The Parker 35

March 3, 2009

It all started when I purchased what was billed as a Parker 75 but wasn't. I liked the pen, which is slightly smaller and slimmer than the 75s, so I simply advised the seller and left positive feedback. However, I then went on a quest to figure out what I had, which is what led me here, to a thread with photos by gicoteni.

I have since been able to acquire a few others, including one graciously sold to me by flodoc. Among the seven that I have now, there are a variety of cap and barrel tassies and some variations in the sections. The only truly consistent thing among them is the 750 fixed nib, although no two of the nibs are completely alike, either, with several different styles and at least four designations, three of which are numbers.

Having exhausted the online resources after extensive searching, I decided to write to the company. At first, I was told there was no such thing as a 35! However, I provided links to several pictures posted by members here and ultimately received the following reply, which I share for general interest, although it doesn't provide much of anything that gicoteni hasn't already told us.

"We contacted your Archives in New Haven and this is the information they were able to provide about the Parker 35.

"Parker 35's were manufactured in the Meru factory which was open from 1967 to 1999. The pen appears to be a combination of various parts and was sold in the Parker main collection world-wide.

"It has a cap similar to the 75 but smaller, the front end was similar to a 15 model and the nib is cleated, the barrel again was different.

"We have one in silver plated Grain D'orge and silver plated Diamante pattern in the archives. I have seen them in stainless steel and also as a fibre tip holder. The dates are the early 1980's. Presumably they were manufactured at the same time as the 75. Meru also manufactured the 75 model."

Does anyone have any more information about them?

March 4, 2009

I believed they were marketed as a lady's Parker 75. Production was based in France at the Meru factory, although I vaguedly recall seeing a model (matt black or flighter?) which was made in the U.K. - not 100% sure on this.

Gold plated, silver plated and lacquer designs were produced similar to those used for the Parker 75 although the range was not so extensive as it's larger close relative. Generally a scarce pen, particularly outside France.

Hope this is some help, but I agree info. on this pen is hard to find.

G.

Edited March 4, 2009 by gvl

March 5, 2009

I believed they were marketed as a lady's Parker 75.

I had wondered if that might be the case. Thanks for all of your information.

March 5, 2009

I'm glad someone appreciates these very attractive pens and I am glad that I was able to contribute to your collection. Thanks for posting the information you were able to obtain from Parker. I had often wondered about the history of these near 75 look-alikes. I wonder if there are workers from the factory still in that locale who might be able to contribute to satisfying our curiosity. I have no idea how one would go about making an inquiry, but it would be interesting to try. Would Parker have a contact in France who might be able to help?

Preston