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rick propas
July 5th, 2013, 11:43 AM
Before there were Pelikans there were, for me, Parkers. And Vacumatics were, from the beginning, a core part of my collection. Although my collection cannot rival our fearless leader’s for breadth and depth (every example of every model in every color), it can probably keep up in breadth alone (an example of every model). So earlier this week I was most pleased to receive one piece that I did not have, a so called “retromax.”

Among all the Oversize and Maxima models there are two that are among the most obscure. The first is the so-called Overmax, which is a very late Oversize in burgundy with a Maxima band, apparently part of a 1939-40 Parker clear out of parts and stock which also bought us late stub models and a late “butcher block” Oversize. The other is the “retromax” of 1937 which, in Parker nomenclature would, I think, be a Streamline Oversize. I believe they are found only in black. The barrel is striped, though that is not apparent since I am carrying it and am too lazy to empty and flush it.

So here, side by side, an “overmax” and a “retromax.”

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/rickp/ToMax2_zpsf48ea357.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/rickp/media/ToMax2_zpsf48ea357.jpg.html)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/rickp/ToTheMax_zps82da7f65.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/rickp/media/ToTheMax_zps82da7f65.jpg.html)

pajaro
July 6th, 2013, 10:06 AM
Very beautiful. I see the stripes. Elegant pens.