Parker Sonnet Gold Cascade Fountain Pen (F)

[Parker Pen 27]

Hi all,

I been looking for information about the Parker Sonnet Gold Cascade Fountain Pen on the internet for the past few days, and I haven't found anything!

I called Parker and found out some things and I thought I wouldn't be the only one interested...

The Parker Sonnet Gold Cascade was discontinued in 1998 at a value of $320...

The current value of the pen is approximatey $450 due to the increase in the price of gold.

The entire body is plated with 23K gold, and the nib is made with 18K gold.

The nib is NOT the new style of the new Sonnets, it is not cross-hatched, it's more ornate...

[vikrmbedi]

hi,

I have to disagree...it is a fountain pen, and its value depends upon the age old supply and demand model. gold plating does not use too much gold. I have seen people selling the nib section of a sonnet with gold nib for 150$ and people selling sonnet (whole pen)with gold nib for 40 $. anyways in old pens the cost of the material doesn't matter, weather used or new old stock.

[Parker Pen 27]

hi,

I have to disagree...it is a fountain pen, and its value depends upon the age old supply and demand model. gold plating does not use too much gold. I have seen people selling the nib section of a sonnet with gold nib for 150$ and people selling sonnet (whole pen)with gold nib for 40 $. anyways in old pens the cost of the material doesn't matter, weather used or new old stock.

Of course it's not only due to the fact that the price of gold has gone up... It also has to do with the fact this particular writing instrument is no longer in production and that the fact it was the highest end Parker on the market when it was discontinued.

Also I'd be careful where you get your information, Parker Sonnet fountain pens often are counterfeit. I imagine it would be exceedingly difficult to find a legitimate fountain pen with a solid gold nib for $40...

[OakIris]

I'm not saying that Parker experts don't hang out here on the Paper and Pen Paraphernalia forum, but there is a whole forum dedicated to Parkers here on FPN: The Parker Forum I am not sure what information you are looking for as your original post does not say, but if you want more info about the pen, and you haven't already done so, you might want to post something there.

 

Holly

[Parker Pen 27]

I'm not saying that Parker experts don't hang out here on the Paper and Pen Paraphernalia forum, but there is a whole forum dedicated to Parkers here on FPN: The Parker Forum I am not sure what information you are looking for as your original post does not say, but if you want more info about the pen, and you haven't already done so, you might want to post something there.

 

Holly

That's actually a really good point...

You wouldn't happen to have any idea on how to do that, would you?

Thanks!

[Parker Pen 27]

Hi all,

It just occured to me that it would be useful to have some pictures of this pen here for you...

Edited October 3, 2012 by Parker Pen 27

[vikrmbedi]

 

Of course it's not only due to the fact that the price of gold has gone up... It also has to do with the fact this particular writing instrument is no longer in production and that the fact it was the highest end Parker on the market when it was discontinued.

Also I'd be careful where you get your information, Parker Sonnet fountain pens often are counterfeit. I imagine it would be exceedingly difficult to find a legitimate fountain pen with a solid gold nib for $40...

hi,

sometimes the fact that a particular model is not in production, also decreases its value.

in 2009, i had bought a parker sonnet fougere (sterling silver) with 18k gold nib, nos from luxor(official distributor of parker, waterman etc in india) for about 50% off of the msrp in 1998(when the model was discontinued. i have also seen a sonnet fire dance and sonnet chinese lacquer, both (nos)both with 18k gold nibs on luxor's site for somewhere around 65 $ again at about 50% off of their msrp in 1998. the price increases on the basis of exclusivity, rarity and demand for a particular model.

i was speaking from experience, and not on the basis of ebay prices.

 

nice pen though...congrats.

 

(edited for typo)

Edited October 3, 2012 by vikrmbedi

[baz666]

Hmmm,

 

I have one or two sonnets and I certainly wouldn't pay the OP's / Parkers estimate of $450 for one, not even a solid sterling silver Fougère See Here.

 

Also This gold plated Cascade didn't quite reach those heady heights.

 

As with all things, they are worth what someone is willing to pay for them and $450 for a Sonnet is pie in the sky in my opinion.

 

Just my tuppence worth.

 

Oh here are a few of mine. (all certified genuine)

 

http://freespace.virgin.net/paul.barrell/pics/son1.JPG

 

 

http://freespace.virgin.net/paul.barrell/pics/son2.JPG

 

 

http://freespace.virgin.net/paul.barrell/pics/son3.JPG

 

 

Regards

Paul.

[OakIris]

I'm not saying that Parker experts don't hang out here on the Paper and Pen Paraphernalia forum, but there is a whole forum dedicated to Parkers here on FPN: The Parker Forum I am not sure what information you are looking for as your original post does not say, but if you want more info about the pen, and you haven't already done so, you might want to post something there.

 

Holly

That's actually a really good point...

You wouldn't happen to have any idea on how to do that, would you?

Thanks!

If you are asking if this thread can be moved to the Parker forum, it can be, but only the moderators can do that. What I meant was that you could actually just start another thread on this same subject in the Parker forum.

 

Was it someone at Parker that gave you the information that $450 was the current price? They do look like nice pens, but it seems that whoever told you the current price was $450 might be a bit off, as far as street price is concerned, as shown by both vikrmbedi and Paul. (I guess you kind of like them, don't you Paul? ) For another example, there is one for sale on eBay (UK) with a "buy it now" price of $225; much more expensive than their examples, but still quite a bit less than $450.

 

Holly

[penmanila]

Ha ha ha, nice one, paul. I'll take a chinese laque ambre sonnet anytime over the 23k-plated one

[Parker Pen 27]

I'm not saying that Parker experts don't hang out here on the Paper and Pen Paraphernalia forum, but there is a whole forum dedicated to Parkers here on FPN: The Parker Forum I am not sure what information you are looking for as your original post does not say, but if you want more info about the pen, and you haven't already done so, you might want to post something there.

 

Holly

That's actually a really good point...

You wouldn't happen to have any idea on how to do that, would you?

Thanks!

If you are asking if this thread can be moved to the Parker forum, it can be, but only the moderators can do that. What I meant was that you could actually just start another thread on this same subject in the Parker forum.

 

Was it someone at Parker that gave you the information that $450 was the current price? They do look like nice pens, but it seems that whoever told you the current price was $450 might be a bit off, as far as street price is concerned, as shown by both vikrmbedi and Paul. (I guess you kind of like them, don't you Paul? ) For another example, there is one for sale on eBay (UK) with a "buy it now" price of $225; much more expensive than their examples, but still quite a bit less than $450.

 

Holly

That does seem to be a bit steep..but yes that estimate came directly from Parker...

Maybe that's more like mint from a Parker store???

 

Thanks!

I recently had it repaired too though...the nib is a brand new Sonnet Style nib 18K-750...

[OakIris]

I'm not saying that Parker experts don't hang out here on the Paper and Pen Paraphernalia forum, but there is a whole forum dedicated to Parkers here on FPN: The Parker Forum I am not sure what information you are looking for as your original post does not say, but if you want more info about the pen, and you haven't already done so, you might want to post something there.

 

Holly

That's actually a really good point...

You wouldn't happen to have any idea on how to do that, would you?

Thanks!

If you are asking if this thread can be moved to the Parker forum, it can be, but only the moderators can do that. What I meant was that you could actually just start another thread on this same subject in the Parker forum.

 

Was it someone at Parker that gave you the information that $450 was the current price? They do look like nice pens, but it seems that whoever told you the current price was $450 might be a bit off, as far as street price is concerned, as shown by both vikrmbedi and Paul. (I guess you kind of like them, don't you Paul? ) For another example, there is one for sale on eBay (UK) with a "buy it now" price of $225; much more expensive than their examples, but still quite a bit less than $450.

 

Holly

That does seem to be a bit steep..but yes that estimate came directly from Parker...

Maybe that's more like mint from a Parker store???

 

Thanks!

I recently had it repaired too though...the nib is a brand new Sonnet Style nib 18K-750...

Maybe mint from a Parker store - but Parker doesn't sell this model anymore, do they? Maybe it is wishful thinking on the part of Parker, what they think their older pen model should be worth.

 

How do you like the way it writes?

 

Holly

[wekiva98]

I've got this Sonnet model in several variations -- rollerball, fountain pen and (I discovered tonight) the pencil. I know I paid close to full freight for the roller in the late 90s, then bought the FP at a discount some years later after I'd shifted mostly to fountain pens. I presume I bought the pencil because I got a deal and thought it would be nice to have a set.

 

My point is that it's a pretty pen, but I really don't see it appreciating in value anytime soon. (A quick look at recent eBay sales confirms this.) I liked the look and thought it would be nice to carry and use. I think that's the most you realistically can expect from most mass-produced modern pens, even if they're gold-plated.

Edited October 5, 2012 by wekiva98

[antoniosz]

Prices of old pens are not always correlated with the original retail price. First of all gold's price has nothing to do with the price as this pen barely contains a fraction of a gram of gold. Condition of the pen is extremely important. Scratches, corrosion, and other cosmetic defects can substantially reduce the price of a pen. Also the early sonnets had a polarized response with some people who loved then and some that hated them. Also the presence of fakes make people reluctant to pay a lot for a Sonnet. I think a perfect (unused) Sonnet of this kind can bring anywhere from $70-$150. In used form (depends on condition) I would say about $50-80.

[Parker Pen 27]

Hi all,

I have been receiving quite a large amount of skepticism over the value over the Parker Sonnet Cascade Gold Fountain Pen. Most of which are opinions. The value/price that I relayed through this Forum came directly from Parker Headquarters in Janesville, WI. They physically saw the pen themselves and gave me the estimate of $450, WHILE they were looking at it.

I'm not sure on how to locate a more accurate estimate of a Parker Sonnet...

 

 

Thanks...

Edited October 13, 2012 by Parker Pen 27

[antoniosz]

Hi Parker Pen 27. Please dont misunderstand realism for skepticism. As for the $450 price that Parket gave you - if they can find someone to pay $450 for this pen, please ask them to let me know, as I have about 80 Sonnets of excellent quality in every possible variant, which I would not mind selling at similar prices

Anyway here are some real data points.

 

1. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/137702-parker-sonnet-mk-1-cascade-gp-w18ct-m-nib-stub-nib/ USED $65 (SOLD)

2. http://www.giftagift.com/Send-Gifts/books-stationery/stationery/parker-premium-range/sonnet-gold-plated-cascade-fountain-pen-BKSPPR104.aspx $191. (Retail listing NEW)

3. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PARKER-SONNET-23K-GOLD-FOUNTAIN-PEN-BOX-RARE-PEN-FINE-POINT-/130736278965?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e707d4db5 (well known seller for his obcsene prices $295 retail listing NEW

Edited October 13, 2012 by antoniosz

[baz666]

Hi all,

 

(snip)

 

I'm not sure on how to locate a more accurate estimate of a Parker Sonnet...

 

Thanks...

 

You could try current real world market prices.

 

Your welcome.

[antoniosz]

Paul, great collection there

[penmanila]

the "opinions" you got here were based on the real market--not on some parker employee's notion of what their product was worth. if you were on the buying side, would you take parker's word for it, or what it would go for on ebay?

 

Hi all,

I have been receiving quite a large amount of skepticism over the value over the Parker Sonnet Cascade Gold Fountain Pen. Most of which are opinions. The value/price that I relayed through this Forum came directly from Parker Headquarters in Janesville, WI. They physically saw the pen themselves and gave me the estimate of $450, WHILE they were looking at it.

I'm not sure on how to locate a more accurate estimate of a Parker Sonnet...

 

 

Thanks...

[OakIris]

Hi all,

I have been receiving quite a large amount of skepticism over the value over the Parker Sonnet Cascade Gold Fountain Pen. Most of which are opinions. The value/price that I relayed through this Forum came directly from Parker Headquarters in Janesville, WI. They physically saw the pen themselves and gave me the estimate of $450, WHILE they were looking at it.

I'm not sure on how to locate a more accurate estimate of a Parker Sonnet...

 

 

Thanks...

In your original post you said you called Parker to ask about the pen, now it turns out that you actually took the pen to the Parker headquarters for an estimate. Odd - didn't the Parker Pen headquarters move out of Janesville, WI in the 1990's when they were bought out by Rubbermaid? To my knowledge they only have a service center left there now. When did you go to the Parker headquarters in Janesville with your pen to get this estimate of worth? Maybe the pen has been devalued since then?

 

You are obviously content with the estimate of $450 you received and convinced that the amount is correct; you must be astonished by the excellent deals others have made by buying the pens for so little, and by the corresponding major loss of profit (?) that sellers are willing to accept. I don't have the sense that you are planning to sell the pen, but if you are, I think you will be disappointed by the price others are willing to pay for it.

 

Anyway, regardless of what it is or isn't worth, I am still waiting to find out if you like the way it writes.

 

Holly