The Parker 65 was introduced in 1967, the Vista Blue colour was removed from the line in 1969 and, in the same year the inner cap clutch design was changed. This is a Vista Blue set with the later inner cap so would have been produced in 1969. This set is an excellent example of a 'Custom' version, the Custom 65 has a rolled Gold cap, the 'standard' pen has a steel cap.
The set is in first class condition throughout and shows little sign of use. The surface is excellent with a deep shine and the rolled gold caps are ding free. The clips are secured with pearl coloured cap studs.
The cap is clearly stamped:
'Parker. Made in England'
along with the Parker 'halo' and shield with the inscription:
'P. 1/10. 12Ct. R.G.'
signifying that the cap is one tenth 12 Ct. Rollled gold by weight.
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 was described, by Parker, as 'semi flexible' but think 'having a soft feel' is more accurate. The Parker 65 open nib, made from 14Ct Gold, is also a very handsome affair.
The pen delivers a wonderfully smooth medium to broad line, it is an exceptional writer, well suited to someone with a large, bold 'hand'. I usually do the writing samples with black ink but fancied something a bit different in this case so chose Diamine Imperial Purple for the 65.
The Parker 65 is a cartridge/converter filler. The pen is fitted with the original Parker converter for use with bottled ink and is supplied with a new ink cartridge so it is ready to write in either configuration.
The pencil has a rotary mechanism, activated by turning the cap to extend and retract the lead. The eraser is accessed by removing the cap, it appears tohave seen very little, if any use. The cap is quite a snug fit on the pencil so care must be taken when removing it, probaly best left in place as new leads are fitted through the nozzle. The pencil is stamped '65', this is to distinguish it from the identical parker 61 pencil and show that it is part of a 65 set.
The recess for the pen in the box has a slight pink tinge, but the box is correct for the set, probably original, and is in sound, clean condition.
The Parker 65 Custom is one of the more scarce 1960s Parker pens, perticularly in this colour. This set is of collectable quality but would also make a first class practical every day vintage writer.