The Parker 61 Custom Insignia, also known as the 'Signet', was introduced in the U.S.A. in 1958 and a few years later in the U.K. This pencil was made in England and probably dates to the 1960s.
The cap carries a shield stamp which reads 'P., 1/10, 12 Ct., RG' indicating that the pencil is one tenth by weight 12 Carat Gold. It is also stamped 'Parker, Made in England', along with the Parker 'halo' logo.
The pen is in excellent condition, there is only one tiny mark on the cone, no plating loss, or engravings and the pearl coloured cap jewel is bright and clear. The surface is decorated with groups of fine longitudinal lines with a blank cartouche.
The point is expelled and retracted by clicking the cap. The mechanism is smooth and in perfect working order. A new refill has been fitted.
Although often sold as part of a set, the Parker 61 Insignia ballpoint was also of high enough quality to be packaged and marketed as a single item. It is a most attractive, robust, and practical pen with a good deal of prestige.
Although often sold as part of a set, the Parker 61 Insignia ballpoint was also of high enough quality to be packaged and marketed as a single item. It is a most attractive, robust, and practical pen with a good deal of prestige