The Parker Duofold Standard, along with the smaller Demi version, was the first Aerometric Duofold to be made in the Newhaven factory,1953. This pen carries a date code for the first quarter of 1956.
The U.K. Duofolds were made in 4 colours: black, blue, red, and green . The colour is decidedly red, not the darker maroon colour found on the U.S.A. pens
The pen is in excellent condition, it has a bright ' showroom' surface, and a clear imprint. The Gold filling to the clip and decorated cap band is pristine. The clip is secured by a colour coded 'jewel'.
The original, correct, No. 25 14Ct. Gold nib is straight and well aligned, and is a great writer, producing a super smooth, medium line.
At 13.2 cm. capped and 14.7 cm. posted the Duofold is an average sized pen in terms of length but is a good deal 'fatter' than most, giving it a very solid, chunky feel.
The Parker box, probably original, is also in very good condition with no ink stains or significant scuffs.
The Parker Aerometric Duofolds of the 1950s were excellent writing instruments which sold very well, despite the competition from the ballpoint. Parker probably under-priced the pen in order to resist the pressure. Seventy years later the pen is still outstanding value, particularly when compared with a new Gold nibbed pen of similar quality. It would make a very good vintage daily writer.