Hi

New to the forum and this is my first post.

I had a Parker 25 at the end of the 80s and lost it somwwhere in the 90s. I am now looking to replace it but to my horror it hasn't been made for a number of years.

Anyway I just wondered if there is any info on the forum, I have tried the search and not really uncovered any info on these.

I would like to know the:
- production dates
- different types
- where best to purchase them
- any other info.

Thanks in advance
deano

PM sent.

I love this pen! I used to steal my dad's when I was a child. I still have his stolen pen here!

Now I've tried to restore it - it hasn't flowed any ink consistently, I've resorted to another restoration technique, and I've ordered a replacement nib and clip from www.penhome.co.uk - so I should get this great cheap pen up and writing in no time! These guys occasionally stock the pen s/h. They just sold a loverly green one I missed! But they always have nibs and clips in stock in various thicknesses too.



From what I know, the 25 was a cheap student pen, which was unusual because of it's stainless steel construction, which gives it a great longevity in terms of condition. The nib was quite springy from what I remember, and you could almost get a calligraphic result from it.

It came with a vacumatic sac (and mine still works), and one of the things I like on it is the design. The Tombow Object is similar in that the top of the main barrel tapers to allow posting to be unobtrusive, a feature I like a lot. The other Parker I own (Frontier) doesn't post well at all, and I tend not to have it so.

It may not be a classic in terms of Pelikan, Shaeffer, et al, but it is somewhat of a 'cult classic'.

I hope this helps. I'll remember to write a bit and post some writing samples of this fine pen.

Perhaps this review will be useful.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=15623

Ashland

Adding to what has already been written ...

The Parker 25 was the first fountain pen not only not designed within Parker but not originated from Janesville. It was initiated by Parker U.K. and designed by the British firm Pentagram. Its design is described in their 1978 book, Living by Design. The pen was designed for the younger market, not necessarily for the student market, and the decision was made to forego the arrow clip for one that was more modernistic to signal that it was "not your father's Parker."

If you are looking for a Parker 25, Susan Wirth often has a few for sale.

Parker and the '25' did very well out of my school in the '70's and '80's. At one stage almost everyone had one or more '25' fountain pens. I had a felt tip, fountain pen & biro all in black. At the time I admired the looks, but they were not as robust as they should have been. I broke 2 nib units by kneeling on the middle of the pens. Wouldn't have happened if there had been a metal connector piece.
After 3 months using the '25' I went back to my Parker 61, simply because it was easier to write with. It survived better too, because it didn't give a false impression of strength, so I was more careful with it.

Strangely enough, yesterday I rediscovered my old black '25' in my stationary drawer at work (along with four and a half Vectors). I used to have it as an emergency pen if I forgot my 'proper' one. The black paint is now peeling off to show the silver stainless steel body underneath. The pen has the residue of the black ink I stopped using in 1991. It's strange how things turn out.

Regards

Richard.

Hi all

Many thanks for all the comments, info and links.!

Its really appreciated.

I have my feelers out on a few 25s and will post a few pictures of whatever I get.

Thanks again
deano

Update -

I got the replacement parts from Battersea Pen Home - excellent service BTW chaps, and fitted the nib. I had ordered a fine, as I was not sure what size the original was, although I knew it would have been larger. I now use this pen more than my new Frontier!

Why? Because the fine nib makes a very fine line, almost forcing me to write smaller. Hence, smaller writing, neater handwriting (always has been for me), and it's just as smooth. I love this pen even more now!

Deano - you won't be dissapointed. But if the nib is faulty, try these guys : www.penhome.co.uk - speedy delivery - from order to working pen was 48hours for me. Outstanding!

I am now going to look for a few more so I can have one of each size nib, plus the italic version

Hello,

I am happy to inform you that we still have some Parker 25's left check out our Parker Pen Page.

Hope that is the style you were looking for.

Hi

Thanks for the link, I see they sell some hard to find parts, will hit this store soon.!

deano

Hi

Thanks for the link. I have this week found 2 fountain pens. What I am after now are the ballpoints...

deano