News

The Parker New Slimfold is a little odd in that it bears little resemblance to the Parker Slimfold but a quite strong resemblance to the Parker 45: The New Slimfold, top picture, is slightly shorter than the 45, this one is a late GT version.  The 45 was also available in Gold trim. When posted the two pens are about the same length: The most significant difference in the two models is that the New Slimfold has a screw cap whilst the 45 is a push fit.  The New Slimfold had one less part, the clutch ring, than the 45.  This...

The Parker Premier is no more.  After about 70 years and 3 distinct pens with the 'Premier' name Parker has continued to slim down the range and axed the Premier. The original 'thrift time' or 'depression' version, produced from 1932 to 1934, was an attracive, functinal, but britttle pen that did not last well. The second Parker Premier was altogether a different story, it was a very high specification luxury update to the Parker 75.  It was made from 1983 to 1992 in a variety of very attractive finishes, such as this 'Chinese Lacquer' version: The final, perhaps, version of...

Occasionally a pen comes along that has a somethng that really sets it apart from other pens in the same range.  The Parker 75 Custom Laque is such a pen.  It came in four solid colours, Red, Blue, Black, and Green, each with a body coloured 'cabuchon' stone set into the cap stud.  This, and the 23Ct. Gold filling and deep multi layered lacqered finis combine to stunning effect.  It is a truly georgeous pen, and it's a Parker 75! 

I couldn't resit, although I did try, buying a 'New Parker 51' or 'Parker 51 reimagined' as they are often referred to:   Despite the screw thread, shiny cap, and modern arrow clip the overall likeness to the original is quite strong.  Not so 'in the hand', it just doesn't feel like a Parker 51. But, in fairness, if compared to the host of other '51 clones' it is a winner, and so it should be.  It is, after all, made by Parker.

A nib block is an invaluable tool for straightening pen nibs, a common task when restoring vintage fountain pens.  Most blocks consist of two curved surfaces, one for working from the inside of the nib and the other for working from the inside.  A range of hand tools is useful to apply pressure to the nib in the required area with the correct amount of pressure. I bought the kit pictured above from Mike at: vintagepensacsandparts.com, it is a good quality product at a very reasonable price.  Successful use of a nib block is, on the face of it fairly straightforward...