The Parker 180 in Malachite, 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 pen is in fabulous condition, it may well be unused. 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, probably original, is also in excellent condition and shows the pen off quite well.
The Malachite pen is named after the green gemstone, it is often found with darker bands, and was extensively used in jewellery. The multi layered lacquer finish on the pen has a very deep shine and the darker stripes appear to vary in intensity depending on the viewing angle.
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. A useful feature of the 180 is the flared band at the end of the barrel. This 'clicks' into the cap when the cap is posted to prevent the rim of the cap making contact with, and scratching, the barrel when the pen is in use.
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 Malachite pens had a short production run and this version of the Parker 180 is quite a rare, outrageously attractive, and very collectable pen.