The Parker Duofold Standard , along with the smaller Demi version, was the first Aerometric Duofold to be made in the Newhaven factory,1953. This pen carries a date code for the first quarter of 1956.
Finished in classic black, the pen is in excellent condition, and has been fully serviced and tested. It has deep shine and the Gold filling to the clip and decorated cap band is pristine. The clip is secured by a colour coded 'jewel'.
The original, correct, No. 25 14Ct. Gold nib is straight and well aligned. Itis most unusual as it is stemped with 'M' for medium and a '4', which may be a 1954 date code. The barrel is stamped with '6...' for the first quarter of 1956, it is not at all unusual to find and earlier nib on a slightly later pen as Parker were parsimonious about using up stock.
The pen is a superb writer, it delivers a super smooth line, perhaps a little on the broad side of medium. It is a pleasure to use.
At 13.2 cm. capped and 14.7 cm. posted the Duofold is an average sized pen in terms of length but is a good deal wider than most, giving it a very solid, chunky appearance and feel.
The Parker Aerometric Duofolds of the 1950s were excellent writing instruments which sold very well, despite the competition from the ballpoint. Parker probably underpriced the pen in order to resist the pressure. Sixty odd years later the pen is still outstanding value, particularly when compared with a new Gold nibbed pen of similar quality. It would make a very good vintage daily writer.