The Parker Duofold AF replaced the button filling version in 1948 and was, in turn, replaced by the 'Aerometric' in 1953. The 'AF' stands for 'Aluminium Filler', in place of the brass button on the earlier model.
This is a fine example in Black with Gold filled trim. It is in outstanding condition throughout, having undergone a complete restoration. The pen has a deep lustrous shine which complements the Gold trim very well. The barrel imprint is very crisp and the Gold filling is first class.
The pen was disassembled, thoroughly cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and hand finished. A new ink sac was fitted as the old sac had hardened with age. The nib was not removed from the section as it was correctly aligned and all channels were clear, it is usually best to leave the assembly intact unless there is reason to disturb it.
The 14 Ct. Gold nib, is straight and well aligned. It is clearly stamped:
Parker Duofold 14K Pen. N.
The 'N' was used for the first nibs to be produced at the Parker Newhaven factory, this is an early pen, probably 1948, later pen had a number on the nib rather than the 'N'. Given that it is clearly an English nib it is curious that Parker used the '14K' designation rather than '14Ct.'.
Testing showed that the filling system works well, filling easily with a single press of the button. At around six inches in length when posted the pen has a very well balanced and substantial 'chunky' feel. The 14Ct. Gold nib has excellent ink flow, writes with a very smooth, medium line, a little on the fine side, and has the pleasing 'soft' feel of a top quality Gold nib.
The Parker Duofold AF is a large, attractive, and prestigious pen, it is very collectable but would make an excellent every day vintage writer.