The Parker Duofold Maxima is generally thought to have been introduced in 1958 but this example carries a clear date code for 1956. It is either a pre release pen or the accepted launch date is in error, perhaps based on the first available advert for the pen.
As the largest, and most expensive English Duofold the Maxima was now the flagship pen of the range.
This is a very fine example, it is finished in Red with Gold filled trim including a broad cap band and 'arrow' clip with a red end jewel. With only very light usage marks, the pen is in excellent condition, it has a first class surface and the gold filling has held up very well.
The filling system works well, taking up a good volume of ink. The very large 14Ct. Gold 'Arrow' no 50 nib has a suggestion of a kink towards the end but I have left this alone as the pen writes so well.
At 14.5 cm. capped and a huge 16.8cm. posted, the Maxima has a great deal of presence.
The U.K. Duofold range was hugely successful and consisted of a number of designs, or more accurately, sizes, in four standard colours, Red, Blue, Green, and black. They were all good quality, functional pens but could be seen as a little 'boring'. The Maxima instantly changed that view, its impressive dimensions, ornate nib, and classic good looks made it a 'must have' Duofold for those that could afford one, and, seventy years or so later it is regarded as the most collectable of the U.K. post war Doufolds.