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 Parker 65 open nib, made from 14Ct Gold, is also a very handsome affair.
The set, comprising a fountain pen, ballpoint, and pencil has been fully serviced and tested and is in first class working condition. The surface is excellent and the caps are ding free although the end stud for the ballpoint is missing. A cartridge/converter pen, it is fitted with the original parker metal ink converter and will be supplied with a new ink cartridge so it is ready to write in either configuration.
The converter works well taking up a good volume of ink and the large 14Ct. gold nib is outstanding. It writes with a super smooth broad line and has a very pleasing soft feel with a suggestion of flex. In the original advertising for the 65, Parker did describe the nib as 'semi-flexible'.
The ballpoint pen has a cap activated mechanism and has been fitted with a new Parker ink refill. The pencil works by rotating the cap to extend and retract the lead.
The box is original, as is the instruction leaflet. It is unusual to find a vintage box in such pristine condition, the satin lining is unstained and has no age marks, the hinges are sound and the exterior is unmarked.
The Parker 65 is a very distinctive, eye-catching pen. It has the same ink delivery system and ink flow as the Parker 51 and 61 pens but also allows for more character to be added to the writing as the nib is not constricted by the hooded arrangement. It is a high quality pen that would make a first class daily writer. A complete triple set in such outstanding condition is also very collectable.