The Parker 65 was introduced in 1967, this rolled gold Custom Insignia pen can be dated to 1977 as the metal cap stud was introduced in that year and the 65 Custom Insignia was discontinued in 1978.
The Parker 65 was a response to the demand for a pen with an open, rather than a hooded nib, as in the Parker 51 and 61. The open nib allows for some degree of flexibility, giving a 'soft' feel. The hooded nib precludes this option. The sculpted Parker 65 open nib, made from 14Ct Gold, is also a very handsome affair.
The pen, constructed in rolled gold, was the top of the range 65 at the time. The cap is inscribed:
'Parker. Made in England'
along with the Parker 'halo' and shield with the inscription:
'P. 1/10. 12Ct. R.G.'
Signifying that the cap, and barrel are one tenth 12 Ct. gold by weight. Although it is not practical to extract the gold from a rolled gold item, it is interesting to speculate how much this pen would cost to make today. The cap and barrel weigh 16g. giving 1.6 g. of 12Ct gold, £60. the nib is solid 14 Ct. gold and must weigh 0.5 g. £30. a total of £90 for the materials alone.
The pen has been serviced, tested, and is in excellent condition with only very light usage marks. It writes well, delivering a smooth medium line, perhaps a little on the broad side, and has a pleasing 'soft' feel.
The Parker 65 is a cartridge/converter filler. The pen is fitted with the original Parker converter for use with bottled ink and is supplied with a new ink cartridge so it is ready to write in either configuration.
The Parker hard box is in good, clean condition and is probably original.
The Parker 65 Custom Insignia is one of the more scarce 1960s/70s Parker pens, it is outrageously attractive and the unique nib design adds a little 'quirkiness'.