The Parker 50 Falcon was introduced in 1978 and production ended in 1982 after a relatively short production run, always a good sign for collectors. The Matte Brown TX version, this set, had an even shorter run, it was introduced in 1981 and the Falcon did not appear in the 1982 catalogue. The pencil carries a date code for the last quarter of 1982 so it was the very last of the line, probably explaining why it was unsold and is now genuine new old stock.
The pen is constructed in brass with an epoxy resin textured brown matt finish. The familiar Parker 'Arrow' clip has a different look, the feathers are not individually defined. I find this quite odd for a pen called a 'Falcon'!
A cartridge/converter filler, it is a slim and elegant pen that looks much like other slim Parkers until the cap is removed to reveal the revolutionary and unique 'unitary' nib section. Only one other pen had this, the ill fated and now super rare T1. The T1 was constructed in Titanium, a metal which proved too expensive and difficult to efficiently be coerced into the complex shapes required by the design. The Falcon is essentially an updated T1 made in a more realistic material.
The set is in immaculate, uninked condition. The ballpoint has been fitted with a new ink refill, as the original had dried with age. The box has a few slight scuffs on the outside but is clean and sound, as is the instruction leaflet. The very last Falcon sets were the only ones to be sold in this style box including the handy carry pouch for the ballpoint.
A cartridge/converter filler, the pen is fitted with an ink converter and is supplied with a new cartridge so it is ready to write in either configuration.
In addition to the short production run and relative rarity of the Parker 50 Falcon, the pen's future as a very collectable item is further enhanced by its unique and very striking design.