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 65, only made in the U.K., was introduced in 1967, the first pens having an unsatisfactory filling system which was changed to the conventional cartridge/ converter design for 1968. In 1969 the connector was changed from the original brass construction to plastic. This pen has the conventional filling system and brass connector so it can be dated to 1968.
This set, comprising a fountain and a ballpoint pen, is in immaculate condition throughout. It may well be unused, although I have inked the pen for testing purposes. It is fitted with the original parker metal ink converter and will be supplied with a new ink cartridge so it is ready to write in either configuration.
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 ballpoint pen, also pristine, has a click action, cap activated mechanism, it writes with a smooth medium to fine line.
The original Parker hard presentation case is also in first class order, there are no stains or age spots on the satin interior and the outside is clean.
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 nib is not constricted by the hooded arrangement. It is a high quality pen that would make a first class daily writer. A mint example such as this is also very collectable.