Parker Duofold Cap (With Solid Gold Top) - Is This Real Or Fake?

[nyc-roller-ball]

Hi-

 

I am looking at two identical Parker Duofolds but they have different cap styles. Both are coming from authorized dealers but one has an insignia and the other does not. Also, one has two rings and the other has a solid larger ring at the base of the cap.

 

The dealer with the non-insignia cap and the two rings says it is new old stock for the late 1990s and is selling it for about $200.

The dealer with the insignia cap with the one larger ring says it is a current model and as such even discounted it is about $400.

 

 

Is the less expensive one real? Did Parker ever make a Duofold with a solid gold top?

 

Is there any difference between the two? Is one better?

(I actually like the style of the one with two gold rings)

 

Thanks.

Edited June 30, 2018 by nyc-roller-baller

[Joane]

The cap with two rings looks correct for the Duofold model that came out in 1996. As far as I know, the trim is gold-plated. I have personally not heard of this model existing with solid gold trim.

[nyc-roller-ball]

The cap with two rings looks correct for the Duofold model that came out in 1996. As far as I know, the trim is gold-plated. I have personally not heard of this model existing with solid gold trim.

 

So that is the big price differential, it is more about gold plating (2 ring version) versus solid gold (1 large ring version) rather than the age.

[Joane]

The nibs on the fountain pens are 18k gold but I would be very surprised if the trim is. It is likely also plating on the current model.