So, I have long fancied the Modern Parker Duofolds. I am not sure why. It is not something I would collect or want a dozen of but somehow have always wanted one choice example. I have always wanted one, especially, out of the Newhaven Factory (I have and love so many old UK made Parkers) and have especially liked the Mk I pens as I find the 'banner' nibs and 'ace' nibs a little, uh, zany (if not entirely w/o charm) and I also quite like the plain black finial or pendulum emblem. But that vacumatic-like arrow nib is handsome and classic.
I have eyed them from a distance, not able to get to any pen shows and finding the local new and NOS product all up over $1,000.00 etc here.
I notice that the Centennials go for a LOT more than the internationals. That prices are all over the map on these and some colors, such as the orange (which were more even when new) go for absolute crazy money (That Jasper Red is gorgeous)
What is the verdict on these? I have heard really wildly varying comments and reviews. I have heard of feed problems on the 'banner' nib pens, that they are nothing special, that they are in fact something special and so on. That the acrylic is super thick and strudy, that the acrylic is made in some special way and is actually quite frail. That the caps seal great & that the nibs dry out. All over the map. Etc.
I think of these as akin to the 90s Sheaffers (Last gasp of a great company) such as the brilliant 90s Crest Reissue, the Balance IIs, quasi-imperial triumphs, the Legacy I, etc. Some of those are great pens. I adore the Crest RI.
But I honestly don't know what these Duofolds are like as I have never had one in my paws.
Further disclosure, I bought one. High on cold medicine I sent an ebay seller an offer. They sen't a counter offer. I saw a few other auctions for the exact same pen that were crazy.
I ended up with an orange 1991 Mk. I International for just over $300 shipped which I thought was high (most I have spent on a pen ever) but am beginning to think is a good price as there are 2 more orange Mk 1s on ebay now (one international and one centennial) and both are a twice what I paid.
I know these orange ones were more when new and from 1991 to 193 were considered 'limited editions' that Parker then just added to the line up (that probably pissed a few folks off), but the combo of nib imprint, finial emblem, color is literally the exact one that I wanted and I frankly don't think I will ever be able to afford a Centennial sized one.
My impression is that the International is roughly M600 size and the Centennial is roughly M800 size. I have and use and love both of those pens so I am guessing that I won't find the International size too small.
Anyone a fan of these pens? What am I in for?
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