Premier Luxury Black Trim - What Is It?

[Eccles]

My retirement gift from work this week was a Premier Luxury Black FP model #1876391 with M nib, which the box label says is CT. It came from The Fountain Pen Hospital in New York - my boss was on holiday there in May.

 

I gather it is the 2015 model, with clip and nib designs which I actually prefer to the current version.

 

However, what is really confusing is descriptions that say the trim is palladium while listing the pen under the headings of CT or palladium, as if there were two versions. These include Amazon, The Fountain Pen Hospital,the Parker site and Parker catalogues.

 

I can't tell the difference between CT and PT anyway, but I'd like to know which bit is which. Can anyone help, please?

 

Thanks in anticipation,

Glenn.

 

 

[crashcraft]

I assume you have the outer box with the model number and possibly the UPC. I would contact Parker's customer service with that information,they should be able to clarify the matter.

[Eccles]

I assume you have the outer box with the model number and possibly the UPC. I would contact Parker's customer service with that information,they should be able to clarify the matter.

 

I do. I used the model number, 1876391, and listed details to search, including the Parkerpen.com website; it produced a page that contains the same contradictions as on Amazon,

http://www.parkerpen.com/en-US/shop-online/premier-luxury-black-fountain-pen-with-chrome-trim-medium-nib-1931402--1 This is the 2016 version, but the differences are stylistic, materials listed are the same for both. Pen name includes "Chrome Trim", description listing says "Trims Metal: Palladium Trim."

 

Given that the finish of the metal that forms the geometric pattern on the barrel and cap is less shiny and CT-like than the clip and section, I am leaning towards the former being palladium and the latter being CT. It's the only thing that makes sense.

 

However, I have just lodged an enquiry; it can't hurt. Many thanks.

 

Glenn.

[RocketRyan]

On a side note, how does it write?

[corgicoupe]

I would expect the chrome to be more shiny than the palladium, and would expect it to be used on those parts receiving the greatest wear. i.e., the clip.

[Eccles]

I would expect the chrome to be more shiny than the palladium, and would expect it to be used on those parts receiving the greatest wear. i.e., the clip.

 

Me too, but here's the reply...

 

-------- Original message --------

From: Fine Writing US <sas.us@newellco.com>

Date: 22/7/17 5:59 am (GMT+10:00)

Subject: Fine Writing Consumer Care - 13855200[ ref:_00Di0Ymyy._5000HytcAj:ref ]

 

Dear Glenn,

Thank you for contacting us. You have requested information about the finish of your 1876391 Parker Luxury Black Fountain Pen. The finish of our pen is Matte Black Soft touch Lacquer with a rubber effect and it does have palladium finish trim and an 18k gold nib covered with a rhodium finish. Hope this information helps.

If I can be of further assistance, please reply to this email directly so that we can see all previous replies.

Thank you,

Lynn

Newell Brands Fine Writing

Case 13855200

 

I have asked what the CT refers to in this context, given its usual meaning.

 

Regards,

Glenn.

 

I would expect the chrome to be more shiny than the palladium, and would expect it to be used on those parts receiving the greatest wear. i.e., the clip.

[Eccles]

On a side note, how does it write?

 

It's a fairly heavy pen, which I don't mind, and I don't post, so the balance suits me. The nib is, unsurprisingly, a proverbial nail, albeit smooth with decent flow.

While it will not replace my M800s or Duofolds in my affections, I will be happy to add it to the rotation.

However, having tried one, I wouldn't buy another, not that I'd ever say that to the kind folk who bought it for me.

I certainly wouldn't part with it, either.

Glenn.

[Eccles]

And the CT answer is...

 

Dear Glenn,

 

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Parker uses CT for the description of many of their pens that have Silver Trim even though the finish is not Chrome. Hope this help!
If I can be of further assistance, please reply to this email directly so that we can see all previous replies.

 

Thank you,

Lynn

Newell Brand Fine Writing
CASE 13880579

 

By silver I read "colour" rather than metal... not the descriptive accuracy that I expected, but that's how it is!

Glenn.

[corgicoupe]

That is being a bit loose with words. Would rhodium plating be referred to as CT?

[Eccles]

On a side note, how does it write?

 

Supplementary comments:

As the ink level fell towards empty it became increasingly and very annoyingly skippy even with a bit of extra pressure and care with the writing angle.

I drained the remaining ink and flushed with mild detergent solution before partly refilling to test it at low ink levels; the result was a considerable improvement.

Incidentally, this pen does not post. I normally only post caps to stop pens rolling when air-drying before storage... this cap is very loose and provides minimal restraint.

Glenn.

[mitto]

I find myself not too enthussiastic about owning pens that do not post.

[Eccles]

I find myself not too enthussiastic about owning pens that do not post.

 

From comments elsewhere on FPN, I figured that many members would share that view so it seemed worth mentioning.

Since 2010 I have had one of this pen's siblings, the 2009 black lacquer with chiselled tartan pattern metal top, but had not realised until today that the same lax terminology was prevalent even then. It's listed as 'silver trim' but guess what, it's also palladium! Sheesh!

Glenn.

[A1979]

Supplementary comments:

As the ink level fell towards empty it became increasingly and very annoyingly skippy even with a bit of extra pressure and care with the writing angle. I drained the remaining ink and flushed with mild detergent solution before partly refilling to test it at low ink levels; the result was a considerable improvement.

Glenn.

Thank you for this advice. I've ordered today the same model, EF nib. I already own the rollerball version, which I really like, especially the "rubberiness" of the lacquer. I also like the weight and the good balance.

[Flippy]

My retirement gift from work this week was a Premier Luxury Black FP model #1876391 with M nib, which the box label says is CT. It came from The Fountain Pen Hospital in New York - my boss was on holiday there in May.

 

I gather it is the 2015 model, with clip and nib designs which I actually prefer to the current version.

 

However, what is really confusing is descriptions that say the trim is palladium while listing the pen under the headings ofParker Premiere luxury black CT 1931402.jpg CT or palladium, as if there were two versions. These include Amazon, The Fountain Pen Hospital,the Parker site and Parker catalogues.

 

I can't tell the difference between CT and PT anyway, but I'd like to know which bit is which. Can anyone help, please?

 

Thanks in anticipation,

Glenn.

 

 

I seriously agree that the older version designs for the pens are mcuh better than the new ones.

Edited August 21, 2017 by FlippyThePen

[A1979]

I seriously agree that the older version designs for the pens are much better than the new ones.

May I ask why "much better"? The only aesthetic differences I can see between my "old" Parker Premier Rollerball (2015) and the new one seem to be the screw-on cap (which could be seen as an improvement) and the position of the clip. But maybe I'm missing something.