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Parker 88 - Rialto... What Say You?

ParkerDuofold

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ParkerDuofold Antique

ParkerDuofold

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Hi all,

 

I'm considering a Parker Rialto, (the second run)... and wondered what you guys thought of them.

 

I've deduced that their a dressed-up Vector... but are they built any better... are they wet, smooth writers?

 

What should I expect to pay for a Corinth model in excellent condition? Any thoughts or opinions?

 

 

- Anthony

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richardandtracy Museum Piece

richardandtracy

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I had a black one. They are dressed up Vectors. The barrels last a bit longer being metal, the cap click lasts the same length of time - 6-8 months if you cap & un-cap every time you start/stop writing.

As with most pens, a Rialto does not react terribly well to being left in the door seal of a washing machine for 6 weeks. (Guess how I know).

 

The thread on the section is moulded with the section & can bend permanently if the pen is bent in the middle. (Again, guess how I know!).

 

The pen wrote OK. Nothing spectacular or anything. I'd say my 'M' was a UK 'M', about 1/2 a size broader than a US 'M'. Reasonably wet and exactly the same character as a Vector nib.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

<a href="http://www.chestnutpens.co.uk">Chestnut Pens</a>

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inkstainedruth Ancient Artifact

inkstainedruth

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I don't have any Rialtos, but I'll admit that I'm a complete sucker when it comes to Vectors. Yeah, the barrel cracked at the threading on my first one. After something like over five years of daily use and abuse (including sitting in the bottom of my husband's car for a week in 20°F Massachusetts weather -- after which it started right up... ).

Not bad for something that gets sneered at sometimes for being a "school pen". Mine are little workhorses.... Too skinny for writing the Great American Novel, but for regular use (not just the occasional shopping list) they're really good pens. Mind you, nearly all of mine are UK made. I have one that was made here in the US (NOS, still in the blister pack when I got it), and I just picked up one of the new French-made reissues, but haven't had a chance to ink it up yet.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

"It's very nice, but frankly, when I signed that list for a P-51, what I had in mind was a fountain pen."

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ParkerDuofold Antique

ParkerDuofold

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Hi Richard, Mitto and Ruth,

 

I want to thank you all for your input and advice... I really appreciate it. :)

 

I've decided to let it go... since it is essentially just a gold-plated Vector selling for $70... it doesn't seem like a prudent buy to yours truly. :)

 

Btw, I read your review of the 801, Richard, and decided to get a couple... I thought I was done with Chinese pens,... but wth. :D

 

https://www.ebay.com/p/Baoer-801-Shimmering-Sands-Line-Dot-Business-Medium-Fountain-Pen/1063150801?iid=222032079239

 

Thanks again, all... and be well. :)

 

 

- Anthony

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ParkerDuofold Antique

ParkerDuofold

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Hi Richard,

 

No worries... I'm used to having to doctor Chinese pens a bit to get them to write well. :)

 

 

- Anthony

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Florida Blue Collectors Item

Florida Blue

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One of my first Parkers, and first fountain pens, was a Parker Rialto. The Rialto was the successor to the 88. They were was essentially the same pen. The Rialto strangely had an "88" symbol engraved on the nib for a time and both were produced with different sets of plated and lacquer finishes. Personally, I think they are very underrated pens. While they are based on the shape of the Vector, and I believe use the nib and feed, the sections, caps, and barrels are a little different. The Rialto/88 was made of brass with a plastic section, featured gold or silver plated trim, and had a more detailed, brass arrow clip with a gold disc on the top of the cap. The "Place Vendome" plated models and the Chinese lacquer ones are very fine pens and sell for below what they probably should.

Edited by Florida Blue

Parker: Sonnet Flighter, Rialto Red Metallic Laque, IM Chiseled Gunmetal, Latitude Stainless, 45 Black, Duovac Blue Pearl Striped, 51 Standard Black, Vac Jr. Black, 51 Aero Black, 51 Vac Blue Cedar, Duofold Jr. Lapis, 51 Aero Demi Black, 51 Aero Demi Teal, 51 Aero Navy Gray, Duofold Pastel Moire Violet, Vac Major Golden Brown, Vac Deb. Emerald, 51 Vac Dove Gray, Vac Major Azure, Vac Jr. Silver Pearl, 51 Vac Black GF Cap, 51 Forest Green GF cap, Vac Jr. Silver Pearl, Duovac Senior Green & Gold, Duovac Deb. Black, Challenger Black, 51 Aero Midnight, Vac. Emerald Jr., Challenger Gray Pearl, 51 Vac Black, Duofold Int. Black, Duofold Jr. Red.

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ParkerDuofold Antique

ParkerDuofold

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Hi FB,

 

Okay. Thank you for your input... of course, now I'm back to being undecided and confused,... but that's okay... I usually am. :D

 

 

- Anthony

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mitto Museum Piece

mitto

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Hi FB,

 

Okay. Thank you for your input... of course, now I'm back to being undecided and confused,... but that's okay... I usually am. :D

 

 

- Anthony

You sound like you are suffering from an ailment called 'impatince'. :)

Khan M. Ilyas

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