Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
AndrewGP said:
Ok, I know it's only a Parker 45, but I've just found it in the loft. Last used in about 1993, when I was doing my A-Levels!
Should I find an ink cartridge and start using it, or are they considered a lot of old tat?
The 45 is a good pen, good to use and bulletproof. You will need a Parker cartridge, and then unscrew the nib, the final half inch of the nib sectio, wash it out, ideally leave it in a glass of water overnight. Then unscrew the nib section, quick wash through and you are good to go.Should I find an ink cartridge and start using it, or are they considered a lot of old tat?
You will be surprised as to how much these Parker 45s sell for, especially in this more unusual blue colour.
I would suggest that you fill it up, enjoy it and you might be nicely surprised how much more you like using a pen as compared to a biro.
I have quite a soft spot for the Parker 45 as it was my first 'proper' fountain pen and was bought for me by my parents (at my request) for passing my O-levels.
The metal barrel and cap mean this one is a 'flighter'. If you're interested in the age of it, then you can look at the cap and you should see a letter which denotes the year and 0-3 vertical lines which denote the quarter of that year. You can read more at https://parkerpens.net/codekey.html
There is also a timeline of the Parker 45, if you are interested, at http://pencollect.co.uk/45timeline.htm
The metal barrel and cap mean this one is a 'flighter'. If you're interested in the age of it, then you can look at the cap and you should see a letter which denotes the year and 0-3 vertical lines which denote the quarter of that year. You can read more at https://parkerpens.net/codekey.html
There is also a timeline of the Parker 45, if you are interested, at http://pencollect.co.uk/45timeline.htm
Edited by Clockwork Cupcake on Saturday 23 December 17:00
AndrewGP said:
Thanks very much, I'll definitely wash it out and put a cartridge in it then 
It's far too nostalgic to get rid of! However, I can't find any markings on the cap or barrell as to the age, where should I be looking?
Not all pens have a date code but if its there it should be on the lip of the cap It's far too nostalgic to get rid of! However, I can't find any markings on the cap or barrell as to the age, where should I be looking?Last Digit of Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Code Letter Q U A L I T Y P E N
This was the coding from 2000 - 9
Edited by Robbo 27 on Saturday 23 December 18:49
Robbo and CC, many thanks for your help, I disassembled it and soaked it overnight as suggested. All the dried ink and crap came off and it's cleaned up a treat. It's now got a fresh parker cartidge in it and works perfectly. I'd forgotten how nice they are to write with (even if my handwriting is shocking 
) Year of manufacture appears to be first quarter 1994 which shows up my memory as I thought I'd had it in 1993. All in all pretty pleased
) Year of manufacture appears to be first quarter 1994 which shows up my memory as I thought I'd had it in 1993. All in all pretty pleased Desiato said:
A lovely selection of inks from my wife and youngest daughter, plus a transparent pen.
One of the things about this hobby is that people always know that their gifts will be appreciated.I dont recognize the pen - is it an eye dropper? In other words you dont use a cartridge, you just fill the barrel?
Robbo 27 said:
One of the things about this hobby is that people always know that their gifts will be appreciated.
I dont recognize the pen - is it an eye dropper? In other words you dont use a cartridge, you just fill the barrel?
It's a Jacques Herbin, with a small bulb filler. Came from the writing desk.I dont recognize the pen - is it an eye dropper? In other words you dont use a cartridge, you just fill the barrel?
https://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/showproduct.php?b...
Desiato said:
It's a Jacques Herbin, with a small bulb filler. Came from the writing desk.
https://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/showproduct.php?b...
Let us know how it writes, new one to me always useful to know of a good priced quality pen, https://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/showproduct.php?b...
And you have plenty of inks to choose from, I can imagine that daughter will be taking a keen interest.
Parker Duofold International I believe. Same as mine, except gold trim where mine is platinum/palladium (can never remember!).
As per my colleague who used to be at Parker (and the source for my pen for relative peanuts, so I like him!) the Queen and Prince Charles have both granted Parker Royal Warrants, however only received pens from the English factory - where they underwent serious additional QA!
I believe she has a Parker 51 as her 'personal' pen, and she's had that for decades.
As per my colleague who used to be at Parker (and the source for my pen for relative peanuts, so I like him!) the Queen and Prince Charles have both granted Parker Royal Warrants, however only received pens from the English factory - where they underwent serious additional QA!
I believe she has a Parker 51 as her 'personal' pen, and she's had that for decades.
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