New Parker Duofold

[Waltz For Zizi]

Hello! I just bought a pre-owned Parker Duofold Centennial Big Red, but I can't seem to find any production dates on it? Does the new ones not come with a production date. I have another Duofold in the check pattern and this one has dates on it. Anyone knows?

 

It looks identical to this one, in this link(no afilliation to it), even the box is the same, as I've seen it come in a bigger box also (I'm too lazy to post pictures)

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Parker-Duofold-Centennial-Fountain-Pen-Big-Red-Palladium-F-New-in-Box-Orange/333631668155?hash=item4dadff3fbb:g:DJwAAOSw03Vef4AI

[encremental]

They just have a dreary MB-style serial number now - you will find it on the nib unit just below the screw threads. It may contain date information, but if so, probably only understandable to Parker. A shame as it added interest to the brand, especially as the Duofold has had so many incarnations.

 

Your check version was made in the UK, the newer one in France, essentially by different companies using the same machinery.

 

John

[thx1138]

From memory the date code/serial number has the last 4 digits as the date in the form of MMYY.

[encremental]

Not sure that theory holds up; here are the serial numbers for my pens from the last iteration, with nib widths in case that shows a pattern:

 

Classic Big Red F : 16380170

Classic Black F : 19040016

Classic Ivory F : 17200224

Classic Lapis IF : 15310706

Classic Black F : 19040016

Prestige Blue F : 15310142

Prestige Black F : 17340635

Prestige Burgundy M : 17501601

Prestige Ruthenium F : 15350161

 

I can't see anything myself, but would be very interested if anyone can spot something.

 

John

[baz666]

I have a Ruthenium Chiselled Duofold.

The serial number is - 1615 0299

 

The coding is deciphered thusly.

16 15 0299
year week pen serial number.

 

 

Paul.

[encremental]

Brilliant!

 

Thank you for that - why on the nibs rather than the pens, I wonder?

 

 

John

 

 

Just discovered it to be on the Big Red ballpoint as well, - 16 38 0084 (on Amazon for £50 for some reason, quite soon after they came out)

Edited July 22, 2020 by encremental

[Waltz For Zizi]

I have a Ruthenium Chiselled Duofold.

The serial number is - 1615 0299

 

The coding is deciphered thusly.

 

16 15 0299

year week pen serial number.

 

 

Paul.

Nice. Thank you. so mine is made in week 8 of 2020. quite new.

[mge01park]

Thanks for the info I bought one in April, 2019 and wasnt seeing it until this thread. Im surprised to see this pen now for $254.29 on Amazon today considering an 18k nib, etc.

Edited July 24, 2020 by mgepark

[Paul-in-SF]

On 7/24/2020 at 3:57 AM, mge01park said:

Im surprised to see this pen now for $254.29 on Amazon today considering an 18k nib, etc.

Yes, Amazon (specifically the Amazon store not another seller using Amazon as a platform) was selling them for what seems like well under list for a while. I got mine new, in January 2019, for $270. I am only now appreciating what a bargain that was. The same pen used is going for $640 now (Fine nib). 

 

That is just by the way. I came into this thread to find out about the date codes for these pens, and have found out precisely what I wanted. That's why I love this place.