There are just brands in the world, but there are legends that make dreams come true. “Ferrari”, “Chanel”, “Tiffany” - all this is the personification of elitism, the special philosophy of “Dolce Vita”. Now name the pens that you will put in this magnificent row... That's right, it's “Parker” - and there can be no other opinions.
Even though other luxury brands are creating writing instruments worth millions of dollars, the leader still remains out of reach. “Parker” is a symbol of exclusivity and belonging to the highest strata of society. Even though the famous manufacturer has fairly affordable ball-type models, this is more of a concession to mere mortals who want to purchase a high-status accessory at an affordable price.
Parker Jotter Premium ballpoint pen (go to SUNLIGHT catalogue)
How can you paint a pen?
Take it out of the handle
refill and place the writing end into alcohol.
Take a lighter and hold the ballpoint tip of the lighter
over its flame.
Do this for a short time, otherwise the tip may explode! After that, try to paint with a pen
on thick paper.
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Types of pen cartridges
When choosing an ink pen, you need to know a little about the cartridges they use. This is a plastic cylinder with rounded or straight walls. All cartridges have main differences:
- Dimensions.
- Flange shape. One side of the capsule has a flange, the other has a blind end. The flange is inserted into the handle or simply put on the feeder needle. Inside the capsule, the ink is locked by a simple device, which comes in the following types:
- a metal or plastic ball that moves freely inside the capsule, preventing the ink from sticking to the walls and mixing it;
- thin membrane.
Many manufacturers produce cartridges for fountain pens and produce writing accessories, focusing on their standard.
We present to your attention the most common cartridge standards:
- Parker. There are the following standards for these cartridges - regular and short.
- International. Many manufacturers in India, China, America and Europe produce pens specifically for this standard.
- Schaeffer standard. The pens of this company can also use cartridges of the International standard.
- The American company has developed its own cartridge standard. The non-standard shape of the flange in these pens does not allow the use of capsules from other manufacturers.
- Pilot – Japanese cartridges. They differ in their standards.
- Another Japanese one also has its own standard. The cartridges of this company have their own feature - the use of metal balls. They begin to knock when the tank is empty, thereby informing that the capsule needs to be replaced quickly.
Why are Parker pens so expensive?
The cost of the most expensive Parker pens from the serial lines exceeds 40,000 rubles. But this is not the limit: there are limited editions with a limited number of copies with unique numbers - this is a real exclusive!
As a rule, limited editions are included in the Parker premium lines. For example, as part of the immortal Duofold, limited editions of “The Craft of Traveling” and Senior are currently being released, costing over 200 thousand rubles. And the incredible Parker Duofold Solid Gold made of gold with the finest engraving (handmade, of course) costs exactly a million of our money!
Parker Duofold Solid Gold
Yes, this manufacturer also has fairly budget models that are quite affordable for “mere mortals”: the same mass-produced “Jotters” at the time of writing cost around 1,200-2,600 (not cheap for a pen, but this is a “Parker”!) However, any Parker pen differs from its “ordinary” counterparts in its truly unsurpassed quality. And the big name cannot be discounted!
Parker pens have made a tremendous contribution to the world. They signed acts of surrender of Nazi Germany and Japan, documents that put an end to the wars in Korea and Vietnam, and many epoch-making agreements between the leaders of the USA and the USSR (later Russia).
How to distinguish an original from a fake?
Like any other expensive item, Parkers are counterfeited with varying degrees of care: some fakes are practically indistinguishable from the originals, others are made so clumsily that the falsification will catch the eye of even a schoolchild.
So, how can you tell an original Parker from a fake? First of all, look at the package. The pens are supplied in branded cases and bags (don’t be lazy to go to the manufacturer’s website and look at the branded packaging). Additionally, a guarantee is provided with instructions and consumables (cartridge or rod). At the moment, the warranty period is 2 years.
Pay attention to the price. A difference of 5-10% from different sellers is normal, but an offer at a price half the usual price should be alarming.
Consider the engraving. You can also distinguish a fake by the quality of the engraving or print. It’s easiest with fountain pens: it’s almost impossible to fake the engraving on the nib in a filigree manner: it must be clear, without flaws.
Take a closer look at the pen. The signature Parker nib is ideal in shape and has no microcracks, bends or other defects. In addition to the mark, the gold nib will also have a hallmark.
Check the cap. All branded pens, regardless of type, are equipped with caps and, as a rule, recognizable arrow-shaped clips. The cap should not dangle: it fits tightly, with a click. The clip is pressed out with force and immediately returns to its original position.
Test the mechanisms. Ballpoint and rollerball pens are equipped with refill feed mechanisms. In most cases, it is rotating (the rod is fed when turned, with a click of the closer) or push-button (with progressive feed). The mechanisms must work clearly. When disassembling, the spring does not fall out of the handle - it is fixed inside.
Try writing. Pens from a renowned manufacturer write softly and evenly, no effort required.
Don't buy expensive things from dubious places. When purchasing, always ask for a receipt so that if something happens you can return the defective product.
Refueling systems
Refilling mechanisms are called convectors. They come in two types: standard piston and with a rotary mechanism. This difference concerns the way the piston moves inside the reservoir. The meaning of refueling is always the same. The empty reservoir needs to be filled with new ink.
They emerge gradually during the course of writing. The time between refills depends on how much you use the pen. There is no air flowing inside the tank. Therefore, if the cap is closed, the ink inside will never dry out. A refilled pen is always ready to write, even if it has been in the case for a long time.
What is Parker
The history of the Parker brand began at the end of the last century in the USA. The company with a great future was founded by George Safford Parker, a native of Wisconsin. He was born in troubled times: 1863, the Civil War, a reassessment of the values of society, the collapse of hopes and “old” states.
The future multimillionaire was not at a loss - he had to survive. Already at the age of 17, he began teaching at the Janesville Telegraph School (one of Parker's enterprises was later opened there).
The meager salary was sorely lacking, and the young teacher began working as a traveling salesman selling writing instruments. The main clients of the newly minted pen dealer were his students and acquaintances.
There were no ballpoint pens at that time, and fountain pens were not of high quality: they leaked, became clogged, and broke. Customers complained, and Parker felt it was his duty to repair the defective product. This was the impetus for the formation of the Great American Dream specifically for him: Parker set out to create an ideal pen, free of flaws.
George Safford Parker
The first production of pens was organized by an enterprising American in 1888, and a year later George patented his first own model. However, the Parker Pen Company was registered only in 1892, from which its victorious ascent began.
George Parker was a truly talented engineer and creative inventor, not without a keen commercial sense.
The history of Parker is legendary. It was created by brand promotion specialists, so compliance with the truth is their responsibility. We are based on the official version.
Let’s briefly go over the main historical milestones of the initial stage of the company’s formation:
- 1894 – patent for the Lucky Curve feeder, which prevented ink from flowing out of the pen in a vertical position;
- 1905 - invention of the Button Filling System, which replaced the pipette common at that time;
- 1908 - Parker's company becomes the largest pen manufacturer in the world;
- 1912 - invention of the double Safety Cap, which virtually eliminates the risk of ink leakage;
- 1916 – development of a proprietary clamp that is still used today.
Arthur Conan Doyle, the literary father of the famous Sherlock Holmes, was in love with Parker pens and wrote only with them. One of the first “Parkers”, Giacomo Puccini wrote the brilliant opera “La Bohème”.
Parker pens became more and more popular, triumphantly marching around the world. Despite the rather high price, they sold millions of copies, and the public demanded more! George's son, Russell, joined the management of the company, which made it possible to further expand the sphere of influence of the pen giant.
Even the death of George Parker in 1937 did not interrupt the triumphant ascent of his pens. They have become symbols of high status and solidity, an uncompromising embodiment of quality and refined taste. In total, during the existence of the brand, about 70 diverse collections were released, the most successful of which are still in production.
Now the Parker brand belongs to the American giant Newell Rubbermaid. The historic plant in the USA is, unfortunately, already closed. The main countries producing Parker pens at the moment are France and China.
A short excursion into history
Who would have thought that the first analogues of modern fountain pens appeared around 600 AD? e. However, they acquired a metal body only in 1803. In turn, the first pens with metal nibs appeared closer to the beginning of 1830. However, such office supplies had an extremely short service life.
Shortly before the modern Parker fountain pen was introduced, many manufacturers began producing nibs made from rhodium, osmium, iridium, and also gold (meaning 14- and 17-carat). This approach made it possible to increase the service life of the tips on the handles and marked the beginning of a new mass production.
Parker refill with rotary filler
The sequence of action is very simple:
- unscrew the housing sleeve;
- lower the pen with the pen down;
- turn the mechanism so that the piston moves down;
- release all the air from the reservoir by pushing the piston all the way;
- dip the pen into the ink container;
- turn the mechanism in the opposite direction;
- push the piston to the maximum until it stops;
- remove the pen from the ink tank.
Do not put filler into the ink. Make sure that the pen is completely submerged in the inkwell. This will prevent air from entering the filling system.
When the pen is removed, be sure to drain a few drops of ink. To do this, lower the pen down again and turn the mechanism so that the piston moves a little inside the reservoir. This way you will squeeze out a few drops. When you see ink dripping into the bottle, return the plunger to its place. Just screw it in all the way.
Very little air will enter the reservoir. This is necessary to create an air cushion inside it. It will hold the ink and will not allow it to flow out spontaneously.
Rules for using a fountain pen
The writing accessory will serve you for a long time and will delight you with its work if you adhere to the following rules:
- Periodically clean the pen - rinse through the converter. First, you need to fill the reservoir with filtered or distilled water and then rinse it. This manipulation is carried out until the liquid is clean.
- If there is a cartridge in the pen, it must be disconnected before washing. Take a glass of clean water and place the base of the pen here for 40-60 minutes. The water should completely cover the feather. After these steps, wipe the pen with a napkin. Never use alcohol-containing solutions or solvents, or hot water to wash your pen.
- Rinse the pen every two weeks or if you change the ink color in the pen.
Experts give the following recommendations on how to use an ink pen:
- To avoid damaging the pen, do not press hard on the pen when writing. The slight glide of the pen on the paper indicates the quality of this writing instrument.
- It is not recommended to use ink that is a year old. The product must be extremely fresh.
- Make sure there is no sediment, clots or residue in an ink bottle that has not been used for a long time. Only then use it.
- The ink inside the pen should not dry out, otherwise it will lead to irreparable consequences. Gum arabic, which is part of the ink, has adhesive properties. Damage may be permanent if the ink dries inside the nib.
- An accessory that you are not going to use for more than a couple of days must be washed. More precisely, his pen. This will prevent the ink from drying out.
- To prevent fading and drying out, keep the filler out of direct sunlight.
- The glossy surface does not absorb ink. Therefore it is not suitable for a fountain pen.
Parker refill with slide piston
The filling principle is the same. The difference is that the piston is not screwed into the filler reservoir, but is pushed into it by direct pressure.
Both filling systems are equally reliable. After the pen is refilled, you need to thoroughly clean the nib. For this purpose, special porous paper is used. It instantly absorbs ink, and no trace remains on the surface of the pen.
It is the need to clean the pen that scares some users. They are simply afraid of getting dirty. For them, the manufacturer offers a completely different filling system, which uses sealed capsules.
Analogues of Parker pens
Many brands produce analogues of Parker, but, of course, somewhat modified, so as not to be suspected of copyright infringement. The Chinese, of course, are not like that: they produce complete analogues of Parker a lot and with pleasure.
If you intend to purchase “Parker” from an unlicensed Chinese bottling, you should not fall into extreme stinginess and buy a noname for 1-2 dollars. Take Jinhao for example: this company has very good replicas of the most successful Parker lines.
Now many are talking about the decline of the former glory of the world pen giant. Yes, the change of owner and the transfer of part of the production to the Middle Kingdom speaks volumes. But, be that as it may, “Parker” will always remain a legend and a pen for the elite!
30.06.21
