The Parker Classic fountain pen, introduced in 1986, was, essentially, an update to the Parker 180. This pen, made in England, is a gold trimmed version carrying a date code for the last quarter of 1991.
The pen is in superb condition throughout, and could well be unused, although I have filled the pen for testing purposes. The brushed stainless steel body and cap show no wear and the Gold filling is excellent. The original Parker slim ink converter is unstained, the ink sacs were made with a blue tint. The sharply pointed flat triangular nib collar carries the letter 'M', for a medium point. It writes with a very smooth and 'easy' medium to broad line, with no pressure at all required. When used with a light touch, letting the pen do the work, it is a delight.
The Classic is a cartridge/converter filler, the ink converter is fitted and a new ink cartridge is supplied so the pen is ready to write in either configuration.
The cap is a push fit, it closes securely with a satisfying 'click'. If the pen is posted for use the cap also secures on the slightly flared barrel end stud, a useful feature to prevent scratching of the barrel by posting a metal cap.
At 137mm. capped and 142 mm. posted, the Classic is a good sized, slim and elegant pen. At 11.8g. with the converter in situe it is a light pen, despite the all metal construction. This is an important consideration if the pen is to be used for extended periods of writing, it reduces strain on the small muscles in the fingers, it is a very 'comfortable' pen.
The metal construction of the Classic Flighter GT and the flexible filling system makes the pen a robust and reliable every day vintage writer.