Parker #15 and #16s rhr
, the first series.
[Posted on L&P on July 30, 2005, Oct 19, 22, 2006, Sept 29, Nov 12, 2007, and revised in 2015 and Mar 4, 2019.]
Over on the Zoss List on Apr 19, 2002, Kurt Matthews quoted a few lines from an article about the Parker Pen Co. titled “The Policy That Makes Every Year Our Best”, in System, the Magazine of Business, ca. 1924-25. The article states, “The success of the Duofolds, incidentally, made it practical for us to simplify our line, and this was one of the best things it did. Like many manufacturers, we had added style after style, rather lightly, for service and for other reasons, until we had a great many styles. We were making more than 400 styles of pens four years ago [1921?]”. And then Kurt asked, “Does anyone have a complete collection of all the styles of pens that Parker ever made?”. I Don’t know about a complete collection, which would be quite an impressive gathering, but how about a complete list of all the styles? That got me thinking, and I talked to Michael Fultz about such a list, but he said that preparing it would be a daunting task because of all the various versions and styles of each model number.
The first list of this type was an accidental, unintentional, and woefully incomplete one. It was actually a collector-rated list of the 40 rarest Parker pens, and it made its first appearance in an article in Pen World, vol. 4, no. 6, Jul-Aug 1991, p.31. It was then corrected and repeated in vol. 5, no. 1, Sept-Oct 1991, p.31. It was because of those articles that those issues of the magazine sold out quickly, in fact, they sold out so fast that the latter one, especially, had became quite a “rare” collector’s item in its own right because it was so sought after by Parker pen collectors.
In 2005, when Ron Dutcher asked about his Parker #62 pen on L&P, I made the mistake of citing the list of Parker model numbers in Ed Pasahow’s book Parker Pen Encyclopedia (1997) as a reference, and David Nishimura wrote, “For shame!”. I know, I know, but it was the only source out there at the time that listed most of the Parker numbers in one location. My own personal copy of the book is full of marginalia penciled in to correct many of the errors and omissions in the list. The only useful portion of that book is this “Numbering of Models” section starting on page 20, and let me also say, it is the only part of the book that I use. I agree that the rest of the book is just too problematic, so it is best to ignore the rest of it.
In the past I had tried to tease and cajole Michael Fultz into writing up a corrected list of all the Parker numbers, perhaps as an article for The Pennant, or a fountain pen website. I even made an open plea on the Zoss List a few years ago, but Fultz didn’t take the bait. It would have made a great reference piece, wherever it might have been published. So barring that, a reference to the Pasahow number list, not the rest of the book, had to suffice, in spite of the errors, and omissions, and shame, and all. I mention it again only at the risk of incurring the wrath of David. But credit where credit is due. It was one of the first attempts, though incomplete, at a list of Parker model numbers.
John Danza posted a price list of parts that came in a pen box with the original pen, ca. 1910. The list has quite a few of the model numbers for the pens, but best of all, the price list helps to explain why they didn’t have a #2 pen model. The number was used for a product called the “Parker Travelers’ Fountain Pen Ink”. Until I found this item, I listed #2 as “number not used”. The Parker catalogues from the later 192os do not show either any model numbers, or any replacement part numbers, but John posted some pages from the 1921 Parker catalogue, which had a few more model numbers above 64. From those late numbers, I realized that the filling system, size of nib, and type of cap didn’t matter to the number, so it wasn’t just a model number, but also a style, and finish number. Later on, the model numbers were even used for the matching mechanical pencils. John wrote that there were some Lucky Curves around with a “22” on their blind cap, and not marked Jack Knife Safety, so they were probably from the early 1920s after the Jack Knife Safety designation went away. A chased one also exists, so it should more rightly be called a #22½. John also wrote that he picked up a 22½ that had only “2½” on the blind cap, but unlike others he’d seen with the missing first digit, this one had a “Jack Knife Safety” imprinted cap.
But what I really wanted to find were the Duofold and Vacumatic model or style numbers, if there were any to be found, because I didn’t know whether the first numbering system lasted that long. So the 37 and 38 are the sterling and gold-filled “Snakes”, and the 47 is the so-called “Pregnant Parker”, and the 52 and 53 are the “Swastikas”, and the 57, 58, and 59 are the “Awanyu Aztecs”, and the 100 is the double-ended “Bookkeeper’s Pen”. But maybe the Duofolds could have been somewhere in the mid-100s, and maybe the Vacs could have started somewhere in the late-100s or early 200s. I still need quite a few more numbers to complete the list. Fultz posted on Zoss that such numbers as 2, 7, 13, 17, 19, 22, and 29 had not been used for pens. I have most of the first 100 Parker model numbers, but I’m still missing numbers 68, 69, 70, 76, 77, 78, 79, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 93, 94, and 97, and there are also a few named models that don’t have numbers. I’m also missing any numbers above 100. So I thought to myself, let’s see whether I can put together a complete list of numbers from 1 to 100. Tony Fischier also has a list of “Parker models before the Duofold” on his website “Parker Penography”, but dare I say, his list came after mine. He asked for permission to use the info from my post on L&P, with credits and links, of course, and he received it. Thanks to Mark Silvert for his additions and corrections.
What is really enticing is the possibility that the early numbering system used by Parker from the beginning of its history may have been continued by the later repair part numbering system. When I first started the list, these two numbering systems were one continuous list, but with a very disjointed middle section. Since then I have divided this earlier version of the list into two parts, the First Series and the Second Series. The First Series could also be called “The Lucky Curve Numbers”. This is just an interim list, and I have made changes to it many times, so remember that it might already be outdated and full of mistakes. Here is the first series.
Parker #1’s rmhr
The First Series
L after number = long
S after number = short
ED = eyedropper filled
½ after number = chased
GF = gold-filled, or rolled gold
SF after number = self-filler, or rather button filler
Baby = super-short-sized versions of certain models
JK after number = turban-top type Jack Knife Safety cap
JKS after number = Jack Knife Safety cap with washer clip
#? first pen had no number, ED, BHR, BMHR, plain or hexagonal barrels, overfeed, straight cap
1 ED, #1 nib, BHR or BMHR, plain barrel and straight or cone caps, over or underfeed
[2 number not used for a pen, later used instead for the “Parker Travelers’ Fountain Pen Ink”]
3 ED, #3 nib, BHR, BCHR, BMHR, plain or cable twist barrel, tapered straight or cone cap, also
ladies size with #1 nib
4 ED, #3 nib, BHR, chased barrel with two GF bands, tapered straight or cone caps
5 ED, #3 nib, BHR, BCHR, BMHR, spiral twist or hexagonal barrel, tapered smooth straight cap
6 ED, #3 nib, BCHR barrel, 2 chased GF bands, tapered straight or cone caps, #1 nib ladies size
[7 number not used?]
[#7 later used for a SF, 7 or 7x nib, BCHR, or BLHR, washer-clip cap, also marked #7x, and #37]
8 ED, #3 nib, BHR, BMHR, facetted hexagonal barrel, tapered straight cap
9 ED, #3 nib, BCHR, chased barrel with two chased GF bands, straight cap
10 ED, #3 nib, BHR, BMHR, cable-twist barrel, straight cap
11 ED, #3 nib, BHR, silver or gold cable twist overlay, or engraved black or yellow aluminum
overlay on barrel, tapered straight cap
12 ED, #3 nib, BHR, mother of pearl or abalone on barrel, two GF bands, tapered straight cap
[13 number not used?]
14 ED, & SF, #3 nib, BHR, RHR, sterling silver barrel & cap filigree, cone cap, #140 with #4 nib
15 ED, BHR, RHR, mother of pearl or abalone and two GF bands on barrel, filigree-covered cone
cap with round or flat ends
16 ED, & SF, BHR, RHR, same as #14, but with 18K gold-plate overlay, #160 with #4 nib
[17 number not used?]
“Special”, no number, cheap pen, ED, BHR, straight cone cap
“New Special”, no number, cheap pen, ED, BHR, cone cap
“Silver Dollar”, or “Palmer Pen”, no number, cheap pen, ED, BHR, straight cap
“College Pen”, no number, cheap pen, ED, BHR, rounded or squared cap end cap
“The Wizard”, no number, cheap pen, ED, BHR
Ink pencil, no number, stylograph, ED, BHR, RHR
18 ED, #1 nib, BHR, BMHR, RHR, also mottled green, straight, or cone cap, plain or ribbed grip
18½ ED, BCHR, chased version of #18
[19 number not used?]
20, 22-28 series, bandless BHR, BMHR, RHR, mottled green, Ivorine, transl. Bakelite barrel
20½, 22½-28½ series, BCHR, chased versions of #20, 23-28 series
20, 22-25 series, with single plain or engraved cap band, or double cap-lip and cap-top bands
020, 023-025 series, “Jointless” eyedropper filler version of #20, 23-25 series
18 F F, 20 F F, 23 F F series, “Finger Filler”, pneumatic sleeve filler version of #18, 20, 23 pens
“Trench Pen”, BHR, BMHR, RHR, ink tablets under blind cap, #20, 23, 24, 24½, 25, & “Giant”
“Shorthand”, ED, no number, super-long-sized versions of #18, 020, 023, and 024, cone caps
“Emblem”, ED, or SF, cone cap, #20-26, with fraternity or service club emblem on cap
20 ED, or SF, #2 nib, straight, cone, JKS, or SF with washer-clip cap
“Nurse Pen”, SF, #20, JKS with washer-clip, BHR cap & barrel, RHR blind cap & cap top
21 ED, or SF, same as #20, but with two chased GF barrel bands
22 SF, #2 nib, number possibly used in the 1920s, also called a #2, and 2½ and 22½
23 ED, or SF, #3 nib, with straight, cone, JKS, or SF with washer-clip cap
“Hexagon”, same as #20 and 23, but with facetted, hexagonal barrel
24 ED, or SF, #4 nib, with straight, cone, JKS, or SF with washer-clip cap
“Bull Dog Special”, ED, BHR, BMHR, same as #24 and 024 but shorter barrel, vest pocket pen
“Falcon”, same as #24, but with a falcon-styled nib
25 ED, or SF, #5 nib, with straight, cone, JKS, or SF with washer-clip cap
26 ED, or SF, #6 nib, with straight, cone, JKS, or SF with washer-clip cap
“Physician”, same as #24, 024, 25, 025, 26, and 026, but with a thermometer under a blind cap
27 ED, Jack Knife Safety with a scarce #7 nib and bakelite barrel, a few examples found
[27 SF, black plastic pen with gold-plated washer clip, large pen with #2 nib]
28 ED, or SF, #8 nib, with straight, cone, JKS, or SF with washer-clip cap
[29 number not used, but could it be the “Giant” with a #12 nib?, maybe not]
“Giant”, no number, ED, #12 nib, RHR, BHR, cone cap, or Jack Knife Safety cap & washer clip
30 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full GF diamond-and-snail pattern overlay, straight cap
30 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full sterling silver diamond-and-snail pattern overlay, straight cap
31 ED, or SF, #5 nib, BHR, RHR, full sterling silver filigree, cone cap
32 ED, or SF, #3 nib, BHR, RHR, full sterling silver floral filigree, cone cap
33 ED, #3 nib, BHR, RHR, GF filigree on barrel and cap tip, cone cap
34 ED, BHR, same as #34, but in sterling silver filigree
35 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full 18K gold plated floral pansy overlay, straight cap, also ladies size
36 ED, BHR, same as #35, but in sterling silver overlay
37 ED, BHR, #3 nib, sterling silver “Snake” filigree, with green stones set in the eyes, cone cap
[#37 shorter version of #7, came with bandless or banded caps and GF trim]
38 ED, BHR, same as #37 “Snake”, but in GF, both with round or flat cap end
39 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full 18K gold Forget-Me-Not overlay set with pearls or gems, straight cap
[39 also a black-plastic, SF pen, two gold-plated cap bands, washer clip, large pen with #2 nib]
40 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full 18K gold overlay, deep leaf and floral engraving, straight cap
41 ED, BHR, RHR, same as #31, but with GF filigree
42½ ED, #3 nib, BCHR, chased cap & barrel, engraved gold band on mid-barrel and cap top
43 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full 18K gold Forget-Me-Not floral overlay with dull finish, straight cap
44 ED, BHR, same as #43, but in sterling silver with dull finish
45 ED, or JKS, BHR, RHR, mother-of-pearl or abalone slabs, 2 GF barrel & cap top bands, pearl
or turquoise cap-top cabochon
46 ED, #3 nib, BHR, GF snail filigree on cap, corrugated mother-of-pearl & 2 GF bands on barrel
47 ED, #3 nib, BHR, 18K gold floral overlay cap, “Pregnant” mother-of-pearl slabs
48 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full 18K GF plain overlay, straight cap
49 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full 18K GF lined and scrollwork overlay, straight cap
50 ED, #3 nib, BHR, GF band and mother-of-pearl or ivory cabochon on cone cap top
50½ ED, BCHR, chased version of #50
51 ED, #3 nib, BHR, swirled filigree name plate on barrel, cone cap
51½ ED, BCHR, chased version of #51
52 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full overlay “Swastika” design on hammered sterling silver ground, cone cap
53 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full GF overlay with hand-hammered “Swastika” design, cone cap
53 ED, #3 nib, BHR, full GF overlay with bark-pattern “Swastika” design, cone cap
54 ED, same as #39, but without pearls or gems
55 ED, same as #48, but in sterling silver overlay
56 ED, same as #49, but in sterling silver overlay
57 ED, #3 nib, BHR, half-covered “Awanyu Aztec”, sterling silver overlay on barrel and cap top
58 ED, BHR, same as #57, half-covered “Awanyu Aztec”, GF overlay on barrel and cap top
59 ED, #3 nib, BHR, fully-covered “Awanyu Aztec”, sterling silver overlay on entire pen
60 ED, BHR, same as #59, fully-covered “Awanyu Aztec”, GF overlay on entire pen
61 ED, or SF, #3 nib, BHR, cone cap, plain 18K gold full overlay covering barrel, section, and cap
62 ED, or SF, #3 nib, BHR, hand-hammered floral GF full overlay on barrel, section, & cone cap
62 ED, or SF, #3 nib, BHR, bark-pattern floral GF full overlay on barrel, section, and cone cap
63 ED, #3 nib, BHR, cone cap, plain GF full overlay with engraved wreath on barrel
64 ED, #3 nib, BHR, cone cap, checkered GF full overlay on barrel and cap, plain ends
“Snail”, no number, ED, full sterling silver overlay, #3 nib, straight cap
“Snail”, no number, ED, same as previous, but GF full overlay
“Giraffe”, no number, ED, full GF overlay, #3 nib, straight cap
“Giraffe”, no number, ED, full 14K overlay, #3 nib, straight cap
“Ribbon”, no number, ED, full GF overlay, #3 nib, straight cap
“Pen of Pens”, their most De Luxe ED, 18K gold with precious jewels, diamond cabochon on cap
AX, De Luxe pen, ED, #4 nib, solid 14k gold with floral engravings
BX, De Luxe pen, solid 14k gold gold intertwined leaves and vines with pearls, emeralds, rubies
CX, De Luxe pen, solid 14k gold, like the BX, but with a floral design with various precious stones
DX, De Luxe, 14k gold, like CX with satin finish, with small diamonds at the centers of the flowers
[Parker also offered other ED pens with unique De Luxe designs on special order]
65 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, BCHR, #2 nib, plain wide GF band on barrel, bandless
66 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, #2 nib, GF cap top and ring, bandless
67 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, #3 nib, GF cap top and ring, bandless
[68 number not used? Baby GF pen or pencil, plain or engine turned, with clip or ringtop]
[69 number not used?]
70 ED, JKS, #3 nib, telescoping barrel, GF overlay, various patterns, ringtop cap
71 ED, or SF, JKS, #2 nib, BHR, two gold or silver cap bands, ringtop, transparent barrel
72 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, BHR, plain GF wide cap band
72½ same as #72, but chased
73 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, BHR, plain GF wide cap and barrel bands
73½ same as #73, but chased
74 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, BHR, engraved GF barrel band, bandless
74½ same as #74, but chased
75 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, BHR, engraved GF cap band
76 ED, or SF, Jack Knife Safety, BHR, 18K gold cap band
76½ ED, BCHR, same as #76, but chased
[77-79 numbers not used?]
80 ED, BHR, same as #30, but full sterling or 18K gold diamond-and-snail overlay
81 SF, Jack Knife Safety, BCHR, chased wide GF band on barrel, bandless
82 SF, Jack Knife Safety, BCHR, chased wide GF band on barrel, bandless, decor. cap top
83 SF, Jack Knife Safety, BHR, plain GF blind cap, wide cap band, decorative cap top
83½ BCHR, same as #83, but chased
84 SF, Jack Knife Safety, BHR, plain GF blind cap, bandless, decorative cap top
84½ BCHR, same as #84, but chased
[85-89 numbers not used?]
90 SF, Jack Knife Safety, lined chasing ending in small paisleys GF full overlay, full length
91 SF, Jack Knife Safety, plain GF or triple silver-plate full overlay, full length
92 SF, Jack Knife Safety, large paisley engraved GF full overlay, full length
[93-94 numbers not used?]
95 SF, Jack Knife Safety, plain sterling silver full overlay, medium length
96 SF, Jack Knife Safety, paisley and diamond sterling silver full overlay, medium length
[97 number not used?]
98 SF, Jack Knife Safety, plain GF or triple silver-plate full overlay, medium length
99 SF, Jack Knife Safety, paisley and diamond GF full overlay, medium length
100 “Bookkeeper’s Special”, double ED, two #3 nibs, BHR+RHR, BHR+BMHR, cone caps
George Kovalenko.
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