The Parker 180 Ecorce, French for 'bark', was introduced in 1979 as part of the prestigious 'Place Vendome' collection. From 1980 the pens were date coded, as this pen has no date code it can be dated to 1979.
The pen, is in superb condition and is almost certainly unised unused. The original clip 'tag' is still in place,it cannot be removed without breaking the card. The original box is generally good but has a tear at one corner of the lid, an easy repair.
The high relief bark effect finish is heavily plated with 22 Ct. Gold, it is an outrageously attractive pen of great quality.
The 180 was so named to emphasise the fact that the pen is designed to write with the front and back of the nib. The feed is stamped 'M-X', for medium and extra fine. Used the 'correct' way round the pen writes with a medium line, the reverse is vey fine, in practice the 180s write best the 'right way round'.. Visually, the parker 180 nib is quite spectacular, although it could be lethal in the wrong hands!
the Parker 180 Ecorce had a short production run and was very expensive when new, meaning that there are relatively few survivors and the pen is now highly collectable. This pen would clearly grace a Parker collection but is also a robust and reliable pen for daily use. The pen is spectacular, I very rarely use the word 'stunning' for a pen but, in this case, I think it is appropriate!