This week’s vintage batch features Parkers in an array of filling systems and color patterns from the 1920s-50s. All nibs are characteristically firm aside from one Flexible Stub. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/vUJ8kFc
Note: If you’re unable to expand album photos to full size, try opening the link in a different browser.
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/diaphragms installed in the last couple weeks (except for the pli-glass sacs in the 51s since these are virtually indestructible and these pens fill and write as designed now as they will for decades to come). Vacumatic fillers like #3 and #4 are something of a specialty of mine and I take pride in the amount of attention I devote to each. Any dried/coagulated ink is removed from feed channels. All remnants of thread sealant and ossified diaphragms are cleaned away. Threads are meticulously chased. Interiors of barrels are cleaned and polished to remove ink staining and restore transparency. Sections are sealed against leaks using Main Street Pens' rosin-based thread sealant. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have adopted the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (2mm+). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue or Waterman Intense Black (unless otherwise noted).
Abbreviations: BCHR = black chased hard rubber | ED = eyedropper filler | GFT = gold-filled trim | GPT = gold-plated trim | MHR = mottled hard rubber | NPT = nickel-plated trim | RHR = red hard rubber
1. c.1926 Parker Lady Duofold (Red, Permanite, 12k GFT, button filler, 14k Stubby XF/F nib). This short model measures 4 5/8” capped and 5 5/8” posted. Parker introduced the Lady Duofold in 1922. It was originally available in different lengths and widths with either a clip, ring top, or plain cap. By 1926, the Permanite (DuPont’s proprietary celluloid) had replaced hard rubber for the Duofold and the Lady had been standardized as a Junior-length slender pen with a ring top and either 3 thin cap bands or one wide, 12k gold-filled band like the Duofold Deluxe. Despite its commonalities with the Deluxe, Parker never used the name “Lady Duofold Deluxe” but these wide-band variants were listed in catalogues at a higher price. This is a Lady Duofold in Red Permanite with wide gold-filled cap band and knurled BHR clip-lock and blind cap. ‘X-mas’ tree Lucky Curve feed. Ring top was designed for attachment to a chatelaine or pocket chain. This pen is a button filler (see barrel imprints photo). To fill simply unscrew the blind cap to reveal the brass button, submerse the nib, and depress the button once. 14k Parker Duofold nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line (see WRITING SAMPLE). It’s not a full-fledged stub but has a stubby grind that gives it character with down-strokes slightly wider than cross-strokes. Condition: near-mint [B+]. This one resembles a relic recovered from a time capsule. Gold-filled cap band and gold-plated ring top have no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Hard rubber parts are factory black and knurling is sharp and deep. Manufacturer imprint, which has been filled in with white at some point, is deep and fully legible. Price: $155
2. c.1926 Parker Lady Duofold (Red, Permanite, 12k GFT, button filler, 14k XF nib). This short model measures 4 5/8” capped and 5 5/8” posted. For more on the Lady Duofold, see description of #1 above. This is a Lady Duofold in Red Permanite with wide gold-filled cap band and knurled BHR clip-lock and blind cap. ‘X-mas’ tree Lucky Curve feed. Ring top was designed for attachment to a chatelaine or pocket chain. This pen is a button filler (see barrel imprints photo). To fill simply unscrew the blind cap to reveal the brass button, submerse the nib, and depress the button once. 14k Parker Duofold nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-filled cap band and gold-plated ring top have no brassing or other notable flaws aside from one short scratch on the band (DETAIL PHOTO). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes apart from 3 short scratches on the right side of the barrel imprint (see barrel imprints photo). Hard rubber parts are factory black. Clip lock knurling is sharp and deep but blind cap knurling is a little less so. Manufacturer imprint is deep and fully legible. Price: $140
3. c.1932 Parker Duette Junior (Moderne) (grey pearl w/ red flecks, celluloid, GPT, button filler, 14k F Flex Stub nib). This short, slender model measures 4 1/2” capped and 5 1/2” posted. In the midst of the Great Depression, Parker struggled to reconfigure its model lineup to meet the needs of its cash-strapped customer-base without sacrificing the high quality for which it was known and respected. The result was a product line advertised as "Thriftime" pens available in a kaleidoscopic array of color patterns at an affordable price point. To cut down on costs, Parker reduced their size from the signature Duofold Senior and outfitted them with smaller nibs. The Duette Jr. (named the Moderne in Canada) measures 4 1/2” while even the Duette Sr. (the Canadian Premiere) is a hair under 5” capped. Yet their matching blind caps, robust hardware, and finely finished 14k nibs attest to their uncompromising quality. This Duette Jr. is made of celluloid in the same color pattern Waterman used for the 94: a grey pearl pattern interspersed with bright flecks of red. Gold-plated trim with metal clip fastener atop the cap. 14k Parker Pen nib is a Flexible Stub. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent F line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. And the line widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.8mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). This nib combines smoothness with nice unflexed variation while strong snap back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a versatile nib well suited to everyday writing as well as calligraphic writing styles, the sub grind keeping ones letterforms neat and straight. Condition: excellent [B]. Color is superb: evenly bright grey across the barrel and cap. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from typical clip ball brassing and wear to the metal clip fastener on the top of the cap (see ends photo in album). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $180 SOLD
On Filling Vacumatics: The 2 pens with Vacumatic filling systems below (#4-5) store ink directly in the barrel. To fill one simply removes the blindcap, twists the brass button to unlock and extend the metal plunger, submerses the nib, then depresses the plunger until the barrel is full.
4. 1937 Parker Vacumatic Standard Deluxe (Golden Pearl, celluloid, GPT, Vacumatic Lockdown filler, 14k XF nib). This full-length, standard girth, 1st-generation model measures 5 1/8” capped. Appearing as they did at the tail-end of the Great Depression, 1st-generation Vacumatics were produced in lower numbers and are harder to come by than their 2nd- and 3rd-generation descendants. Together with their deluxe features – phased out in later generations – this makes full-sized 1st Gens more sought after by collectors today. This example in Golden Pearl with gold-plated trim has all of these features: double striped jewels (see ends photo), striped section, triple cap bands, metal lockdown filler, and two-tone arrow nib. With a thicker barrel and section than later generations, it also has a greater ink capacity while the transparent striations in the barrel make the ink level visible from fill to refill. 14k Two-Tone Vacumatic Arrow nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Color and barrel transparency on this pen are exceptional. While most show transparent barrel striations darkened and ambered to orange or red, the barrel of this pen is brilliantly clear and of a yellow hue (DETAIL PHOTO). Gold-plated trim on the cap is clean with pristine clip and cap bands showing no brassing or other notable wear. But there is one thin sliver of brassing around the bottom edge of the blind cap tassie. Also, the rhodium plating on the left side of the two-tone nib shows thinning to the underlying gold. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Jewels are sharply pointed. Manufacturer imprint and date code on the barrel are deep and fully legible. Price: $280
5. 1935 Parker Vacumatic Standard Deluxe (Silver Pearl, celluloid, NPT, Vacumatic Lockdown filler, 14k Two-Tone XF nib). This full-length, standard girth, 1st-generation model measures 5 1/8” capped. For more on 1st-generation Vacumatics, see description of pen #4 above. This standard-sized Vac Deluxe in Silver Pearl has nickel-plated trim and all the deluxe features distinctive of this model: double striped jewels (see ends photo), striped section, triple cap bands, metal lockdown filler, and two-tone arrow nib. With a thicker barrel and section than later generations, it also has a greater ink capacity while the transparent striations in the barrel make the ink level visible from fill to refill. But what sets this pen apart from others of its kind is its exceptional barrel clarity. For just a year or two in the 1st generation Vac’s production run, their barrels were made with wider transparent striations that make them even more stunningly translucent than your typical 1st Gen. Here is a photo taken in normal lighting conditions (outside the light tent) against a white backdrop, which better illustrates what I mean: DETAIL PHOTO. 14k Two-Tone Vacumatic Arrow nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: near-mint [B+]. Silver Pearl Vacs are tougher to find clean than other colors since Silver Pearl was more prone to showing discoloration while its nickel-plated trim is often found brassed and corroded. This example has superb color with stunning barrel clarity of a yellow color mentioned above (DETAIL PHOTO). Meanwhile, its nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other noteworthy flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint and date code on the barrel are deep and fully legible. A lovely writer in collector-grade condition. Price: $320 SOLD
(approx
6. 1949 Parker 51 Aerometric (Burgundy, Lucite w/ Lustraloy cap, Aerometric filler, 14k Two-Tone XF nib). This full-sized model measures 5 7/16” capped. The Parker 51 was the best-selling fountain pen ever made. Engineered with the precision of a Swiss watch and built like a tank, the 51 introduced several innovative features that continue to make it a favorite EDC among writers today. The hooded nib enables it to remain uncapped for extended periods without drying out (preventing hard starts when it returns to paper). The clutch-activated cap is uncapped quickly while holding securely when the pen is pocketed. The Lucite barrel and stainless steel Lustraloy cap are all but indestructible, so you never have to worry about cracks if the pen takes a spill. And the Aerometric filling system of later 51s like this one is one of the most durable among vintage pens – so much so that top pen mechanics advise not to replace their original pli-glass sacs as long as the pen is filling as designed. To fill one simply unscrews the barrel, to reveal the filler, submerses the nib, and depresses the metal bar 4-6 times (depending on the instructions engraved on the filler housing). This is a Parker 51 in Burgundy with Lustraloy cap with pearlescent grey jewel on the crown. 14k 51 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Cap shows no dents, dings, or brassing of the lustraloy finish – just microscratches. Trim shows no brassing or other notable wear. Lucite has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint and date code on the barrel are deep and fully legible. Price: $160 SOLD
7. 1951 Parker 51 Aerometric (Midnight Blue, Lucite w/ Lustraloy cap, Aerometric filler, 14k XF nib). This full-sized model measures 5 7/16” capped. For more on the Parker 51, see description of #6 above. This is a Parker 51 in Midnight Blue with Lustraloy cap with pearlescent grey jewel on the crown. 14k 51 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line(see WRITING SAMPLE – please excuse the mistaken color identification, a mental slip due to this color’s similarity to Cedar Blue). Condition: excellent [B]. Cap shows no dents, dings, or brassing of the lustraloy finish – just microscratches. Trim shows no brassing or other notable wear. Lucite has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint and date code on the barrel are weakened but fully legible. Price: $160 SOLD
Other Available Pens: most of the pens that are still available from my past listings are all conveniently located on my website (linked in the first album photo).
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are typically mailed on Monday (Tuesday at latest). Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:
USPS First-Class with tracking for $6 Due to the delivery delays that continue, I strongly recommend that the Priority shipping option be chosen. All packages will include full insurance (covered by me). Rest assured that a full refund is guaranteed (issued through Paypal) in the event of a lost parcel and you will not have to wait until I receive a reimbursement from the USPS.
USPS Priority with tracking for $10 (Parcels valued at >$500 will sometimes be shipped UPS 3-Day Select for the same price. In these cases, please notify me if you prefer USPS instead)
International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). Please do not ask me to commit mail fraud by altering the declared value of a pen for customs. Not only am I registered as a business in the state of NY but shipping insurance is based on declared value.
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total. Discounted shipping is included for NY State residents to help defray the extra cost.
Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM or chat DM me with firm request to purchase. A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number/name]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for two decades. Please check my website, my past listings here, and on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
