Parker UK Duofold
1953-56
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
This pen is one of the last Duofolds produced in England, an early-mid 1950s model. It is definitely smaller than the postwar Duofolds, 12.5cm long and 1cm wide just below the cap edge. Size aside, it looks like a Duofold NS: gold Parker trim with the fully feathered clip and chevron-patterned cap ring. The clip is integrated with the crown, which is black inside the gold trim. The pen is in forest green and is made of a soft plastic, not celluloid. It is very clean, with almost no visible wear. It is an aerometric filler, and fills well. (A bit of Parker arcana: the first generation of 51 Aeromatics instructed the user to press the aerometric pressure bar 6 times; the second generation had presumably strengthened the bar, since they show “press four times.” One has to wonder about the negotiations that led this English Parker Duofold to show “press at least five times”.) The crowning glory of this pen is its nib: a broad stub in 585 gold, and it is a beautiful writer. Be sure to see the writing sample! Please treat this pen to a case to protect its shiny finish.
Price: $85 Sold