Parker Pen Puns

Over dinner, my father saw ink stains on my fingers, the nails and skin tinted in the majestic blue of Diamine's Majestic Blue. He asked me what happened.

Fountain pens, I said -- with some embarrassment, because he is a frugal man who does not spend money on impractical things -- have become a hobby of mine during this pandemic.

Automatically, expecting raised eyebrows, I began adding more, explaining myself. My desk is cleaner and more organized than it has ever been because I want my pens, inks, and papers to be displayed beautifully. I spend up to a couple of hours a day seated there with a cup of coffee, writing longhand; it's very calming, almost meditative. I've rediscovered poetry and fiction because I'm always looking for quotes with which to test new inks.

To my astonishment, his eyes brightened with excitement. He blurted out that he had a surprise for me. I was bemused. To my knowledge, my father has not written anything by hand in years (although he has been typing out social media posts prolifically, having discovered the joys of Facebook as a senior citizen).

He told me to wait at the table. I sat and ate, but my attention was on the sound of my father rummaging around upstairs.

Eventually, he returned with a simple black case. I opened it to find a beautiful Parker Frontier with a green-and-black barrel and a silver-and-gold cap.

"Well, it's engraved with my name, but I hope you don't mind," he said. "It was a retirement gift from my colleagues, but I've never used it."

Almost as an afterthought, he added: "I'm glad you found something that helps you at a time like this."

It has a broad gold nib and writes more smoothly than any other pen I've tried. I inked it with (of course) Majestic Blue, and the lines are wet and saturated enough to show off its distinctive red sheen. It's now one of my favorite pens. He was worried I'd see it as a flaw, but I love that it has my father's name on it. Every time I write with it I think of him.

Best advanced Christmas gift ever.

EDIT: photo of pen (angled to hide name engraving) and ink (angled to show sheen) --> https://ibb.co/r7p37C7

Closing to start new listing with more options.

Gallery with Proof, along with line up, and large resolution image at end to be able to zoom into. https://imgur.com/a/LteZ7Ty

Nib sizing are as best estimate to what modern western sizing would be. With the exception of the Vacumatic, these have all been self-restored. If you have any questions or requests feel free too ask.

I am open to trades to certain extents, but ideally I would want to get rid of multiple pens for fewer pens (I'm trying to shrink my collection, not grow it).

All prices include shipping within the US (USPS Priority mail insured).

1. $140 [C~D] Wahl-Eversharp Skyline (early 1940s), Standard Size, Brown Moire w/ matching Pencil, 14K Broad Nib (equivalent to a modern Lamy Broad) name engraved on barrel. Clip has brassing and not quite straight. Large No.18 latex sac installed. ( Writing Sample and close up pics of nib : https://imgur.com/a/0AFA85v )
2. $70 [D] Sheaffer Junior Balance (late 1920s~1930s), "Rose Glow" (not carmine), 14K Extra-Fine to Fine nib, Nickel plating worn on both clip and lever (Juniors were nickel on top of brass).
3. $90 [C] Spors Pen, green mottled, a Fraken pen as they originally came with glass nibs. Fitted with a silicone sac for longevity and allow for more ink choices, fitted with a vintage 14K Warranted flexible extra-fine nib. (Close Up and Sample : https://imgur.com/a/5Shxfdt )
4. $40 [D] Pilot Super 200 (Date Code CK 02, November 2nd 1962), 14K Script Nib, missing the sac guard that had the switch filler. PVC sac installed and can be squeeze filled. Has some clips/scuffs on metal trims and caps, and some discoloration of barrel. Nib/feed leans dry, can possibly be improved.
5. $100 [C] Sheaffer Touchdown Sentinel Deluxe (1950~1952) in burgundy. 14K two-tone Triumph EF~F nib. Restored this month with a latex sac (PVC sac cannot be used in the pre-snorkel touchdowns, due to grip being celluloid, can change to silicone for additional charge and time), small ding on side of cap. Disassembly, restoration, and write sample : https://imgur.com/a/y2SMgfd
6. ~~$120 [C] Sheaffer Snorkel Statesman (1950s) in "Pastel Green", PdAg (Palladium Silver) Medium nib, very tiny minor crack visible by anchor of the clip. Restored with a Latex Sac (can upgrade it to a PVC sac for additional charge and time). Closer view and write s

Pens of the early 20th century seem to be mostly of simpler and more durable construction, that can be repaired and restored long after the manufacturers have closed. I wonder if future generations will be able to restore pens of our era, the TWSBIs, Sailors, Lamys, Conklins? Are moderns pens more fragile, with resins prone to cracking, complex piston mechanisms, proprietary converters?

Or perhaps there’s some survivorship bias here. Only the restorable vintage pens survived to tell the tale. Are modern pens actually no more unserviceable by the layman than vintage ones?

Just curious about the legacy we will be leaving behind.

Fountain pens have been a hobby of mine for a little over a decade. I currently only own modern fountain pens and dip pens.

I recently came across the Parker Vacumatic and was mesmerized. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any modern, vintage, or even fictional pen that I’ve found so striking!

If anyone knows of any vintage pen retailers that sell these at a decent price, you have my thanks in advance!

Hi everybody,

A destashing of vintage pens long overdue and now posting to meet my self imposed deadline before year´s end :-)

Pens 2 to 6 are pens that for years I wanted to restored myself; a couple of months ago I gave up for lack of time and brought them to a professional restorer so someone can enjoy them. The restorer did not use different parts than those of the ¨unrestored pens¨ though for some of the pens, some parts wereclearly later additions (nibs substitutions down the road, etc.).

Priced to sell to find them a good home. I will consider reasonable offers when taking various pens.

Verification picture

My apologies for not posting more pictures per pen. If you are interested on one or more, i will provide more pictures.

Update 03/01/2022: All sold! Thanks for the interest everybody

From left to right:

1. Waterman 52, condition C. Price 95 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.
2. Parker Duofold black, condition C, with a parker arrow nib, probably later addition or substitution. Price 60 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.
3. Parker Vacumatic green, condition C, right arrow nib, single jewel, broad capband. Price 60 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.
4. Parker Vacumatic silver, condition C, this one is a beauty. Lockdown filler, original two tone nib (you will want a picture to see it), double jewels. Price 120 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.
5. Parker Vacumatic green, condition C, similar to number 3 above, . Price 60 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.
6. Parker Vacumatic silver, condition C, double jewels (but black ones), speedline filler but it does not have the original aluminum but a plastic one from the later models. Also the nib is not original as it is a Parker Duofold N nib. Price 60 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.
7. [PARTS] Aurora 88 vintage, further explanation below, this one has the cap tarnished and the clip portrudes more than it should. Serial number over 400,000. Price 40 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.
8. [PARTS] Aurora 88 vintage, further explanation below, cap is much better and the clip is sound. Serial number around 20,000 so an earlier model. Price 60 euros, Paypal G&S, shipping excluded as per the rules.

Hi All,

Selling some pens I have not used in a while.

Pictures & timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/gyhuS75

Left to right:

1. [C] Sheaffer Targa Black and Gold set. Fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil. 14k Medium or Fine nib, will need new converter. Pencil has eraser and works. Pen is not turning, needs cleaning. $120
2. [D] Sheaffer Targa Black and Stainless. Nib is reground, not sure of smoothness. Used by myself through college. Converter will need replacement. $50
3. [B] Parker 45 Special. Box, pen and two cartridges. Pen in good condition. Box is ok. Nib looks to be medium and has converter that looks operational. $60
4. [PARTS] Sheaffer white dot pen with stainless cap. Parts. Nib is bent. $20
5. [A2] Parker No Name (Jotter) Pen. Looks to be never inked. Stainless case and body of pen. Gold colored trim. Medium nib. Box is dented. $15

Add shipping within CONUS ($8 USPS Priority Mail). Paypal G&S for payment method. Please contact me if you require any further details.

Hi,

I just got gifted a parker jotter fountain pen (nib size M) and I was wondering what kind of ink you would recommend for a day to day use (take notes in college, do math with it, you name it).

Obviously, I'm looking for a blue/black kind of ink but I'm kind of scared that black ink may look sloppy. I have good handwriting but I feel like in general black inks can more easily look messy? Am I wrong here and black ink is the way to go? Or should I stick simply with blue ink?

Which color do you recommend and, if so, what ink is more appropriate?

This is the pen in question:

https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Jotter-Fountain-Stainless-Medium/dp/B07C1SJSC7

Thanks in advance

Hi! I'm considering buying my first "serious" fountain pen, since I've only used Preppies and other kit pens. I'd like to buy a newer model but I have concerns about the quality of their pens since they aren't as talked about in the other fountain pen forums I've joined. Are there any issues with the nib or the ink flow? Are there any issues with skipping? Comment down below.

I'm looking for currently manufactured, ballpoint twist pens, that take a Parker style refill. If you happen to know of one not on this list please leave a comment below (preferably with a link). Bonus points if the pen is machined out of solid metal. I know I'm missing/forgetting some. I'd like this post to become a resource for all twist pen lovers.

1. Autmog 38
2. Baronfig Squire
3. Bigidesign Brass and Copper Pocket Pro Pen
4. Bigidesign Ti Mini Pen
5. Bigidesign Ti Pocket Pro
6. Countycomm Flight Suit
7. Countycomm Pendulum
8. Ensso GIRO
9. Everyman Grafton Mini Twist
10. Faber-Castell e-motion
11. HMM Plummet
12. Leuchturm1917 Drehgriffel
13. Machine Era Field Pen Twist
14. Monami 153 Neo
15. Parker Duofold
16. Parker Urban
17. Parker Sonnet
18. Pelikan Jazz
19. Pharaoh Glyph
20. Retro 51
21. Riind
22. Rotring 800 Ballpoint
23. Spyderco Baliyo
24. [Uni Jetstream Prime Twist](https://www.amazon.com/uni-JETSTREAM-PRIME-Ballpoint-SXR-600-07/dp/B07R49V7QR/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1A3923SS4MGXB&

Verification Pic

1.Montblanc George Solti Donation Pen. Fifth in Montblanc’s Donation Series of pens commemorating famous figures in classical music. Released in 2005. Black resin with platinum plated trim and Solti’s signature on the cap in red, the colour he used to annotate musical scores. Before becoming a leading conductor, Solti was a pianist and the clip and cap ring commemorate this, the clip in the form of the piano keyboard and the cap band in the form of piano strings. The pen is a piston filler with an 18k M gold nib plated in rhodium and engraved with the dove symbol of the Donation series. Writing sample included in pics. Size: capped the pen is over 5 ½ “ (14.5cm); posted it is 6 3/8” (16.5cm). A 2 condition. Inked only a couple of times. No box or papers. 450 USD. https://imgur.com/a/eqpE7Gw [SOLD]

2. Must de Cartier Trinity Fountain Pen. 18k F nib. B condition. Gold, yellow and white trinity rings at the top finial. Gold plated fluted body and cap and section. Writing sample attached in the link. Takes international cartridge and converter (not included). Micro scratches under magnification. B condition. 5-3/8 inch long. This is a slim pen. Includes original Cartier box. 350 USD. https://imgur.com/a/2kdk3B6 NOW 325 USD

3. ST Dupont Lacque de Chine Gold Dust. 18k winged F nib. Writing sample in the link. This is a slim pen. This is slightly longer than the Cartier, but the same girth. This is a gorgeous pen to behold: multi-layered hand polished lacquered body: lacque de Chine (read urushi) with gold dust. It is mesmerizing to look at. Original Dupont converter included. No box or papers. 160 USD. [SOLD]https://imgur.com/a/0ktDhI8

4. Pelikan Silvexa P28. (Sorry, I had mis identified the model as Signum 540) 14k 0.6mm Stub. Writing sample in the link. This pen has a gorgeous nib which is a joy to write with. This pen is a cartridge/converter (not included). The barrel has some visible but minor pitting. And the cap has been aesthetically personalized (see pictures). This pen must have been gifted to doctors by the German pharmaceutical giant Hoechst. Therefore the condition is C—. But that said it is a beautiful pen with a wonderful nib. 100 USD. https://imgur.com/a/slDVvgf

5. ~~Parker 75 Flamme. This is a rare Parker 75 and

Where I live, you can easily pick up a vintage Parker 51 for around $50–70. I have been using steel-nibbed pens for a while, and I want to dip my toes into gold nibs. Would a 51 make a good first, or should I save my money and go for a Pilot Custom 74/Lamy 2000?

Exactly what it says on the tin. I like the Jetstream ink, and I know Uni-ball makes a Parker style Jetstream refill also. But I'm looking for a pen that's a little nicer/less disposable, and that's comfortable to write with because I tend to use a death grip and I'm tired of my hand cramping up.

Thoughts? :)

Want to sell my Parker Duofold Centennial fountain pen (the bigger one - Centennial, not the smaller one - International).

The pen is a rarer MK1 colour - marble green.

Proof and photos: https://imgur.com/a/WhrPb7s

The nib is 18ct (the feed is F), writes like a broader F, with a little bit of feedback. Reverse writing is also possible. No box, no converter.

The overall condition is good with some normal wear. There is a bit of plating loss to the rings on the cap (but rather minor). Please see the photos (there is quite a few a of them in the gallery above, please load them all). No defects, nothing hidden: looks fine and so it writes.

225 + 10$ worldwide registered priority shipping from Europe (shipping within EU preferred).

I am currently selling a couple of other Duofold Centennial/International and Man 100 from my collection.

Thinking about picking something up other than the 51 to have a modern Parker in my collection. Any insight would be appreciated!

https://imgur.com/a/naFL0Lx

1. Pilot 75 Custom Steel Stripe Fountain Pen

Made in March 1975. WG Nib. This particular model was designed in the 1970s when Pilot started a striped steel pen boom. Made out of stainless steel with grooves filled with black enamel. Brushed steel finish. 18K White Gold F nib. Writing sample attached. Pen comes with the original converter. Length capped: 5 5/16 inches (13.5 centimeters) Length posted: 6 1/8 inches (15.6 centimeters)This pen takes standard Pilot / Namiki ink cartridges or an ink converter.

The condition of the pen is C. I rescued the pen from a flea market and the nib was mangled when I got it. I had it re-stored. The nib now writes wonderfully well. See attached writing sample in the verification picture. Selling for the price I paid for the restoration. 60 USD. https://imgur.com/a/IKcptMj [SOLD]

2. Waterman Gentleman Sterling Silver Barleycorn.

Made in France. This model was issued between 1974 to 1997. The cap and the barrel has the French hallmarks of 925 silver. Barleycorn pattern. 23k Gold plated trims. 18kt M Ideal nib that has some flex (see writing sample). Takes international cartridge or converter. Original Waterman converter installed. The nib is a beauty. Writing sample in the verification pic.

Condition C. The cap and barrel is flawless. No dings or dents. But the edges of the top and bottom filials have dents (see pictures). The sterling silver section is flawless, but there are two spots of corrosion on the ring below the nib (see pictures). Nothing that mars the beauty of the pen. These flaws are noticeable under magnification.

5-9/16 inch long. Comes with Waterman box and papers.

~~*150 USD ~~ .NOW 125

https://imgur.com/a/Y8zustZ

3. Cross Century Classic 10k Gold Filled Fountain Pen

Made in the USA before the 80s, before Cross stopped producing fountain pens at their Rhode Island factory and shifted the production to Ireland and finally to China.

14kt F nib that writes smooth. No dents or dings. Microscratches consistent with age and use.

5-5/16 inch long. No box or papers.

Condition B--

USD 70 [pendng] https://imgur.com/a/Zcv5sEA

4. Parker VP (Very Personally Yours)

~~This is a rare Parker. 14k M nib (writing sample in the verification pics).

I like my vector parker pen ... but i don't like it's nib ... sometime i want to buy duofold or parker 51

( i have the converter in my pen so when I switch to the new model i will not get an converter )