Parker 35 Lucky Curve Ca. 1906-1915 Got One!

[Rushbox]

I have happened across, what I have discovered to be a #35 Lucky Curve, with gold-plated floral relief. I have been unable to find its orginal cost and have only been able to find pictures of it (fortunately!), to determine what it is. It was purchased in 1907, as indicated by the engraving on the indecia states: "Glennie Biggs Feb 12, 07". I have not been able to find any relevant current values, despite it, on other sites, being referred to as "very rare". The nib is broken but other than that the pen has very little wear. Kind people please help me!

 

 

[inkstainedruth]

Congrats! That's an attractive looking pen.

I don't know a whole lot about really early pens -- the earliest I've got is a 1926 Duofold Lucky Curve ringtop (I was told that was how it could be dated -- it *only* says "Lucky Curve" and not "Duofold" on the imprint). Is that barrel and cap 14 K gold, gold-filled, or what? And would that be uncomfortable to hold, or is that not an issue because of the length of the section?

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Rushbox]

Thank you! I'm really unsure as to whether it's plated or filled, I've heard/read both. I don't have any way of knowing, other from someone that *really knows*. I believe it's plated, as this is the best information I've been able to find, from parkerpens.net: "In 1906... ...Another new addition was the #35. It was a heavy 18k gold plated overlay pen with a floral design and a name plate...".

As for comfort, I haven't really experimented with it, since it currently lacks a functional nib. I'm just super excited about it, because when I bought it, I knew I had found quite a prize. My heart just about leapt out of my chest when I started researching it and saw how much the ribbon pens go for! My wife immediately took it and put it in the fire safe, which is funny, because she was trying to disuade me from getting it! Robert at Five Star Pens said an offer of $3,500 would be reasonable but not to expect to get more than $6,000, if I decided to sell it. I really just want to hear from some other folks in the community, to know what I really have. If it's valuable enough, I'll be willing to part with it so my wife and I can make a down payment on a house. I'd like to get a nib for it and sign a few checks first, though...

Admittedly, this is my first fountain pen, though not my first Parker. I also have a Flighter GT from 1990 -a nice, functional pen but can't hold a candle to this beauty! Honestly, I'm kind of afraid to use old "Glennie Biggs" as just the correct nibs are $100-$200 a piece -at least the only ones I've been able to find. I'm still not sure exactly what kind of nib it takes, either. I certainly don't what to put something in her that doesn't belong there!!! I've always liked fountain pens and never had one. I couldn't justify buying one until this one turned up in a thrift store for essentially $3 (it was in a set of 5 similar items for $15). Now that I have one, it's turned out to be probably the most exciting purchase I've ever made!

 

-Malachi Dressel

[Brian-McQueen]

I think it takes an early Parker Lucky Curve #3 nib like this: http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Nib%20Folder/Pre-owned%20Nibs/PPNV-322.jpg

 

I would think you could get one for $50 or so.

[Rushbox]

Tony Fischier, of Parkerpens.net, just got back to me via email and sent me a copy of the 1914 catalogue advertisement. It originally sold for $10 and the advertisement states it is "...heavy 18k Gold Filled...". Tony tells me that it originally took a Parker Lucky Curve #2 nib. He stated depending on condition of the pen, the current collector value is $4,000-$5,000! Yay, I know everything I set out to learn! I'll post some better pictures of it, once it's actually in writing form.

-Malachi

Edited November 13, 2015 by Rushbox

[T1Love]

Congrats!