Although the Parker Classic Flighter had been around, as a ballpoint, since 1971, it wasn't until 1986 that Parker added a fountain pen to the range, it served to replace the Parker 180. It is very similar to the 180, could have been called a '180 Mk. II. This set carries a date code for the last quarter of 1986. This is the GT, for Gold trimmed version, an upgrade to the standard Flighter.
The set, comprising a fountain pen and rollerball, is in exceptioanl condition throughout and could well be unused. The box is clearly original to the set and both pens carry the same date code for the last quarter of 1986. The ink converter is unstained, they were made with a blue tint. An original converter is essential for a Classic, as the 'standard' Parker ink converters of the time are too wide to fit in the slim Classic barrel.
The term 'Flighter' was used, by Parker, for all their stainless steel bodied pens, partly as a consequence of George Parker's obsession with planes. The term is often used today for any steel pen but the only 'true' Flighters are Parkers.
The Classic is a slim and elegant yet very robust pen. The cap closes, flush to the barrel, with a satisfying and secure click. The stud at the barrel end is slightly flared so that the cap also clicks on to the barrel when the pen is posted for use. This device prevents the cap rim from coming into contact with the barrel in order to stop scratching.
The partially hooded, large, robust nib is triangular in shape, very similar to that found on the Parker 180. Although it is quite striking it looks perfectly suited to the pen in the aesthetic sense. The collar of the nib is stamped 'M' for medium.
The rollerball matches the fountain pen perfectly and provides an alternative writing mode which may be more convenient in certain situations. A new fine, black refill has been fitted.
The Parker Classic, which ceased production in 1993, is a very robust and peractical pen with an appealing 'quirkiness' of design. Fountain pen/rollerball combinations are not easy to find, partucularly in such outstanding condition.