The Parker '17', made in the English Parker Newhaven factory, was added to the immensely successful Duofold range in 1962. It originally had an exposed nib but was changed to a hooded version, this pen, in 1964. It was made in two versions, the Parker 17 and the more expensive 'Super 17', which had an unusually wide, gold filled cap band and a Gold filled ring at the end of the barrel.
This pen is a fine example of a Parker '17'. The '17' was made in four colours: black, red, green, and blue, this is a blue pen with gold filled cap band and 'arrow' clip, it is in excellent condition throughout. The original 'pli-glass' ink sac is virtually unstained and still allows the ink level to be viewed. The pen body has a showroom finish with a clear barrel imprint and the gold filling is similarly pristine.
At 13.5cm. capped and 14.6cm. posted it is a good sized pen with a very good balance. The pen has been fully serviced and tested, it fills well and the 14Ct. Gold nib is exceptional. It has excellent ink flow, delivers a beautifully smooth and consistent medium line, and has a most pleasing 'soft' feel.
The presentation box is brand new, it will serve well for transportation, protection, and display.
The Parker '17' is not a particularly rare pen but one in this condition comes along very infrequently. The '17' is a very underrated pen which has stood the test of time, it is simply not possible to find a new Gold nibbed pen to compare at anywhere near the price. In terms of performance as a vintage every day writer this pen would be hard to beat.