The Parker 180 in Red Jasper was introduced in 1980, this superb example comes with an isurance certifcate dated the 21st January 1980. It is a multi layered lacquered pen, part of the 'Place Vendome' collection made in Meru, France.
The pen is in mint condition and is fitted with the original ink converter. The 180 is a slim pen and standard Parker converters won't fit so the inclusion of the converter is an important issue with these pens. Two Parker cartridges are included so the pen is ready to write in either configuration.
The box is original, the cutout fits the pen perfectly and would only accommodate a 180. A soft pen pouch is also included along with the dated insurance certificate, which states the pen is a Parker 180 Laque. the original packaging, and outstanding condition of the pen suggest it could well be new old stock, although I have inked the pen for testing purposes.
The 180 was so named to emphasise the fact that the pen is designed to write with the front and back of the nib. This pen has the Gold nib, later versions were steel. The feed is stamped 'F/B', the nib writes with a broad line when used 'the right way up' and a fine line when reversed. It peforms better when used conventionally. The parker 180 nib is quite spectacular, although it could be lethal in the wrong hands!
The 'Place Vendome' lacque pens had a relatively short production run of less than three years and the Red Jasper version is really quite rare. It is an outrageously attractive and very collectable pen.