Parker Lucky Curve
1917-20
About This Model
Trying to describe Lucky Curves' history is perhaps the most complex task in fountain pendom, and it won't be attempted here. They were Parker's branded invention, a turn-of-century curved feed that provided a cleaner nib and cap by enhancing capillary action in the feed, accomplished by the curve actually touching the inside of the barrel. In the 1910s, pens were branded as Lucky Curves, sometimes Jack Knife pens with Lucky Curve imprints, sometimes Lucky Curve pens into the early 1920s. By this time, the curved feed was buried inside a latex sac but still helped create improved ink passage. These later pens were the evolution from Jack Knifes into Duofolds, both with Lucky Curve in their imprints. In the later 1920s, after Parker started producing Duofolds in high volume, Lucky Curve imprints were found on Duofolds and the final Lucky Curves looked like Duofolds, a strategem Parker used repeatedly in transitioning brands. Lucky Curves finally disappeared from production in the early 1930s, with Duofold having proven its success.
About This Pen
In the late 19-teens, Parker was in its final stages of producing its many types of long ebonite fountain pens before moving to the first Duofolds in 1921. Its Lucky Curve feeds had become established technology, and the Jacknife Safety caps were wonderful marketing devices. This pen, a black hard rubber example from 1917-20 that is in the No. 22-23 size range, marks the transition to Duofold, with its “turban” blind cap, button filler, Lucky Curve feed, and thicker girth. It is a shorter model, at 4 3/8” long capped, but has full girth and is not too short to hold comfortably. This pen is in excellent condition for a 100 year old pen, all original except for the new sac nipple (crafted by Ron Zorn), which is under the sac, not visible. The nib is a full flex, imprinted “Parker Lucky Curve Pen”. This is a special pen, rarely seen. It’s sturdy enough to use regularly, but a case is recommended.
Price: $250 Sold