The Parker Victory Mk. IV was made from 1948 to 1952. It is an 'A.F' button filler type, the letters denoting an Aluminium Filler. This pen is a very uncommon variant in that it has a Valentine nib. The Valentine pen company had made pens for Parker for many years and were taken over by the Parker company after the end of the war. Some of the early Mk. IV Victories were fitted with Valentine nibs as Parker used up all the old stock.
This example, finished in the uncommon Burgundy colour, is in exceptional condition throughout, could well be described as near mint. It has a first class surface and Gold filling to the clip and cap bands. These are flat to the cap surface, shortly after production started the bands were raised, as in the original 1920s parker Duofolds.
The pen has been fully restored to full working order. This involved full disassembly, a thorough cleaning and checking of all components and replacing the ink sac. After reassembly the pen was given a light polish and fully tested.
The filling system works well and takes up a good volume of ink. The 14 Ct. Gold nib is stamped 'Valentine' and appears to be made from thicker Gold than the Parker nibs. It's certainly a huigh quality nib that writes extremely well, laying down a smooth, consistent, medium line. It has a pleasing 'soft' feel and is an extremely comfortable and 'easy' writer.
The Parker satin lined box is probably original. It is in good clean condition inside and out.
The Parker Victory Mk. lV is, arguably, the best of the models bearing the Victory name. The classic streamlined shape, tapered clip and deep Gold filling blend together to give a pleasing, uncluttered appearence. At 15.5cm. when posted it is a long and elegant pen with a very solid, high quality feel.
The unusual colour, Valentine nib, and exceptional condition of the pen make it very collectable but it would make an excellent every day writer.