I just won an example from the dreaded e-b*y. Not sure how good it will be, some teeth marks were described. However its an otherwise fine looking pen with a Warranted 14k nib. Its described as 'over-sized', clearly being a 'Big Red' copy, but with a lever fill (disappointing) it is said to be made from orange hard rubber (wonderful!).

Although I have come across Packards for sale before I know nothing of the manufacturer, I'm guessing that they would be considered to be from the 2nd (3rd? - whatever that actually means) tier as it uses a Warranted nib and is, basically, a copy. However, the pen seems to have survived well, (I'm also guessing its from the '30s) has a nice gold band and, to me, looks great.

Can anyone add any info on this firm (or the pen if possible)?


Greg

Don't know about the maker (I should take a look at some of the old trademark directories I have around), but I can assure you it is celluloid, not hard rubber.

That pen looks really nice- despite being a copy, it really has a nice look in its own right. It's every bit as overstated as the Parker Duofold, which I think is what they were going for. These lesser-known brand pens are sometimes wonderful surprises. How do you like how it writes?

No luck in the old Jeweler's Circular trademarks directories that I have -- the only entries for "Packard" are for watches.

Many thanks for looking.

What makes you think its celluloid, the colour, sheen, likely date? It has yet to arrive and I'll be very disappointed if it isn't hard rubber. In fact I'll send it back!

There have been a couple of Packards come up in the For Sale forum and I've noticed at least one before on the dreaded.

I'll let you know how it writes when it turns up (it has a long way to come!)

If anyone else have any fragments on info, all gratefully received.


Greg

I'd bet you a hundred to one it's celluloid. Color and sheen are part of it, though imperfectly rendered in photos. The thin black trim caps on the ends are another clue; RHR pens had thicker casein color trim inserts, usually screwed in. The inserts in the picture look like typical solvent-welded caps.

With the doubt you laid in my mind I asked the seller to check the material before he sent it and, sure enough, he refunded me stating that, upon checking, it was not hard rubber.

Thanks for your expertise, saved me some disappointment. I will be able to regard potential pens more knowledgably now.


Greg

I have seen HR in black, brown and black with red swirls and that's it. Not to say there aren't other colors but the previously stated is the extent of my knowledge on HR pens.

HR was pretty widely avaliable in black (often now brown) various shades of black/red mottled, and red. The red was less common as it was more fragile and harder to make.

Late entries in HR also appear in:
Blue-green "ripple" (Waterman)
Olive "ripple"
Red-white "ripple" (Waterman - can't remember their official name for that).

I think there were also some flat blue and green HR pens (there were a few advertised in the Sears catalog, but I have not been able verified the accuracy of those descriptions).

Note - this is not a comment on what the Packard is made of, but on HR colors in general. I would concur that most Packards are probably celluloid.

John