The Penparker, name suggested by Kenneth Parker, is a simple and well thought-out metal device finished in black and chromium metal in Art Deco design, adapted for ready and quick conversion from an ordinary pocket type fountain pen into a desk set unit and vice versa; where a single fountain pen unit may efficiently serve for both pocket and desk set purposes for which the cap serves the purpose of socket or receptacle usually found in fountain pen desk bases. The receptacle is eliminated, and the ordinarily detachable cap of the fountain pen is used for this purpose.
The Penparker patent was awarded to Ivan D. Tefft, the Parker patent attorney. As a professional with many years of experience in writing instrument design, not only at Parker Pen but previously with the Wahl Company where he obtained several patents, Tefft was very familiar with pen technology and spent many hours with the employees of the technical division so that he could apply for the patents and describe the inventions in great detail. He also was helpful to suggest improvements in some of the models that other employees invented. He helped take the ideas of others and revise them so they could be manufactured cost-effectively. Because you see his name on so many patents as either inventor, co-inventor or as the attorney for the inventor, he participated in the discussion for many new Parker improvements and major projects.
According to George S. Parker’s own words: «To a large extent, the idea of this little desk set is due to Mr. Ivan D. Tefft. The thought of working out the plan is Mr. Kenneth Parker although every degree of cooperatiocn by every executive who has had anything to do with it has been remarkable.»