Well, I've finally given in

February 18, 2005

I have to admit -- I thought it'd be a long time before I bought a Parker. Please, no one take offence, but I think they're just so .. how to put it ... typical. They're ubiquitous. Everyone loves them (so it appears to me) and I tend to shy away from the norm in any given domain.

Plus I was never that enamoured by any particular Parker to actually feel moved to get it.

With one exception. You know the old Parkers that have that striated finish that, instead of running the length of the pen, actually go 'around' the pen? Well they're bloody lovely. I mean, totally. However, they always seem to go for a bomb. Well, last night I succumbed to the magic of that finish (in blue of course!!).

I paid $32 -- is that reasonable??

Here's the picture and description from the auction:

This classic ladies' Parker fountain pen has the original 14 Kt fine point nib. The barrel is a lovely pearlized blue stripe and is in great condition -- no cracks, ink stains or teeth marks.

The pen measures 4-1/2" long with the cap on and is filled with ink by unscrewing the cap from the barrel and pushing the plunger in several times -- plunger works freely.

Care should be taken when tightening the cap -- there is a tendency to skip a thread.

http://i19.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/63/c1/68_1_b.JPG

February 18, 2005

Ok, you have a nice Parker Vacumatic there....I have a couple myself---one in blue (a smaller one) and one with gold stripes. Both have nibs that are flexy and write well. As a matter of fact, one of my very first vintage pens was a smaller Vac (like the one you have and in the same colour as yours). The problem with mine was that the plunger (plastic in my case) was stuck and couldn't be removed...then the blind cap broke off when repair (not by me) was attempted

I am by any means any sort of Vac expert, but I think Vacs with high 'transparency' (being able to see through the barrel) fetch a premium with these models...As for the filling mechanism, it's good that the plunger works freely, but as to whether or not it may need a new sac, you won't know until you get it in your hands.....

Nice find!

February 18, 2005

Cam, that is a great vac! You will love how much ink it holds! I'm a fan. Have 2 vintage, and even some modern. The 100 and the Duofold are great moderns!

http://members.shaw.ca/feynn/ · February 18, 2005

Mmmm... An Azure Blue Vacumatic in a demi sized model...

These are great pens and after a thorough servicing they will provide many many years of enjoyable useage. The celluloid used in these pens is excellent and was also used by Omas back in the 40's and early 50's.

$32.00 is not a bad unrestored price at all and my advice is always to keep in mind the cost of any required service or restoration when buying pens unless you are guaranteed that they have been properly restored and serviced.

Note: The plunger will move even if the diaphragm has perished.