Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN (set)
G'day Geeks,
This thread is about Merz and Krell(MK)produced 400NN in the '70s. I have the opportunity to get all the colours: Green, Black, and Brown Tortoiseshell. I will share their photos and some of my observations when compared to Gunther Wagner(GW) 400. There are plenty of photos of the differences already on Ruettinger: http://www.ruettinger-web.de/e-pelikan-modell-400.html, So I'm not gonna repeat all that, but I will add a little bit more. Okay, without further ado, onto the pics:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/...c80cf1da_o.png
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3921/...182967f8_o.png
Gunther Wagner on top. Merz & Krell bottom.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/...7844e34d_o.png
Notice the step on the blind cap on the GW, and flush on the M&K.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5116/...d7413ede_o.png
GW cap sleeve dots vs slits on the M&K.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/...e1ed3e7d_b.jpg
Artsy shot. Aka. The Jeph preview :)
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/...e8265223_b.jpg
This model has the following different features to model 400NN:
1. a different style of nib, feed and collar, clip, and (metal!) crown ring
2. no rim between the mechanism and the barrel
3. a shorter barrel
4. A threaded piston housing (normal threading)
5. A different metal cap sleeve style
6. Modern style piston stroke (shorter)
*Addendum mine
Except on the last point, everything was an improvement. Especially, the additional slits on the metal cap insert. They should prevent hairline crack prone to the older GW models caused by celluloid shrinkage. The crown ring is completely made of metal instead of plated plastic. The clip has a slightly different shape, a thicker ring, and was inscribed with "R9 400 NN" inside the beak. The nib is typical of the era in terms of springiness. I must stress that every part that was normally compatible between GW, is not compatible with M&K. That includes the cap, the crown ring, the clip, the nib collar, and piston parts except the rubber seal. Just keep that in mind.
That's it for now. I will add the other two (black and green) photos later when I finish the initial cleaning rites with them, eventually leading to the group photo. To be continued
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
Tony, did I ever tell you that you have marvellous pens?
Another great winner for your pen stable.
Keep on bringing them for us to stare at!
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
Super comparison shots, great information about the differences and of course super duper pens! More please.
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
Thank you. I'm glad you liked them. And as promised, here it is. The black one:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5313/...40a421a6_b.jpg
The same nice springy F nib..
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2934/...0f3b91bb_b.jpg
And here it is, compared to a less common variant of the black GW (according to christof at FPN):
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/...8e2deef2_b.jpg
Thanks. To be continued
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
I think I like the black pen even more than the tortoiseshell. The green tint to the translucent stripes of the binde make it beautiful.
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN (set)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tony Rex
4. Threaded piston housing
Tony, do you mean that the M&K 400NN Piston unscrews from the barrel instead of being a friction-fit? If so, what is the orientation of its threading (and do you happen to have a photo of the unscrewed piston)?
-- Constance
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN (set)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
conib
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tony Rex
4. Threaded piston housing
Tony, do you mean that the M&K 400NN Piston unscrews from the barrel instead of being a friction-fit? If so, what is the orientation of its threading (and do you happen to have a photo of the unscrewed piston)?
-- Constance
Hi Constance,
Yup. Normal threading, I think. I cropped this pic, hope clear enough..
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/...520146cd_b.jpg
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
wow, it does look like it is normal threading. I would have bet BIG that it was normal Pelikan reverse threading.
Thanks to both of you for the question and the answer.
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
Group shots. Finials.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/...4ce81731_b.jpg
With the Pelikan three-pen case.https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/...314c9c48_b.jpg
That's it. Thanks for looking. I hope you like the pics. Cheers.
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
Glorious.....and congratulations on having all colours.
Re: Merz and Krell Pelikan 400NN
Thanks for adding the last pic Tony. I had given myself the task a while back of putting together that very group. I see that it was a wothwhile goal but now I can just live vicariously through you. The condition of all 3 pens is amazing.