Parker Pen Turned Up In Grandfather's Drawer

[sandy101]

Helo. everyone. This Parker pen turned up in one of my deceased Grandfather's drawer. I suspect it has not seen use for at least fifty years - and I suspect it was owned by my great grandfather - so the pen probably dates drom the 30's at the earliest.

 

Could someone let me know what pen it is, and likely chances of a good repair. It functions as a dip pen, its a button filler - but there is no pressure bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[joss]

This is an English Parker Duofold, from the 1930s indeed.

 

There should be an original imprint on the barrel of the pen. The "Duofold" imprint is also visible on the nib.

 

These pens are easy to repair, a correct pressure bar shouldn't be difficult to find either.

[peterg]

Newhaven produced Duofold produced by Valentine's for Parker from the early 1930's until the end of the war.

[pen lady]

Oh lucky you. What a great find.

[sandy101]

Newhaven - that's interesting. My grandfather was stationed in Newhaven as part of the Coastal Defence Navy during the second world war.

[joss]

Newhaven, UK is rich in Parker pen history in Europe. If your grandfather was stationed there during WWII he may well have known the Valentine pen factory (where the English Parker Duofolds were produced) because the factory produced war related items during that period.

 

Here is some background info on that topic:

www.parkerpens.net/archives-1.html

http://ournewhaven.org.uk/page_id__585.aspx

 

Malcolm Troak wrote a great (little) book on that history:

www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/175594-pen-to-paper/

[peterg]

He would have known the Valentine factory as it was a large site (ex army camp) behind the docks.

[sandy101]

So, I sent the pen to vintagefountainpens.co.uk and get the pen repaired. It took a couple of weeks and the pen arrived today. It's a nice writer too. According to Mark (who did the reapir) the body is from the 30's and the nib is a replacement from 1945. Thanks for your help, everyone.

 

[carlos.q]

Everyone loves happy endings!

[otw]

Very nice!

[Flippy]

Awesome. I have inherited a Cross pen and a Parker from my grandparents.

Edited March 23, 2017 by FlippyThePen

[ac12]

Yay

[mitto]

Congratulations on the happy ending. Ebjoy using your grandpa's pen.

[pajaro]

That is a beautiful pen.