We Don't See Many Of These

[chunya]

Hello All,

 

Just thought it would be nice to share this little Parker with you as I don't think that they crop up all that often. And this one is in lovely condition.

 

Imprint: Parker Duofold Geo S Parker Made in Canada 44

 

It's about the size of a Junior, 121mm capped.

 

Probably a replacement Newhaven Nib. I've not yet dared to try and dismantle it.The sac seems to have petrified; the button has seen better days but is perfectly fine, and the pressure bar that's visible through the barrel looks great.

 

I love the cap, especially the cap end which looks like a Pineapple ring with a section eaten.

 

It doesn't have Bakelite included, so is it possible that this is a celluloid example?

 

 

 

 

 

[Ron Z]

The crazing and cracking of the inner cap, as well as the corrosion of the clip below it, indicate that it is celluloid. I would keep the pen in the open air by itself so that the nitric acid released doesn't trigger corrosion in the rest of the pen or other pens. Even so, it would be better if you removed the inner cap, but you are unlikely to be able to do that without it crumbling. My fear is that if you don't, and as things get worse, the decay will be transferred to the cap.

[chunya]

Hi Ron Z

 

This seems to have posted twice although I only hit the button the once?

Thanks for that info, I must admit that I thought that the design was intentional, never having seen one like this before.

[Ron Z]

The cap top/inner cap is a classic sign of celluloid decay. It is more often seen in clear colors, or marbled colors than in solid.

[Florida Blue]

Awesome find!

 

I'm not an expert on plastics like Ron, but I agree that it's celluloid. The bakelite pens were made before the Duofold era (ca. 1915) and this pen appears to be a streamlined Duofold demonstrator.

[peterg]

Is that the pen that sold with a Junior desk pen?

[pen2paper]

Classic teaching example of celluloid breakdown. Except for one moire, Parker isn't a past focus of mine, but Ron, David, if this model/color/year location is significantly worthy of saving, could the top be removed, if not replaced, then the remaining stable pieces be stored in the ntiric acid absorption leaves? Perhaps David would have a conservation supply resource for UK? (understand this material issue, but the pen restoration experts/historians know best practices to advice).

[chunya]

Classic teaching example of celluloid breakdown. Except for one moire, Parker isn't a past focus of mine, but Ron, David, if this model/color/year location is significantly worthy of saving, could the top be removed, if not replaced, then the remaining stable pieces be stored in the ntiric acid absorption leaves? Perhaps David would have a conservation supply resource for UK? (understand this material issue, but the pen restoration experts/historians know best practices to advice).

I'd definitely like to know if someone could help with this one.

But isn't it odd; something that I find so lovely to look at turns out to be celluloid degradation .... mind you I do love the look of decaying leaves in late Autumn!

[pen2paper]

I'd definitely like to know if someone could help with this one.

But isn't it odd; something that I find so lovely to look at turns out to be celluloid degradation .... mind you I do love the look of decaying leaves in late Autumn!

Not odd in the least. The crystallization appearance is interesting, until we recognize what it means for the old object, and everything in nearby contact.

Typical next inquiry is there some way to reverse, halt, or en-capsulize. This end-cap is gone, its off gas is damaging. But the rest from clip down may be ok in the hands of a knowledgeable pen restoration-conservation expert. Until then, keep away from other pens, plastics, metals, and not enclosed.

[chunya]

Not odd in the least. The crystallization appearance is interesting, until we recognize what it means for the old object, and everything in nearby contact.

Typical next inquiry is there some way to reverse, halt, or en-capsulize. This end-cap is gone, its off gas is damaging. But the rest from clip down may be ok in the hands of a knowledgeable pen restoration-conservation expert. Until then, keep away from other pens, plastics, metals, and not enclosed.

Thanks pen2paper,

I'll wait a couple of days to see if anyone sees it and comes forward, failing that I might try someone like Francis or Eric to see if they can tackle it or if there's anyone they can suggest

Edited March 23, 2018 by chunya

[Ron Z]

Finding an original would be pretty tough if not down right impossible. A clear reproduction would glaringly obvious. But one could be made out of an appropriately colored transparent acrylic. Amber would look pretty good. Since it is a streamlined inner cap knurling is not needed, which makes things simpler.

[chunya]

Finding an original would be pretty tough if not down right impossible. A clear reproduction would glaringly obvious. But one could be made out of an appropriately colored transparent acrylic. Amber would look pretty good. Since it is a streamlined inner cap knurling is not needed, which makes things simpler.

Thanks Ron,

Amber sounds like a great idea, especially if real amber was used! I just need to find someone who can do it.

Edited April 9, 2018 by Ron Z

[crescentfiller]

Thanks Ron,

Amber sounds like a great idea! I just need to find someone who can do it.

I'm sure Ron could do it--and I'm sure it would look great!

 

Good luck,

Daniel

[chunya]

Thanks Daniel. Unfortunately I live in the UK and so would like to find someone closer to home if at all possible. I have communicated with Eric Wilson who pointed me in the direction of Laurence Oldfield, so just waiting for him to get back to me.

[Ron Z]

Laurence or Jim Marshall.

[chunya]

Laurence or Jim Marshall.

Thanks Ron,

Laurence has just got back to me and he thinks he can help.

[Ron Z]

We'd love to see the results when he's done! Nice find.

[pen2paper]

We'd love to see the results when he's done! Nice find.

Ditto, good news! An outcome photo with those above will help others understand this issue. Also how storage of old celluloid factors in its longevity.

[chunya]

Well, it's come back home to me.

First of all many thanks to both Laurence and Eric who, although weren't able to work on the pen right now, were both extremely helpful. A special thanks to Francis who was able to take it on and did a wonderful job.

The cap button was actually worse than it looked, with a single attempt to unscrew it with minimal finger pressure it disintegrated. I sent the pieces to Francis to give him something to work on and amazingly he managed to make a superb replacement, as well as giving it a thorough service.

If I can find a matching clip with a ring in better condition then that would certainly be nice.

 

Out of interest I found an almost identical example on FPnuts, and what stands out is that it has transparent Christmas tree feed.

 

http://fountainpenboard.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2413-parker-streamlined-duofold-demonstrator/

 

 

 

 

Edited April 7, 2018 by chunya

[JotterAddict62]

Lovely.....