Parker English Duofold Aerometric

[tbfalsename]

Here's my review for my Duofold. I shall try and add pictures later, when I've got my camera set up on this computer.

 

 

First Impressions (8/10)

Nice looking chunky pen with a clean straight nib and a nice feel to it. Also burgundy, my favourite pen colour.

 

Appearance (7/10)

A nice burgundy colour Duofold, generally clean with light marks of wear and usage. The imprint is light and quite faded in parts but still mostly readable.

 

Design/Size/Weight (8/10)

The design used on these English Duofolds is now a classic which, along with the Meisterstuck design, is used for cheap ballpoints the world over and the gold filled art deco cap band adds a nice touch of style.

The torpedo shape is comfortable in the hand and the width, balance and weight add to that feeling of comfort.

 

Nib (7/10)

The nib is 14k gold and generaly a smooth writer, however it does sometimes, although rarely, skip when doing an upward stroke. Also, and this is not really an issue, the nib is not as pretty as those featured on modern Duofolds.

 

Filling System (9/10)

Having the standard Parker aerometric filler, this Duofold is about as easy and simple to fill as any non-cartridge fountain pen can be. Plus, of course, the condition of the rubber sack is seen every time the pen is refilled.

 

Cost and Value (10/10)

I paid under £14 for this pen, including shipping, and it’s probably the best £13.62 I’ve ever spent as it’s barely left my pen rotation since it arrived. I’d not be able to replace it easily for the same money with a pen of equal comfort and quality.

 

Conclusion (8/10)

I love this pen, it’s colour, it’s size and it’s weight are all nearly perfect for me. The only way I think I could improve this pen is by having the nib replaced or serviced and I’m not sure that, given the cost when compared to any improvements that might be gained, it would be worth it.

 

 

 

Mike

[FrankB]

Thanks for taking the time to do this review, Mike. I look forward to the pics.

 

I like English Duofolds. I think you are correct that the design is rather basic and classic, while being very utilitarian. My English Duofolds have proven to be very durable as well as excellent writers. I keep unconsciously finding these pens at good prices and I have accumulated several over the years. I think it is money well spent. The aerometric filling mechanisms are all but bulletproof and add to the enjoyment of the pens for me.

 

Whether or not to have a pen tweeked is a personal decision. I have several inexpensive pens that I chose to have tweeked or modified because I use them so much. I wanted the writing experience with them to be more to my liking, so I just spent the money. I think that decision would be well placed on one of these pens.

[andyk]

Hi,

Nice review, these are very underrated pens (probably the one that got me started on pen collecting). I have collected several over the years in an assortment of colours and sizes (one tends to live in my desk at work with a bottle of ink in case of emergencies).

 

The filling system is pretty well indestructible and they generally clean up well and seem to go on forever.

 

Andy

[tbfalsename]

Here's the pictures of my Duofold

[Maja]

Nice review, tbfalsename!

I agree with andyk in that these *are* underrated pens! The nibs on the 4 that I have are all very nice

and the pens have a nice weight and girth to them....

 

Here is my green English Duofold sitting on a sunny ledge :

 

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii306/MF518/english_duofold_resized.jpg

(please excuse the poor photography)

[Beechwood]

I have one of these in this colour too, had it since schooldays to be honest from which it is unscathed! Well made and attractive pen.

 

You did well to get this for £14, I was offered £75 for mine by a pen restorer not so long ago, your £14 looks a bargain.