Parker UK Duofold
1953-1964
About This Model
Parker Duofolds had been made in the UK since the early 1930s, then generally following the contemporaneous American designs and often using American parts. These are rarely seen today. During WWII, a second series of Duofolds appeared in England, identical to the Parker Victory except for the imprint. The far better known UK Duofolds were introduced after WWII, starting with the Duofold NS, New Style. These had arrow clips and were button fillers, and were made in England and in Denmark for English distribution. The AF Duofold, initials to mean Aluminium Filler, appeared in 1948, and were very popular pens. Their aluminium mechanics were very sturdy and these were wonderful writers, with soft English nibs. Finally, 1953 brought the final significant version, the New Duofold, aerometric fillers. These were shorter, lighter models, made of extruded plastic. While the components were cheaper, these were usually excellent writers, carrying Parker's 585 nib. These later pens also spun off other similar versions, including the Slimfold, Junior, and the 17/17 Super. These last pens generally had friction caps, aerometric fillers, differing only in trim. They all appeared in the final Duofold colors of Green, Blue, Red, and Black.
About This Pen
This is a full-size Duofold from 1953 and later, the last generation of UK Duofolds; it is not a “New” Duofold from the 1940s. This pen is made of dark blue extruded plastic and is an aerometric filler. It is full-sized, 12.9cm long and 1.3cm thick just below the cap edge. It has seen use, but its owner told me it was always in a case, well protected; indeed, that was an understatement, for this pen is in immaculate condition, handsome and elegant. The aerometric filler is strong and fills well. The Parker Duofold imprint is clear and complete. The gold Parker trim is clean and unmarked. The nib is 14k gold, and writes a medium, wet line; it is firm for an English pen but not as firm as most American pens of the time were.
Price: $105 Sold