The Parker 180 in Lapis lazuli, was introduced in 1979, this example carries no date code so it appears to be a first year pen, as date coding began, in France, in 1980. It is a deep lacquered pen, part of the prestigious 'Place Vendome' collection made in Meru, France.
The 180 is a slim pen and standard Parker converters won't fit so the inclusion of the original metal ink converter is an important issue with these pens. A Parker ink cartridge is included so the pen is ready to write in either configuration. The box, high quality and probably original, is also in excellent condition and shows the pen off quite well.
The Lapis Lazuli pen is named after the bright blue gemstone, it is often found with gold and white flecks from pyrite and calcite respectively and was extensively used in jewellery. The multi layered lacquer finish on the pen has a very deep shine the 'starry night'colour is really quite striking.
The Gold filled 'stack of coins' cap stud seems to have been 'borrowed' from the Parker 75. The gold filling, which is pristine, appears deeper and more richly coloured than usual, it may be 18Ct.
The 180 was so named to emphasise the fact that the pen is designed to write with the front and back of the nib. The feed is stamped 'F-B', for fine and broad. The parker 180 nib is quite spectacular, although it could be lethal in the wrong hands!
The Lapis Lazuli pens had a short production run and this version of the Parker 180 is quite a rare, outrageously attractive, and very collectable pen.