Parker Duofold
1932-3
About This Model
Parker's Duofold was the successor to its early pens, the numerous and various Jacknifes and Lucky Curves, appearing first in 1921 and lasting until the late 1930s. Its first transition kept the Lucky Curve name, and its feed, for the first few years, but more importantly effected the shift from ebonite to celluloid, the Dupont brand it called Permanite. Duofolds came in Seniors, Juniors, Ladys, and Juniorettes, as well as desk pens, and are easily recognizable for their "derby" crowns and detailed imprints. Later, starting in 1930, Duofolds adopted tapered barrels and caps, and were now Streamlined Duofolds; their lengths at each model were a few millimeters shorter as well. They were very well-made, solid pens, so are often found today in surprisingly good condition, even after decades of steady use. Their nibs are usually firm, but they're excellent writers.
About This Pen
Across the many twists and turns of Duofold evolution, the 1932-33 Deluxe was perhaps the apotheosis of the marque. After the Deluxe, Duofolds began the transition that became Vacumatics. The Deluxes have three cap rings with a wider one in the center, tapered barrels and caps, their own new celluloid in Moderne Pearl Green and Black, and a very large Deluxe nib. It’s a big longer than a Jr. Duofold, at 5 1/8″ capped, and a big thicker, just over 1/2″ wide just below the cap lip. This Duofold Deluxe is a wonderful example. The celluloid has a small amount of scarring under the cap and from posting (please don’t post vintage pens!) but is otherwise clean and unmarked. The finish is very shiny and fresh, the Duofold imprint clear and complete, and the trim is shiny and unmarked. The nib is this pen’s triumph — it’s beautiful, large, and the Deluxe imprint looks brand new. It writes a firm fine, like most Duofolds I’ve written with.
Price: $125 Sold