Model 400N was introduced in December 1955 (Pelikan Schreibgeräte). The suffix "N" (neu: "new") was added to the model name, but the changes were not as big as at the introduction of model 100N. The changes from model 400 seemed to be only in appearance.

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• Cap*: The cap top was about 0.5 mm smaller in diameter (than model 400)⁽²⁾. The cap tube became about 2 mm longer, and the end on the cap top side was about 1 mm smaller in diameter. The cap tube end was reinforced with a metal tube. The clip became about 2 mm longer and slimmer⁽³⁾. The model number on the cap ring was "PELIKAN 400" (not "400N")⁽¹⁾.

• Nib unit: The nib unit of model 400N seemed to be identical to model 400, so interchangeable with it.

• Body*: The grip section, barrel, piston seal, and ink capacity seemed to be identical to model 400. The barrel had an imprint "GÜNTER WAGNER GERMANY PELIKAN 400". The turning knob became more rounded and about 1.5 mm longer (the turning knob of model 400 was more squared off).

• Color: colors of barrel and cap, and their combination were almost same as model 400. For color lineup, please see Pelikan-collectibles and Pelikan’s Perch.

• Dimension*: The diameter was almost same as model 400, but the length was about 2 mm increased (400: 125.8 mm vs. 400N: 127.5 mm). For a more detailed comparison of model 400 and 400N, please see Pelikan’s Perch.

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To summarize, ​model 400N became longer and slightly "streamlined"(although not strictly speaking) compared with model 400.

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The (semi)luxury models were also lined up almost as complete as those of model 400⁽⁴⁾.

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The model was in production for only one year, and discontinued in 1956⁽⁵⁾. The model is now one of the rarest of vintage Pelikan pens. 

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Note;*The measurements and engraving are based on my own pen. Therefore, there may be slight differences with other pens.

⁽¹⁾Contrary to model 100N, the suffix "N" was only used internally, and was never published in any price list. The differentiation by the suffix was only used in spare parts product leaflets and in internal product descriptions (Pelikan Schreibgeräte).

⁽²⁾The crown and clip washer of model 400 are loose when put on model 400N. 

⁽³⁾According to Pen Cluster, some late production had shorter clip like model 400NN. 

⁽⁴⁾Model 600N with solid 14 carat gold (cap top overlay, cap tube overlay, crown, clip) and model 700N all in solid 14 carat gold (cap top overlay, cap tube overlay, crown, clip, sleeve, and turning knob overlay) were present only as samples.

⁽⁵⁾The variety of colored models and luxury models suggest that model 400N series were introduced with sufficient preparation and was not intended to be produced in a short period of time. In fact, Günter Wagner characterized model 400N as "a model with improved shape"(Pelikan Schreibgeräte). Did the change of shape still seem half-baked to the customers at the time? There must have been a reason why a successor model (400NN) had to be launched immediately. The completion of "ideal shape" as imagined by Günter Wagner was carried over to the next model.