A Big Red From Our Own Thomas Bickham

[Sridhar]

I have for long admired and wanted the vintage Parker Big Red. There was something about the pen's aesthetic that kept dragging to gawk at it whenever it was listed by restorers. But I always hesitated taking the plunge.

 

Some months back, I kind of made a compromise with my wallet and went for a pristine Red Jr. with a semi flexible nib from David of Baton Rouge ( this ol'house on eBay).

 

 

Photo Courtesy: this ol'house's listing on eBay

 

Normally I always match the pen color with my favourite ink and given the deep orange I would have chosen Diamines Ancient Copper or better still ordered Noodler's Apache Sunset. But then I don't use red hues very often. In this case I was so smitten with the Red Jr that I wanted to use it more frequently. Hence I inked it up with my fave, Bilberry and loved the softness of the nib, so much so that I began looking for the Big Red more actively.

 

Naturally with Thomas Bickham listing the Big Red consistently almost every week, he was my "go to" gawking site for many weeks. I even dared to bid once or twice.

 

Today morning in a sleepy haze I just went for it! And got it! I am glad to get it from Thomas as he has given me most of my vintage pens and I know him to double check on the pen before he sends it (no affiliations yadda yadda .......)

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy : Tbickii's listing on eBay

 

I think I might post a short review once I get the pen. I know the great pen has been reviewed very often, but just thought my recent experience may just add to it.

 

What say?

Edited December 15, 2014 by Sridhar

[terim]

I'd caution you against Apache Sunset .... I have seen it turns sacs into pudding.

 

Lovely pen!

 

Teri

[Sridhar]

Thanks a lot Teri. I had almost ordered it some weeks back. Good that you told me.

[Barnaby Bumble]

Congratulations!

[philm]

Congratulations. Tom's stuff is first rate. I have a PFM that I bought from him several years ago and it is still going strong.

 

Phil

[kirchh]

Nice pens! I think it's "Bickham," by the way.

 

--Daniel

[Sridhar]

Thanks Daniel - You are right! Edited and corrected.

[jdllizard]

The Jade version is one of my grail pens, more for its history in fountainpendom than it's aesthetic.

 

They are a milestone in the history of fountain pens.

 

Lovely Big Red you've got there!