.http://www.ruettinger-web.de/500-500nn.jpg

 

That old style full green tortoise is the first I've 'seen'., or heard of.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Bo Bo Olson

[carlos.q]

Bo Bo:

I believe the pen depicted in jpr’s post is not a vintage 500 in seagreen but rather a more modern M450.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Ah, Ha......is that rolled gold or plated?

 

I didn't know that...would explain the different level of depth in the chasing.

I am ignorant of the M450...will look it up some. Thanks.

 

vermeil ....when I see that word, I turn off my brain automatically. I looked at some P-75 vermeil pens, they were curddy looking with the vermeil wearing off.
Same with any gold/silver plated pens. I do like rolled gold, good for some decades of use.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Bo Bo Olson

[daenghafez]

Oh you bought that one? Cool! Was watching the auction myself... It really is a nice pen. <3

Yes, Mana.

[dannyboy]

What a gorgeous pen, daenghafez! I have a couple of light tortoise 400N but not a 400NN. I do understand the long search and patience necessary to find such a pen and then to acquire it. Congratulations and many thanks for letting us enjoy it through this posting!

[daenghafez]

What a gorgeous pen, daenghafez! I have a couple of light tortoise 400N but not a 400NN. I do understand the long search and patience necessary to find such a pen and then to acquire it. Congratulations and many thanks for letting us enjoy it through this posting!

Thanks Danny. It was a good deal too.

 

That’s awesome to have a few 400N light tortoise pens. Do share some of your light tortoise photo pens here?

Daeng