The Parker Duofold Aerometric filling pen was released in 1953 but this fine example carries a clear date code for the second quarter of 1952. This is either a pre release pen or one made in preparation for the launch, it is the first of the U.K. Aerometric Duofolds.
Finished in blue, the pen is in truly outstanding condition, it has a bright surface, with a clear imprint. The Gold filling to the clip and decorated cap band is pristine. The clip is secured by a colour coded 'jewel'.
The original, correct, 'N'. Gold nib is straight and well aligned. It writes with a beautifully smooth medium line and has a pleasing 'soft' feel. The 'N' stamped on the nib denotes 'Newhaven', the site of the Parker U.K. factory acquired in the late 1940s. This imprint was only used on the early Duofolds later pens were imprinted '25', the nib size. The Newhaven nib is larger than the 25.
At 13.2 cm. capped and 15cm. posted the Duofold is an good sized pen in terms of length but is a good deal wider than most, giving it a very solid, chunky feel. The later Duofolds were about 3mm. shorter when posted.
The original Parker box is in sound, clean condition.
The Parker Aerometric Duofolds of the 1950s were excellent writing instruments which sold very well, despite the competition from the ballpoint. Parker probably under-priced the pen in order to resist the pressure. At seventy four years old next year, 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.