Parker 45
A pen doesn't have to be expensive to write well. This is very much the case with the Parker 45 Fountain Pen.
The Parker 45 (released in 1960) was the company's first cartridge fountain pen. Over the years it was made in various colours and materials including solid 14ct gold. Nibs were either 14ct gold, Octainium, or gold plated (presumably also Octainium). They all wrote well!
Today these pens seem to be perceived as just student or school pens and most sell quite cheaply. If you want a no-nonsense everyday fountain pen that doesn't break the bank, or maybe a starter pen for a child/student, this is it.
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| Dear *******,
Another web site update has just been uploaded with new items in most categories. Amongst the new stock added are a Mandarin Duofold, Conway Stewart Floral, Australian Onotos, Pelikan Blue Ocean and a Mont Blanc Export Only #74 set.
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| Pen Shows |
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The recent Melbourne Pen Show was by far the best attended in recent years, despite the economic turndown. Tables were at a premium, and for next year, I'm sure a bigger venue might be a consideration. Hopefully, if this happens, it might be at a hotel with better accommodation and a decent kitchen (our dining experience was very disappointing).
Our next show is Los Angeles in mid February. This is likely to be our only overseas show in 2009; age and golf are slowing us down! This will also result in the site updates, and hence the newsletter, reverting from quarterly to just three times each year.
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| Leaking Pens - More |
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In the last newsletter I wrote about pens leaking. I forgot to remark that in the golden age of the fountain pen, nobody wrote without blotting paper at hand. It was used to dry the writing on a page, spillages on the desk, and rolled up to dry inner caps.
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| Ebay |
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We've just started another season of Ebay auctions. We're happy to accumulate and combine lots to reduce shipping costs.
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| Blast from The Past |
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Extract from Parker Janesville's "Bulletin for Parker Distributors" #336 in January 1956.
"The manufacture of mechanical pencils was halted in 1955 and it is natural that the time would come when certain colors or models would be completely sold out and no additional stock forthcoming." This was when Parker still thought that the Liquid Lead pencil was a world-beater!
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| Quotations |
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After you've heard two eyewitness accounts of an auto accident, it makes you wonder about history.
Anonymous
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