Just bought Parker Sonnet Chinese Laque Amber, not sure if I like it

[pelikan3]

I bought a Parker Sonnet Chinese Laque Amber pen on eBay a week ago and it just came in last night. Now, before I go any further, let me say that, I know there are a lot of Sonnet counterfeits out there, but the Chinese Laque are not amongst the models counterfeited, and it comes from the collection of a reputable seller who has had it since it first came out. So, authenticity is NOT an issue.

 

The thing is, the Chinese Laque Amber photographs as a very bright yellow, with gold swirls through it. I looked around the web and found all the photos gave off this same bright yellow/golden look. And, basically, I wanted a Sonnet and I liked the idea of a bright yellow/golden pen.

 

BUT, when the pen arrived, I found it to be a very dull, brownish, mustard-y looking color, with specs of gold throughout. I tried it in different light, and even in sunlight, to see if anything brought out the shine I had seen in the photos, and nothing did. The only "highlight" has been, that instead of the fine nib I was expecting, it came with what appears to be a medium (maybe broad), right oblique. This is quite novel, as I didn't even know the Sonnet came in oblique. Unfortunately, it's not exactly suited to my hand, as I am right handed, and tend to hold my pen relatively straight, as opposed to hooking my wrist. I have played with my writing angle and it does write very well.

 

So, on the upside, I have a mint condition, Parker Sonnet, Chinese Laque Amber with a medium/broad right oblique nib. On the downside, the color is NOT what I expected at all (i.e., I really hate it), and it really will deter me from ever using it.

 

So, my dilemma:

 

Do I keep it in my collection, where it would make a nice addition to the box (I collect mostly Parker and Wahl Eversharp), but really isn't likely to see the light of day?

 

Do I TRY to return it because the color isn't as depicted in the picture, and, assuming the seller concurs, take the loss on roundtrip shipping from and to Europe, and probably take an additional loss on eBay fees (I figure I will lose around $50-$60 on the deal if I return it) or,

 

do I try to sell it or trade it off on my own?

 

If I found someone to trade, what sorts of pens are of comparable value and quality? Are there other Sonnets that could be considered to be on the same level as the Chinese Laque (honestly, I wouldn't mind the Chinese Laque red).

 

Thanks for the input.

[Imzadi]

why not keep it and continue looking for another? When you find one with better color, sell this one. Just a thought and mho.

[pelikan3]

I don't know. Maybe. I guess I'm just really disappointed, would like to have a pen I can be excited about, like I thought this one would be, and would prefer to not spend more money before I make mine back. I think my best options are trade, or just sell it, even though I might like to keep the nib.

[CRB]

I have that Sonnet, and to me it's a prized possession. It's a discontinued and unusual finish, well made using luxurious materials, fitted with a very good supple 18k gold nib. I'd suggest hanging onto it for a while; you may develop an appreciation for that shade of rich mustardy gold finish.

Edited February 21, 2010 by CRB

[pelikan3]

I appreciate all the input. I've tried to look at it from different angles. How I missed having a Sonnet since mine was stolen, years ago. How the Chinese Laque is rare and unique. How I lucked out in receiving the pen with an uncommon nib -right oblique broad, even though a right oblique isn't exactly ideal for my writing.

 

But, I bought it because I saw this bright yellow pen with swirly gold through it, and I ended up with a brownish mustard with gold through it that doesn't give any sense of the look from the pictures, and I just can't get past hating the color. So, I put it up for trade in the classifieds. Thanks for the help!

[voop]

I appreciate all the input. I've tried to look at it from different angles. How I missed having a Sonnet since mine was stolen, years ago. How the Chinese Laque is rare and unique. How I lucked out in receiving the pen with an uncommon nib -right oblique broad, even though a right oblique isn't exactly ideal for my writing.

 

But, I bought it because I saw this bright yellow pen with swirly gold through it, and I ended up with a brownish mustard with gold through it that doesn't give any sense of the look from the pictures, and I just can't get past hating the color. So, I put it up for trade in the classifieds. Thanks for the help!

 

That is probably a wise decision -- if you're not entirely happy with the pen, then getting it to somebody who will be seems to be the best solution -- and getting you a pen you will be entirely happy with as well.

 

Personally, I love the Chinese Laque Sonnet that I bought some years back, and am happy that it is not bright-yellow. Maybe you really want a Duofold Citrine and not a Sonnet?

[pelikan3]

I appreciate all the input. I've tried to look at it from different angles. How I missed having a Sonnet since mine was stolen, years ago. How the Chinese Laque is rare and unique. How I lucked out in receiving the pen with an uncommon nib -right oblique broad, even though a right oblique isn't exactly ideal for my writing.

 

But, I bought it because I saw this bright yellow pen with swirly gold through it, and I ended up with a brownish mustard with gold through it that doesn't give any sense of the look from the pictures, and I just can't get past hating the color. So, I put it up for trade in the classifieds. Thanks for the help!

 

That is probably a wise decision -- if you're not entirely happy with the pen, then getting it to somebody who will be seems to be the best solution -- and getting you a pen you will be entirely happy with as well.

 

Personally, I love the Chinese Laque Sonnet that I bought some years back, and am happy that it is not bright-yellow. Maybe you really want a Duofold Citrine and not a Sonnet?

 

Maybe. I do love Duofolds, and except for some Duofold Jrs from the 20's, I don't have any. Not sure about the Citrine, but I know I love the Pearl and Black.

 

I posted it for trade, but unfortunately, I have only had one bite...a person in Asia offering me a Pelikan 100N with a Make It Right nib. Is this a good offer? I was hoping more for a modern Pelikan or a modern Duofold, but I guess folks who like those are not Sonnet people.

Edited February 27, 2010 by pelikan3

[pelikan3]

O.K. I posted the pen on the trade board and have had very little interest, and some very minor offers. One person suggested that the pens I am interested in are of greater value, which led me to believe that most folks don't know that the Chinese Laque Sonnets go well above the normal range of value, desirability, and collect-ability for Sonnets.

 

So, I defer to the Parker collecting community... Am I off base? I know there are $40 (non-counterfeit) Sonnets to be had on eBay. But I understood the Chinese Laques to be a limited production, higher quality pen, of value more on par with a Pelikan M-series or an International Duofold.

 

Also, considering it's collect-ability, the value should hold or go up, where-as one of the aforementioned pens, in used but, let's say, very good condition, should only go down. I know that, when I worked at, and frequented Bertram's Inkwell in Baltimore, if they took a pen in trade, even a seemingly brand new one, unless the box was sealed and never opened, it was sold for 50% off MSRP. So, if I am asking for a Pelikan M600 or M800 or a Parker International Duofold, in used but very good condition, either one of those should be a good trade.

 

Am I wrong? What Sonnets would you consider the equal (in value) of the Chinese Laque Amber? What other Parkers? What non-Parkers?

 

One person offered me an antique Pelikan 100N with a "Make it Right" nib. Is this a good offer?

 

Thanks again to the forum for their insight.

Edited March 2, 2010 by pelikan3

[fibreglass_works]

Later you say you don't like "Make it Right" nib......

 

Keep the pen for yourself you will overcome liking the colour when you are hungry like "Curry stick" :roflmho:

 

I think you do not know what you want.

 

 

 

One person offered me an antique Pelikan 100N with a "Make it Right" nib. Is this a good offer?

 

Thanks again to the forum for their insight.

[pelikan3]

Later you say you don't like "Make it Right" nib......

 

Keep the pen for yourself you will overcome liking the colour when you are hungry like "Curry stick" :roflmho:

 

I think you do not know what you want.

 

 

 

One person offered me an antique Pelikan 100N with a "Make it Right" nib. Is this a good offer?

 

Thanks again to the forum for their insight.

 

No, I said that someone offered me the antique Pelikan 100N with the "make it right" nib. I am a big fan of Pelikan, and used to have a 100 until the piston snapped. I loved writing with the extra flexible nib. I am NOT familiar with a "make it right" nib. I have only had my nibs modified by John Mottishaw, so I have no idea what the quality or advantage of the "make it right" nib is, or whether that, coupled with the 100N, create a pen of equal value to the Sonnet Chinese Laque.

 

I actually do know exactly what I want. I wanted a Sonnet for my collection and my enjoyment. I have had one in the past and it was stolen and I never got around to replacing it. But, I wanted just the right finish or material that made it eye-catching to me and made me glad I bought it. When I shopped the Amber on line, it showed up in all photos as a very bright yellow pen with sparkly gold throughout. It was very fun, regal, and ethereal looking. Like, a Sonnet with a finish that was bright like a Manderin or Citrine Duofold, luminescent like a Waterman Edson, and sparkly like a Maki-e pen. What I got was Gulden's Spicy Brown with some sparkles in it. So, I want something that evokes that kind of interest. It may be the same Sonnet in Chinese Laque Red, which I know, will be truer to color in person. It could be a Sonnet Terra Cotta, or it could be something totally different, like a Duofold or something from the Pelikan line.

 

I may try to return it for cash or trade. I may leave it up for trade, though no one seems to want it, or I may try to trade it through a retail store. But, not even time will bring me to love this pen. It's just not to my taste. So, what I really need is a reality check, from experienced, educated Parker people, about what Parker and non-Parker pens they would consider the equal in price and quality of this particular Sonnet.

 

Thanks!

[fibreglass_works]

Sad to tell you that less the buyer want your pen. I would put it why pay more when ebay is $40/-?

Honestly, keen the pen long run you will like the curry stick.

 

what Parker and non-Parker pens they would consider the equal in price and quality of this particular Sonnet.

 

Thanks!

[MidnightBlue]

Works both ways. I've bought pens that looked really glossy in the pics and were quite dull when they arrived. My Conklin Halloween however looked really gaudy but when it arrived it was great eye candy. All pens are still treasured. The pen with the biggest diff was My Think Jimi Hendrix. The pic was all kinda purple haze and when mine arrived it was all green!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????

Thanks

[pelikan3]

Sad to tell you that less the buyer want your pen. I would put it why pay more when ebay is $40/-?

Honestly, keen the pen long run you will like the curry stick.

 

what Parker and non-Parker pens they would consider the equal in price and quality of this particular Sonnet.

 

Thanks!

 

 

One thing this experience has taught is, no matter how much I think I will love a pen, I will always buy with an eye for resale in case I do need to get rid of it. I always do my best to get a good deal on things, or at least pay a reasonable price. But, I don't often buy with an eye towards resale. Now I will.

 

There are $40+/- Sonnets. But there are Stirling Silver and Chinese Laque Amber, Red and Vison Fonce' pens that are well into the $200 to mid-$300 range. These pens, like so many limited runs and limited editions, may have been discounted when they first came out, but they have grown into their price tags. Trouble is, I think the people who wanted them, have them, and others don't remember that Parker ever offered the Sonnet in anything but an inexpensive form.

 

But, it doesn't matter if I educate people that this is a pen of value, or that it was once sought after (I actually worked for a pen store when they first came out). I can't tell people what they SHOULD want.

 

At this point I think I will just try to trade with the seller or put it up through a pen store and see what happens. I am not going to like the "curry stick", unless I wake up and it suddenly glows bright, golden, sunshine yellow.

 

I do thank everyone for their time and input though.

[arashdeepsinghmann]

I bought a Parker Sonnet Chinese Laque Amber pen on eBay a week ago and it just came in last night. Now, before I go any further, let me say that, I know there are a lot of Sonnet counterfeits out there, but the Chinese Laque are not amongst the models counterfeited, and it comes from the collection of a reputable seller who has had it since it first came out. So, authenticity is NOT an issue.

 

The thing is, the Chinese Laque Amber photographs as a very bright yellow, with gold swirls through it. I looked around the web and found all the photos gave off this same bright yellow/golden look. And, basically, I wanted a Sonnet and I liked the idea of a bright yellow/golden pen.

 

BUT, when the pen arrived, I found it to be a very dull, brownish, mustard-y looking color, with specs of gold throughout. I tried it in different light, and even in sunlight, to see if anything brought out the shine I had seen in the photos, and nothing did. The only "highlight" has been, that instead of the fine nib I was expecting, it came with what appears to be a medium (maybe broad), right oblique. This is quite novel, as I didn't even know the Sonnet came in oblique. Unfortunately, it's not exactly suited to my hand, as I am right handed, and tend to hold my pen relatively straight, as opposed to hooking my wrist. I have played with my writing angle and it does write very well.

 

So, on the upside, I have a mint condition, Parker Sonnet, Chinese Laque Amber with a medium/broad right oblique nib. On the downside, the color is NOT what I expected at all (i.e., I really hate it), and it really will deter me from ever using it.

 

So, my dilemma:

 

Do I keep it in my collection, where it would make a nice addition to the box (I collect mostly Parker and Wahl Eversharp), but really isn't likely to see the light of day?

 

Do I TRY to return it because the color isn't as depicted in the picture, and, assuming the seller concurs, take the loss on roundtrip shipping from and to Europe, and probably take an additional loss on eBay fees (I figure I will lose around $50-$60 on the deal if I return it) or,

 

do I try to sell it or trade it off on my own?

 

If I found someone to trade, what sorts of pens are of comparable value and quality? Are there other Sonnets that could be considered to be on the same level as the Chinese Laque (honestly, I wouldn't mind the Chinese Laque red).

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Hi There,

I found something interesting and you might be interested in seeing this. I think there are two types of Amber FP out there. I was looking around and found a site that has picture of two different Sonnets having different look. Both are named as AmberMy linkParker Sonnet Chinese Laque Amber

scroll down to the bottom and check it out.

 

Good Luck

[Eccles]

Hi There, I found something interesting and you might be interested in seeing this. I think there are two types of Amber FP out there. I was looking around and found a site that has picture of two different Sonnets having different look. Both are named as AmberMy linkParker Sonnet Chinese Laque Amber scroll down to the bottom and check it out. Good Luck

 

This link didn't work for me... page not found.

Dammit!

Glenn.

[baz666]

 

This link didn't work for me... page not found.

Dammit!

Glenn.

 

 

Try this one Glenn.

 

Sonnets

 

Regards

Paul.

[pelikan3]

 

This link didn't work for me... page not found.

Dammit!

Glenn.

 

 

Try this one Glenn.

 

Sonnets

 

Regards

Paul.

 

Yeah, that's largely how the Amber photographs. It reflects flash very brightly, giving a very golden yellow look, rather than a more subdue mustard. But, it's the same pen. Even in sunlight I can't get that look.

[arashdeepsinghmann]

Hi There, I found something interesting and you might be interested in seeing this. I think there are two types of Amber FP out there. I was looking around and found a site that has picture of two different Sonnets having different look. Both are named as AmberMy linkParker Sonnet Chinese Laque Amber scroll down to the bottom and check it out. Good Luck

 

This link didn't work for me... page not found.

Dammit!

Glenn.

 

Try This one and check the two pens near the bottom of the page..

http://penhome.co.uk/Newpens.htm

 

I hope this time it works

Cheers

[pelikan3]

Hi There, I found something interesting and you might be interested in seeing this. I think there are two types of Amber FP out there. I was looking around and found a site that has picture of two different Sonnets having different look. Both are named as AmberMy linkParker Sonnet Chinese Laque Amber scroll down to the bottom and check it out. Good Luck

 

This link didn't work for me... page not found.

Dammit!

Glenn.

 

Try This one and check the two pens near the bottom of the page..

http://penhome.co.uk/Newpens.htm

 

I hope this time it works

Cheers

 

I actually checked it out and that is the same Amber. It just photographs differently than it looks in real life because of the flash on the gold dust surface. Thanks though.

 

I did find a link to an old post that I think explains why there is such a discrepancy in perspective about this pen

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/428-parker-sonnet-chinese-laque-pens/

 

It references the Sonnet Chinses Laque Amber, and explains that this is NOT a Chinese Sonnet, but a Sonnet Chinese Laque, which is a different pen. I think there may be a misunderstanding about which pen this is. Couple that with the fact that most folks (seem to) think that all Sonnets should be $40+/- (which is simply not true), and the misunderstanding furthers. The better Sonnet's, like the Chinese Laques, go right into the $200-$300+ range for mint or near mint pens. Add a medium/broad oblique and you are probably at the higher end in value.

 

But, if nobody wants it, it's a moot point. So, I'm sending it back to the original seller. If it was bright, shiny, yellow with gold accents like I thought, I would br keeping it. But, alas, no.

[Nogata]

Hi Pelikan3,

 

If you are still interested in trading this pan, please let me know! I'm new to the forum so I may have missed something, but I'd be interested in this trade.

 

Many thanks, Nogata