The citation to the Louisiana World’s Fair Gold Medal, awarded in November 1904, the presence of Falcon and #28 models, which appeared during the first half of 1905 and the «Click Filler» pens absence, introduced in the second half of that year, and No. 15, later of the same year, allow us to date faithfully this Catalog.

The Parker Pen Co. was never before 1904 exhibited in a World’s Fair, and its first appearance at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, where they installed a working pen manufacturing facility, the only live exhibition of its kind, was unanimously awarded the highest prize to which it was eligible, the Gold Medal.

Louisiana Purchase Exposition medal, and Parker box.

In presenting this little booklet to you, no attempt has been made to excite the imagination by flowery description or elaborately printed catalogue. The only excuse for presenting a catalogue at all is to set forth, in a plain, simple way, the merits of the Parker “Lucky Curve” Fountain Pen. ‘This pen is not the oldest pen on the market by any means, yet today upwards of 3,000,000 people carry the Parker, and many thousands of dealers not only sell it, but corroborate our statement that the Parker is not merely good, but

Absolutely The “Best” Pen in The World.

Such vital and necessarily patented improvements as the famous “Lucky Curve” feed, the Anti-Break Cap, Spear Head Ink Retainer, etc., are some reasons for its great superiority, and without which we could not claim

Perfect Parker Pens.

To those who never owned a Fountain Pen the Parker is a delight, to those who have tried others it is perfection. First: Right in principle, then skillfully made to avoid the weak points found in other makes. Parker Pens seem to “go alone,” so smooth and easy is the movement,

We are making an honest pen—a pen we warrant. In fact, we issue an Accident Policy with each pen, which not only guarantees in writing each pen to be entirely satisfactory, but it insures against breakage for one year, cap, barrel, feeder, nozzle, and in fact, any part except the gold pen.

If you cannot purchase a Parker Pen in your city, do not purchase another make simply to please the dealer and to enable him to make a larger profit than he could make selling you a Parker, but in such a case, kindly order direct. Remember, in purchasing a Parker, you are buying a pen not merely for today or tomorrow, but one that will last many years, consequently you cannot afford to be annoyed by the use of an inferior pen when the Parker could have been purchased at the same price, or nearly so. May we ask, in event we have the pleasure of numbering you among the users of the Parker Pen, and you find we have given you better value than we promised, will you kindly speak a good word in its behalf to your friends? If you do, we will appreciate it and regard it as a personal favor.

Sincerely yours, The Parker Pen Company. Janesville, Wis., U. S.A,

Pleasant thoughts and good friend, belong to those who use Parker Pens.
Parker pen No. 18., Price $2.00. Screw Joint. Has the famous “Lucky Curve” and the “Anti-Break”’ Cap. This fountain is exactly the same as the Jointless No, o18, with the exception of the screw joint. It has the “Lucky Curve” and the “Anti-Break” Cap fully warranted. If you prefer a pen with a screw joint, here it is. No. 018—Jointless, same size and price as No. 18. Background box commemorating the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Medal.
No. 20. Price $2.50. Screw Joint. Same as above, except it has a size larger pen and holder. Is also larger than the No. 18. Made with smooth or threaded end where fingers grasp the pen. One of the Most Popular numbers we make. Can be supplied in either black or mottled rubber, Fine, medium, coarse or stub pen as wanted. No. 020—Jointless, same size and price as no. 20.
No. 23. Price $3.00. Screw Joint. This number can be supplied when so desired, with practically same sized barrel as No. 20, but the pen is a full size larger than the preceding number. The larger pen affording, as it does, the different “feel,” will richly repay any one to purchase this pen if they are connoisseurs, No. 023—Jointless, same size and price as No, 23.

Any Parker fountain pen from Nos. 18 to 28 inclusive, except No. 23½  furnished in either Black or Mottled Rubber.

No. 23. Hexagon. Price $3.00. This is a splendid seller, also, in fact, we might call this pen a bargain to sell at $3.00. On account of shape will not roll. No complete stock should be without a few of these. No. 023—Jointless, hexagon, same size and price as No. 23.
Parker pen No. 24 with optional threaded end where fingers grasp the pen. Price $4.00. Screw Joint. This pen is much larger than the general run of pens and they are purchased by those who know just what they want and can afford to pay the higher price necessary for the larger and finer pen. It has a “feel” too, all its own. We can recommend it as one of the finest pens ever made. No. 024—Jointless, same size and price as No. 24.
Parker pen No. 025. Price $5.00. Jointless. If you enjoy writing with a large fountain pen, you should own a No. 25. It will tell the story of what real luxury is possible to be afforded by a fountain pen. The entire fountain is large, but you forget all about that, as the large, smooth, shining pen glides swiftly over the paper. No. 25—Screw Joint, same size and price as No. 025.
Parker pen No. 26. Price $6.00. We make but one pen larger, No. 28. Tt tells the story of what real luxury may be had from the use of a large sized fountain. The smooth, beautiful action of this pen comes only from the larger sizes. Can be equipped with fine, medium, coarse or stub.
Parker pen No. 28. Price $7.00. This is a new number and makes its first appearance at this time. It is put out in respond to a demand for “the largest pen you make.” The barrel is not very much larger than No. 25, but the pen is No, 8, You probably have among your customers some Lawyer or Doctor, who is just waiting for such a pen.
No.1. Plain Barrel Parker Lucky Curve. Price $1.50, A neat little pen. Has the Lucky Curve Screw Joint. Does not have The Anti-Break Cap. Either over or underfeed. A very good pen and warranted. It is the lowest in price of any Parker “Lucky Curve” made.
Parker overfeed model no. 3 barrel chased. It could be furnished with straight or taper cap and regular or ladies' size upper or lower feed. Price, $2.00. Courtesy of Tsachi Mitsenmacher.
No. 6. Fountain, Ladies’, or Gentlemen's Size, Gold Mounted. Price $3.00. This is a very handsome pen. Has beautifully chased barrel, in a great variety of patterns, fitted with gold bands. It is made in two sizes—one size same as shown in engraving, the other, ladies’ size, considerably smaller.
Parker no. 9 overfeed gold mounted. Two different sizes from Tsachi Mitsenmacher collection.
Parker pen No. 10. Twist. Price $3.50. This pen is preferred by many who like the corrugated handle of large size, which gives the fingers something to grasp and prevents them from slipping when moist or sweaty. By the way, this is a great favorite with many businessmen.
No. 11. Aluminum. Price $3.50. Richly engraved in a variety of patterns, Upper or lower feed as desired. Even better than sterling silver as it loes not tarnish.
No. 12. Full Pearl. A Beauty. Price $6.00. Inlaid pearl with gold bands. If you want to own something out of the ordinary, or make a present that would be treasured for a lifetime, you need go no further. The price quoted on all pens are with plain boxes. Where the plush boxes are wanted, see page 15.
No. 21. Price $3.50. This is really a yery pretty pen. It is practically our No. 20, with the addition of the gold bands and a size larger gold pen. So popular indeed is this particular style that we have had some difficulty in keeping up with the demand for it. It is about the neatest and most pleasing looking gold-mounted pen we have ever seen.
No. 14, Price $5.00. Sterling Silver Filigree. No. 16. Gold, $6.00. The silver is inlaid over the vulcanite, making a most striking looking pen. Space is reserved on name plate for engraving name of owner. No. 16, same pattern as above, Solid 18-k. gold plate, will wear for many years. Price $6.00, If you want to spend as much as $5.00 or $6.00 for a fancy fountain you need have no fear of regretting selecting this style.
Parker pen No. 16, Price $6.00. Solid 18k. gold-plated.
Parker Jointless Physician's Thermometer. Courtesy of Alex Kislia.
Parker pen no. 35. Price $10.00. Barrel and cap entirely covered with heavy 18k plate which will last for a life time. A magnificent creation. The delicate beauty of the band work done on this cannot be appreciated until seen. Surely, a finer present of this kind than this could hardly be devised. Space Is left on the barrel in place reserved for it to engrave the name of owner. With this pen was sent with a plush or Morocco box.
No. 11. Gold, price, $ 6.00. Silver, same design $5.00. This is a most beautiful pen. The barrel is covered with 14k rolled gold of rich design. Photo-composition by the author. Courtesy Luiz Leite.
Parker New Special. Slip over cap. Has the appearance of a $2.50 pen. Price, $1.50.
Parker Silver Dollar (Courtesy of Tsachi Mitsenmacher). Upper or Lower Feed as desired. Price, $1.00. Supplied under the name of "Palmer Pen", if desired. These pens are cheap, but good. They are not sold as equal to the "Lucky Curve" * Parker, for they are not. They are good pens for the money. Both have gold pens. Have screw joints and do not have "Lucky Curve"feed. Best the market affords for the price.
Fit for a Queen. This cut represents plush box, which is usually sold with the more fancy pens. It is an exceedingly beautiful box, covered with rich, heavy plush, delicately lined, and makes the setting for such pens as No, 6, 11 12 or 30 a most pleasing one.

1906 PARKER FOUNTAIN PEN CATALOG

In 1904 it had been a new improvement in the design of the Lucky Curve spearhead feed, adopting a silhouette and properties more similar to what we later would come to know as «Christmas Tree».

In the second half of 1904, begin to use the «Lucky Curve» banner imprint.

Parker Lucky Curve banner imprint and earlier.
The Parker Cheap Specials. Silver Dollar and New Special.
Parker Silver Dollar. Upper or lower feed as desired. Price, $1.00. Supplied under the name of "Palmer Pen" if desired. These pens are cheap, but good. They are not sold as equal to the "Lucky Curve" Parker, for they are not. They are good pens for the money. Both have gold pens. Have screw joints and do not have "Lucky Curve" feed.
Parker no. 1. Price $ 1.50. Black or mottled holder. Straight or taper cap. A neat little pen. Has the "Lucky Curve" Screw Joint. Does not have the "Anti-Break" Cap. Either over or under feed. A particularly good pen and warranted. It is the lowest in price of any Parker "Lucky Curve" made.
Parker no. 1 mottled, taper cap.
Parker Lucky Curve nos. 28, 26, 25 with VV clip, 24, 23 hexagon, 20 and 18.
Parker no. 3, ladies’ size. Price $ 2.00. Handsome chased Barrel. Nice, easy-writing gold pen. Quite a popular pen of its class. Can be furnished with upper feed when so desired.
Parker No. 3. Straight or taper cap. Price $ 2.00. Considerably larger than the ladie's size of the same number. Has the "Lucky Curve." This is one of the oldest styles, yet it is a popular pen today. Comes with a great variety of patterns on barrel. Courtesy of http://www.fivestarpens.com.
Parker no. 5. Spiral, black, or mottled rubber. Price, $2.50. The barrel is made with corrugations, which are spiral. It presents a rough surface for the fingers to grasp. Either upper or lower feed. Courtesy of http://www.fivestarpens.com.
No. 6. Gold Mounted. Price, $3.00. Has beautifully chased barrel in a great variety of patterns, fitted with gold bands. It is made in regular and ladies' size considerably smaller.
Parker no. 8, Hexagon. Price, $2.50. Barrel and cap are cut hexagon shape, so the fountain will not roll when placed upon a desk. Can be supplied in black or mottled rubber.
No. 9. Gold mounted. Price, $ 4.00. This Is a gentleman’s pen exclusively. It is by all odds the most handsome of the large sized fountains. An ample ink reservoir. Beautifully gold mounted. A superb pen in every way. Courtesy of Luiz Leite.
No. 10. Twist. Price, $3.00. This pen is preferred by many who like the corrugated handle, which gives the fingers something to grasp and prevent from slipping when moist or sweaty. Courtesy Luiz Leite.
Parker No. 11. Aluminum. Price, $ 3.50. Richly engraved in a variety of patterns. Upper or lower feed as desired.
No. 11. Gold, price, $ 6.00. Silver, same design $5.00. This is a most beautiful pen. The barrel is covered with 14k rolled gold of rich design. Photo-composition by the author. Courtesy Luiz Leite.
No. 12. Full Pearl. A Beauty. Price, $6.00. Upper or lower feed. Inlaid pearl with gold bands. If you want to own something out of the ordinary or make a present that would be treasured for a lifetime, you need go no further.
Parker pen No. 14. Price $5.00, sterling silver filigree. No. 16, gold, $6. 00. The silver is inlaid over the vulcanite, making a most striking looking pen. Space is reserved on name plate for engraving name of owner. No. 16, same pattern as above, solid 18K gold plate will wear for many years.

In late 1905, Parker offered for first time the no. 15. Price $ 7.00. It was manufactured with cap covered with gold filigree and name plate. Barrel fitted with beautiful variegated, or plain, Mother-of-Pearl slabs and gold bands.

Parker no. 15. Price $7.00. Just out. One of the prettiest in Parker line of fancy pens. Plain pearl slabs barrel with gold band. Gold filigree on cap. Name plate so the name of owner can be engraved on same. Photo Courtesy of Luiz Leite.
Parker no. 15. Barrel fitted with variegated Mother-of-Pearl slabs. Courtesy Luiz Leite.

No. 18 Screw Joint. No. 018 Jointless. Price $2.00. Has the famous «Lucky Curve» and the «Anti-Break» cap. Any pen from nos. 18 to 28 inclusive, except No. 23 ½ could be furnished in either Black or Mottled rubber.

Parker no. 18. Background box commemorating the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Medal.

No. 20 Screw Joint. No. 020 Jointless. Price, $2.50. Same as No. 18, except it has a size larger pen and holder. No. 20 made with smooth or threaded end where fingers grasp the fountain pen. Can be furnished in either black or mottled rubber. Supplied with fine, medium, coarse or stub pen as wanted.

Parker no. 020 jointless (above) and no. 20 (note ringed section)
No. 21. Screw joint. Price, $3.50. This is really a very pretty pen. It is practically the no. 20 with the addition of the gold bands and a size larger gold pen. So popular indeed is this style that we have had some difficulty in keeping up with the demand for It. It Is about the neatest and most pleasing looking gold mounted pen we have ever seen. If preferred can supply with Screw Jolnt when so ordered.

No. 23 Screw Joint and no. 023 Jointless. Price, $3.00. Screw Joint. This number can be supplied when so desired with practically same sized barrel as No. 20, but the pen is a full size larger than the preceding. The larger pen affording, as it does, the different «feel,» will richly repay any one to purchase this pen if they are connoisseurs.

No. 23 ½. This new style makes it first appearance herewith. It is practically the No. 23 but with beautifully chased barrel and cap. It is particularly suitable for a lady’s pen and can be furnished in a smaller sized barrel than regular, if desired.

According to the Parker numbering system, the fraction «1/2» following the number indicated a chased rubber fountain pen.

No. 23 Hexagon. $Price 4.00. Furnished in black or mottled and manufactured in both styles, jointless or screw joint.

Parker no. 023 Hexagon jointless black. Price, $3.00.
Parker no. 023 Hexagon Jointless mottled. Courtesy of Tsachi Mitsenmacher.
Parker no. 24 screw joint and no. 024 jointless. Price, $4.00. This pen is much larger than the general run of pens and they are purchased by those who know just what they want and can afford to pay the higher price necessary for the larger and finer pen.

Parker Bull Dog Special No. 24 screw joint and no. 024 Jointless. Price $ 4.00. Can be supplied plain or with threatened grip, in black or mottled. This is a new thing in fountain pens. It is a vest pocket pen, that is for the lower vest pocket in which it is carried. It has the advantage of never getting lost, always at hand, and never in sight when carried. It has sold in large numbers in London, England, and seems destined to be a great seller in this country. The student, the businessman, as well as all military men who have seen it, are charmed with it. A favorite in many of the universities and recommended by college men everywhere.

Parker no. 024 Bull Dog Special.

Parker no. 25 screw joint and no. 025 Jointless. Price, $5.00. If you enjoy writing with a large fountain pen, you should own a no. 25. It will tell the story of what real luxury is possible to the afforded by a fountain pen. The entire pen is large, but you forget all about that, as the large, smooth, shining pen glides swiftly over the paper.

Parker no. 025.

Parker no. 26 screw joint and no. 026 Jointless. Price, $6.00. Parker make but one pen larger no. 8. It tells the story of smooth, beautiful action of this comes only from the larger sizes. Can be equipped with fine, medium, coarse or stub.

Parker no. 26. Photo courtesy of PBA Galleries, Berkeley, CA. (image © Justin Benttinen)

Parker no. 28 screw joint and no. 028 Jointless. Price, $7.00. Appearance at this time, it is put out in response to a demand for «the largest pen you make. The barrel is not very much larger than no. 25, but the pen is no. 8.

Physicians Pen. Price, $ 5.00. Fitted with no. 4 or no. 5 gold pen. In opposite end of fountain is fitted Registered Fever Thermometer with certificate showing corrected readings for physicians' use. The most useful, convenient combination ever put in a physician's pocket.
Parker No. 30.
"If you want to make some dear friends a present that will be treasured for a life-time, and be handed down as an heirloom the No. 30 will fill the bill". Photo courtesy of PBA Galleries, Berkeley, CA. (image © Justin Benttinen)
Parker nº 31. Furnished with a no. 5 pen. Price $7.50.

Parker no. 31 Sterling Silver. Price $7.50. This a large size fountain pen covered with Sterling Sliver. Space on name plate on which to engrave your name. The richness and refined elegance represented in this pen is apparent.

Parker no. 32 Sterling Silver. Price, $5.00. This is somewhat like no. 14, but even richer. Name plate. For a lady, this pen is certainly ideal and at a medium price.

Novelties of 1906 were models #33, #34, #35, #37, and #38.

Parker no. 33. Price $ 5.50.

Parker no. 33. Gold. Price, $5.50. This pen is our leader for the new styles. It Is certainly the biggest value ever put into a pen retailing. Neat, tasty and a real beauty. Same design in Sterling Silver, No. 34, price $4. 50.

Parker pen no. 33 Gold and 34 Sterling Silver. Courtesy of Luiz Leite.
Parker nº 35. 1906 covered with plated18 kt. gold $10
Parker no. 35. Gold. Gentlemens' size. Price $ 10.00. Auctioned by Bonhams Dec 4, 1998. Image © Bonhams.

No. 35. Gold. Gentlemen’s and ladies’ sizes, Price $10.00. Barrel and cap entirely covered with heavy 18k plate which will last for a life time. A magnificent creation. A delicate beauty of the handwork. Surely, a finer present of this kind than this could hardly be devised. No. 36. Either size, in Sterling Silver. Price $ 8.00.

Parker no. 36. Sterling silver embossed by Heath Co. Ladies' size. Price $ 8.00.

The Parkers Snakes. No. 37 Sterling Silver. Price, $8.00. This odd and fantastic design is of a snake’s body. The eyes are set with green stones. Certainly, a unique covering for a fountain pen. No. 38 Gold, price $10.00.

A sterling Parker #37 eyedropper with keyhole vent nib. Auctioned in December 2014 by Golden's Appraisal, Auction & Estate Services, Woodstock, GA.
Parker #37 Snake sterling overlay
A #38 mounting a Lucky Curve round hole nib with "lazy S" imprint. Courtesy of PBA Galleries, Berkeley, CA. (image © Justin Benttinen)
Parker Snake #38 overlay
Parker pen no. 35. Price $10.00. Barrel and cap entirely covered with heavy 18k plate which will last for a life time. A magnificent creation. The delicate beauty of the band work done on this cannot be appreciated until seen. Surely, a finer present of this kind than this could hardly be devised. Space Is left on the barrel in place reserved for it to engrave the name of owner. With this pen was sent with a plush or Morocco box.

An Emblem pen intended to honor commemorations of prominent members of the society was also added to this year’s range.

The emblem is on solid (not plated) gold band. Makes a fine present for some secret order man. Prices $12.00 each for K. of P., of C., I. O. O. F., Elks, Blue Lodge Chapter, Shrine, Knight Temple ( last two $12.50 ) and others.

In 1905 Parker patented their particular self-filling fountain pen under patent US791466A, which they began to market that same year.

Parker Self-Filling fountain pen.

SOURCES:

  • Fountain Pen and Pencil. The Golden Age of  Writing Instruments. G. Fischler & S. Schneider. Ed. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 1990.
  • Plumas Estilográficas. Jonathan Steinberg. Ed. Edimat Libros. 1998.
  • Tsachi Mitsenmacher pens collection.
  • Luiz Leite pens collection.
  • L. Michael Fultz collection.
  • 1896-1906 Parker Side Talks, the Parker´s dealer magazine.
  • 800 Parker ads. Pre-Duofold.
  • Parker patens US 512,319, US 606,231, US 653,818, and US 791466.