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.
The Parker Pen Co. was never before 1904 exhibited in a World’s Fair, and its first appearance at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition was unanimously awarded the highest prize to which it was eligible, the Gold Medal, over its many competitors.
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.
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.
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.
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 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
An Emblem pen intended to honor commemorations of prominent members of the society was also added to this year’s range.
In 1905 Parker patented their particular self-filling fountain pen under patent US791466A, which they began to market that same year.
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.
1907 PARKER FOUNTAIN PEN CATALOG
Original Courtesy of Tsachi Mitsenmacher.
1907.
In 1907, disappear from the catalog models that, with few differences, were duplicated such as no. 8 Hexagon (there were models 23 and 023 Hexagon), no. 11 and no. 12 whose market segment had already been covered with other models furnished in gold or silver or with mother of pearl inlays.
The upper feed would be limited to fitting in the Silver Dollar. In 1909 this style of feeding would be totally uncatalogued.
This year, Parker added new version of the #31 with new spiral design in several pattern, filigree work, solid silver at $7.50. The #41at $8.50 was a large gentleman´s barrel pen covered with gold filigree work of beautiful design like the smaller #16. The #42½, priced at $4.50. a beautiful pen with a chased body and with a broad gold band with a large engraving indicium. It also had a gold crown on the cap. The #43 and #44, 18k. plated gold at $10 and sterling silver at $8.00 respectively, were introduced in a floral design. A clever idea was presented with Bookkeeper’s Special model #100 with price $6.00, a double fountain pen, one end for black ink and the other for red. The fountain can be disjointed, if desired, thus making two complete fountain pens.
Here is something designed especially for bookkeepers. It is a double fountain pen, one end for black Ink and the other for red. The ink reservoir for the red ink is mottled red, which indicates immediately the color of ink in that barrel. The other encl of the fountain is black, which also indicates the color of ink therein. Every bookkeeper who has seen and tried this Is simply delighted with it. The fountain can be disjointed, if desired, thus making two complete fountains, In which event they could be carried in the pocket in the ordinary way.
1909 PARKER FOUNTAIN PEN CATALOG
1908.
Parker could apply to its pens the clip patented by Levi Van Valkenburg to the cap by special machinery, at an additional cost of 25 c. nickel and 50 c. gold covered. This clip was marked “Parker VV Pat. Feb. 12, 07″.
In February 1908, Parker announced to its dealers that they were preparing to place on the market «The Red Giant». The pen is made entirely of a cardinal red hard rubber, fitted with a No. 12 pen, and the price would be $10.00.
in 1908 the #45 was introduced at $6.50. Corrugated pearl slab in either plain white or colors. Pearl crown also. Decorated with gold bands which also holds pearl in place.
The New Special had been uncatalogued since 1908. Silver Dollar now is cited as Dollar Pens.
1909.
In 1909, Parker introduce models nos. 20, 23, 24 and 25 in red holders.
In this same year they presented the Jack Knife pens fitted with an unmistakable cap top denominated by actual collectors as the «Turban top».
In 1908 with this same cap idea and aimed at students who are loyal to their School and College colors, “the cap with the colored crown” was offered at an extra 10 cents, two colors an extra 25 cents.
The Parker Jointless nos. 018, 020, 023, 024, 025, and 026 continue in the catalog.
Parker introduce nos. 20, 23, 24 and 25 in Red holders.
No. 20. Price $2.50. Screw Joint. Same as No. 18, except it has a larger pen and holder. Made with smooth or threaded end where fingers grasp the fountain. One of the most popular numbers Parker 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.
Parker no. 20½, Chased, Price $2.50. This is the same size as No. 20. The only exception is the fancy chasing on the barrel and cap. Fountain is fitted with gold pen of any elasticity and in fine, medium or stub point.
No. 23½, Chased. Price $3.00. 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.
No. 24 Falcon. Price $4,00. Screw Joint. Fitted with a gold Pen, which is an exact duplicate of the steel Falcon nib. The instantaneous favor into which this pen has sprung would indicate that there are many waiting for and wanting just such a pen. We have them in exceptionally fine points, medium, coarse, or even stub.
No. 24½, Chased. Price $4.00. Same description given no. 20½ will apply to this pen, with exception of the size. In size it is a duplicate of No. 24; two sizes larger than no. 20.
Parker no. 25. Price $5.00. Screw Joint. 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.
Parker no. 28. Price $7.00. It is put out in response to a demand for «one of the largest pens you make.» The barrel is not very much larger than No. 25, but the pen is no. 8.
In 1909 Parker presented the Jack Knife pen style fitted with an unmistakable cap top denominated by actual collectors as «Turban top», which is designed as a safety pen -a pen a lady can carry in her handbag without fear of ink soiling the contents.
This pen is used also by men who wish a short barrel end pen and maybe carried flat in the pocket or loose in the pants pocket.
The nozzle of the pen is made a trifle wider than in the regular pen and with a flat facing. The cap is fitted with a secondary cap that has a thread on the same and which turns easily inside the regular cap. When through using the fountain, screw on the regular cap down to the shoulder, then if it is desired to use the pen as a safety, give the secondary cap a turn, to bring its end facing in direct contact with the flat facing on the end of the nozzle. When the cap is removed, hold the pen point upward, so that any fluid that may be in the second cap will be drawn off by the pen point. Moisture will of course be in the little secondary cap, but it cannot escape into the other cap or around the nozzle so long as the foregoing is followed. This makes the simplest, neatest, and most practical safety pen on the market.
Made in these five sizes, if desired, could be fitted with fancy mountings at a special price.
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.
No. 31. New Spiral Design. Price $7.50. This cut shows another form of the regular no. 31 and we can furnish this pen in several patterns: filigree work, solid silver.
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 for less than $6.00. Neat, tasty, and a real beauty. No. 34, same design in sterling silver. Price $4.00.
No. 35. Gold. Gentlemen’s Size, Price $10.00. Barrel and cap entirely covered with heavy 18k plate which will last for a lifetime. A magnificent creation. The delicate beauty of the handwork done on this cannot be appreciated until seen. Surely, a finer present of this kind than this could hardly be devised.
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.
Parker no. 40. Barrel and cap covered with solid 18K gold. Price $20,00. For a wedding present, a birthday present, a present to some honored member of a society, this pen would make a lasting reminder of the donor. It is difficult to conceive how a more beautiful pen could be made. The flowers, leaves, vines. etc., stand out in beautiful, raised work. Space is left on the barrel in place reserved for it to engrave the name of the owner. With this pen Parker sent a plush or morocco box without additional charge.
No. 41. Price $8.50. This is a gentleman’s pen. Large barrel and covered with Gold filigree work of beautiful design. For father or brother, an ideal present.
No. 42½, Price $4.50. This pen represents a rather new departure in pen decoration. Neat, simple and el eant. Blank space on gold band iIn center for name.
Parker no. 43. Gold. Price $10.00. Holder comparatively small, cap and barrel covered with dull finish, 18k plate. Modest and rich. with a style all its own. For a young lady, a more pleasing pen could hardly be selected.
No. 44. Price $8 .00. Same as No. 43, except mountings sterling silver.
No. 45. Price $6.50. New this season and has already proven to be a great favorite. Corrugated or plain pearl slab in either plain white or colors. Pearl crown also. Decorated with three gold bands which also holds pearl in place.
No. 46. Price $10.00. This dainty delicate pen is of course designed for the American Queen, the wife, daughter, sister, or sweetheart of any American man. The cut suggests the delicacy and beauty of this superb piece of workmanship. Space on cap left blank for engraving owner’s name.
No. 47. Price $10.00. We can safely say no more beautiful pen of this kind was eyer made. Gold bands on either end of barrel to hold the pearl slabs in place. Please note the enlarged pearl barrel, a new design. Cap covered with beautiful mounting 18k fine floral design. Space on cap left blank for engraving owner’s name.
Parker Emblem Pens. We are prepared to supply the Parker Pen with the emblem of almost any of the more prominent orders. The emblem is on solid (not plated) gold band. Makes a fine present for some secret order man. Prices $ 12 .00 each tor K. of P., of C., I. O. O. F., Elks, Blue Lodge Chapter, Shrine, Knight Temple, and others.
The Red Giant pen is an eyedropper filler made in hard rubber, furnished with a slip cap and joint threaded section, and very approximate measurements of 148 mm long capped with a diameter cap 19 mm. The Parker Giants is not made as a self-filler owing to its extraordinary ink carrying capacity and infrequent need of filling.
Bookkeeper’s Special no. 100. Price $6.00. Here is something designed, especially for bookkeepers. It is a double fountain pen, one end for black ink, and the other for red. The Ink reservoir for the red ink is mottled red, which briefly indicates the color of ink in that barrel. The other end of the fountain is black, which also indicates the color of ink therein. Every bookkeeper who has seen and tried this is simply delighted with it. The fountain pen can be disjointed, if desired, thus making two complete fountains, in which event they could be ordinarily carried in the pocket.
In 1908 Parker offered a new design looking at the niche market of «students are loyal to their school and college colors». It was called «The Cap with the Colored Crown». The end of the cap was fitted with a little crown to match the Class or College colors. It could be furnished in red, white, green, orange, and purple and harmonize beautifully with the rich polished black of the fountain pen. Parker adapted to this segment the existing models no. 20½ and 21½ priced $ 2.50 and $ 3.50, respectively. They also adapted the model no. 24 «click filler» at $ 4.00. The crown with only one color was 10c extra, two colors 25c extra, and 35c three colors.
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.
- 1896-1909 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.
