Parker Striped Duofold
About This Model
In the late 1930s, as the Vacumatic era dawned, the later Duofolds transitioned into the vertically striped Striped Duofolds, which appeared in two generations, the button-filled models and then, until 1948, as Vacumatic-filled models (now often called Duovacs). There has always been some confusion among the overlapping models of the 1940s, but to me, if it is a button filler it's a Striped Duofold; if a Vacumatic-filler it's a Duovac. The Vacumatic-imprinted vertically striped pens are Vacufolds, but even the experts admit that there are more variants than can be named. Their nibs are generally Duofold-firm, but an expressive surprise does occur.
About This Pen
A Parker Striped Duofold is one of those pens that is easy to identify until you get into the weeds. This pen is unquestionably a Maroon Striped Duofold. However, identifying its exact model and age is far from unequivocal, leading me to believe that this pen is a hybrid, an assemblage of parts at some point in its past. Its 5.2″ capped length does not match any of the submodels listings; its barrel is clearly marked with a 1940 date code but the cap is from a later Lady Duofold; and the black blind cap is 1942-1948. Does this harm the pen? No, if anything it keeps its selling price low…it’s a nice pen, restored surprisingly well, fills strongly, and has a wonderful fine nib that writes a lovely wet line and can be pushed to a full medium with heavier writing. There is some use wear under the shine, but no significant scratches or nicks. The trim is generally quite clean, except that the cap ring is missing plate. This Striped Duofold is a very handsome pen that writes very well. Just don’t get hung up on the details.
Price: $105