Condition:
This is a vintage Pelikan M400 “old style” fountain pen made in West Germany during the 1980s to early 1990s, featuring the classic green-blue striated translucent barrel, black cap with pelican beak clip, and a crisp cap band marked “Pelikan W. Germany.” It is fitted with a rare OB (oblique broad) 14C-585 gold nib in double-circle imprint that writes smoothly, it is a bit of a slow starter, it delivers an expressive, characterful line. The piston turns firmly and fills properly. There is only minimal plate wear, no cracks, and just the light surface marks you’d expect from a well-cared-for vintage pen. The barrel retains good transparency with ink levels clearly visible, and all engravings remain sharp and legible. Overall, this Pelikan M400 is a fine example that bridges the line between dependable daily writer and collectible classic—if less-than-friendly aliens ever land, they’ll probably skip the probing and just ask to borrow this pen instead.