The Parker 61 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 pencil is in excellent condition, there are no dings, 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 lead is expelled by turning the cap clockwise and reversing to retract. The mechanism is smooth and in perfect working order. The hard presentation box, probably the original, has a couple of marks to the blue lining and the plastic pen grip is broken, but it is in solid condition with a secure closure catch.
Although often sold as part of a set, the Parker 61 Insignia pencil was also of high enough quality to be packaged and marketed as a single item. It is a most attractive, robust, and practical pencil with a good deal of prestige.