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 pen, finished in Burgundy, is in superb condition throughout. The original packaging and condition of the pen suggest that it was used sparingly with the ink converter and kept in the box. The original ink cartridges are still unused, stored under the tray. The guarantee leaflet carries a date for 1974, entirely consistent with the pen model, the pearl cap stud was replaced with a metal version in 1975.
The converter works well taking up a good volume of ink and the large 14Ct. gold nib is outstanding. It writes with a fine line but, with a little pressure on the downward stroke, flexes to medium. With a little practice some effective line variation could be achieved. In the original advertising for the 65, parker did describe the nib as 'semi-flexible'.
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 semi flexible nib is not constricted by the hooded arrangement. It is a high quality pen that would make a first class daily writer.