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I've been experimenting with extra fine nibs, so I can be less choosy about the paper I write on but still be able to write on both sides. I haven't been crazy about the nibs, but I'm wondering if that's related to the pens I'm using them on. The pens I keep going back to are the Parker Rialtos. I have not found one with an extra fine nib so am wondering if it's possible to put an extra fine nib on one of the Rialtos I have. Can that be done? Is it difficult? Where would I get an extra fine nib for a Rialto? Thanks! Tery

Hi, I've been lurking around for a while and this is my first post I recently acquired a NOS Parker 88 (I believe it's a 88 though it was listed as a Rialto) and while there is an "F" stamped on the plastic feeder, it writes like a Broad to me. I have just got into FP so this is the only Parker I have. I'm not sure if my observation is correct but it feels like it has a B nib on an F feeder, is it possible that the nib has been swapped or is it just typical Parker F nib? I'd like your opinion on this. Another thing is it writes very wet, more so than I'd like, is there a way to decrease ink flow? I included some photos of the nib and a writing sample here (J. Herbin Rouge Opera ink). Thanks for your time!

After returning to the fountain pen world a year or so ago, I started trying out lots of pens. I've tried maybe a dozen brands, but my favorites are still Parkers. I'm thinking now that I'd like to add Parkers to my collection, instead of picking up this or that other brand to try. I inherited a couple of Parker 51s that I use sometimes but don't love. The 51 is a little thicker and heavier than I like. They also have M nibs and I've discovered that my small handwriting does better with F or even, occasionally, EF nibs. I really like the Rialto/88 model, as far as thickness and weight. I'd like more of those, but not only those. What Parker models would you recommend that are similar to the Rialto/88 in thickness and weight? Tery

Hi all, After going through a number of different pens, I've come to accept that the Parker Rialto / Place Vendome is probably my grail pen. It's not fancy, but it's the one that feels best in my hand. A Place Vendome was the first decent fountain pen I had, and that pen would still be my favorite if it hadn't "walked off" somewhere during a move. I've picked up a couple of Rialtos in the hope of finding something I like as much as I like that first pen. These are Ms, though. I thought I could get used to an M, but it didn't happen. I have small handwriting and prefer an F, or sometimes an EF. In an attempt to like these pens more, I bought an F and an EF section I found on eBay. They're marked "Parker Rialto" and "Made in UK" and I purchased them from a seller who has an excellent reputation, but something about the pen design must have changed about the Rialtos over the years. The thread sections on these sections I bought are plastic, not metal, and are just a little too large to screw into the pens. I would like F nibs on both of these pens. Is anyone able to fix these? Or do you know where I can get older sections at an affordable price? I found some in the UK but they're pretty expensive even before you add in shipping. One needs a maroon section to fit the style of the pen. Black would work fine on the other one. Apparently, the sections would have to be from before Parker switched from metal to plastic threads. Thoughts or ideas or help? I know I have the option of selling these and just waiting until the pen I want comes along, but I'm feeling a tad impatient to know that I could enjoy writing with my fountain pens even more than I already do. Tery

Hi all. I've been off trying a variety of pens and in the end my hand still seems to like the weight and feel of the Parker Rialto (and Place Vendome and I think 88 -- isn't that basically the same pen) best. I have a few Rialtos that I got off eBay, but they're M nibs, as is just about every one of these that I find. I'm finding myself veering more and more toward F and EF nibs. I have smallish handwriting and often have to use less than ideal paper. Under those conditions, the F and EF nibs seem to work better for me. So my question is, where can I get F or EF nibs to replace the Ms on these pens? I see some on eBay but they're in the UK (I'm in the US, in DE) and I'm afraid that I'll get bad nibs that will then be too expensive to return. What do people who repair these pens use as a source? All suggestions welcome! Tery

Hi Everyone, I'm a collector of parker pens and in particular the Vector, 88 and Rialto Models. These pens are often considered insignificant, but I enjoy them. I love their innocence, simplicity, understated elegance, low cost and unobtrusiveness in social and business situations. If you've been involved with these pens and their history, you may be aware that the the nib unit for the 88 is compatible with the earlier Vector but NOT compatible with the later Rialto. Many sellers on ebay confuse them and advertise a pen or nib as a Rialto when in fact it is really a nib unit for the 88. I'm now looking for a fine nib for the Rialto model. They seem pretty difficult to find even though there are a fair number of Rialtos, 88s and Vectors being sold on eBay. Most seem to come from India nowadays. Apparently, parker has licensed a company to produce them as an inexpensive product. If you've been involved with these pens and/or have some knowledge of them, please post a comment or email me at howard@lifecraftingprogram.com so we can chat. Thanks!

Hi to all... First off, hi, I'm new! I can see there's a lot for me to browse here on the forums I'm very new to fountain pen collecting too. I've picked up a Parker 88, Matte blue with Maroon and in lovely condition. On the end of the cap, the jewel has a logo which I cannot identify and so was wondering if anyone here might be able to assist, it's a yellow background with what looks like a white aeroplane. I've attached an image for clarification. I look forward to hearing what this might be and also to being an active member of the community... Thanks in advance and a Happy New Year to all.

Parker Rialto, Every Flower Has Its Personality