Parker Classic Pencil In Florence

October 20, 2011

Hello,

First post. Been lurking about a year. Have a few: First 75s, then Sonnets, then Duofolds. (OK, to be honest, maybe a few Japanese FPs, as well. ;?) The FPN has been a valuable resource. Thanks to you folks.

I have been focusing on the Vermeil models quite a bit -- both USA and French. Today in the mail I received the mint French 75 Vermeil Florence BP that has been hard to find. (Actually, much harder than the matching FP.)

In the same box, the seller included a mint condition Parker Classic pencil. I haven't bought anything other than 75s from him, and no pencils at all, so not sure why he wanted me to see this pencil. The pattern matches the French Vermeil Florence 75 in every way, but it has the 'MADE IN U.S.A.' stamp on the band, and 'STERLING CAP & BARREL' under that. Sure enough, it's a Classic pencil.

However, I can find no reference to Classic pencil (or pen, for that matter) production in Florence Vermeil. Is this simply a 'one-off' in the Classic line?

Is there a Parker Classic expert out there in cyber-land that can help me with the question of whether the Classic was ever offered as a regular production model in the USA in the Florence Vermeil? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks again for all the help over the last year. Maybe now I can make a modest contribution to the forum from time to time.

Edited October 21, 2011 by cgregory4

October 21, 2011

I'll help if I can, is it possible to post a photo?

I would guess at it being a prototype or a test market piece, there are quite a few USA made sterling oddities around and the Florence was not a regular production model in either vermeil or plain sterling.

Did the seller throw it in as a freebie?? :clap1:

Edited October 21, 2011 by ceejaybee

October 21, 2011

I'll help if I can, is it possible to post a photo?

I would guess at it being a prototype or a test market piece, there are quite a few USA made sterling oddities around and the Florence was not a regular production model in either vermeil or plain sterling.

Did the seller throw it in as a freebie?? :clap1:

October 21, 2011

Hello,

First, thank you for the welcome. I researched plenty on this site, so I thought I would use this pencil -- apparently somewhat esoteric -- as an introductory post. Another subject would have been better. ;?)

I will try to post a photo of the pencil next to the Florence BP, so you can see their similarity.

Not much good at taking photos. Also, not sure how/where to store them and how to post them. I guess, if I want to be a successful member, I should learn.

So, this old dog will try to learn some new tricks. ;?)

In the meantime, one other detail on the pencil is a curiousity: 'D617' is engraved in extremely small letters on the pencil cap. Only legible -- at least for this old curmudgeon -- with a magnifying glass.

Also, the lead size is 9mm, if that means anything. Apparently, some of the Classics are 'cartridge' pencils, but this one is not.

I wish it were a 'freebie', as, then, I'd buy it! ;?)

Thanks again for the welcome. I'll post again, when I learn the photo tricks.

Greg

Edited October 21, 2011 by cgregory4

October 21, 2011

I know there was a US made 12k gold filled version of the Classic bp/mp series that sounds very much like the pen/pencil you describe, but have never seen one in the "Florence" design.

October 21, 2011

Sorry. I guess I posted your post. ;?) Go figure.

Photos:

1) The USA Classic Florence pencil, next to my French 75 Vermeil Florence BP.

2) Couldn't resist: My new French Vermeil Fougere BP.

BTW, the photos were taken on the Fougere hinged case. A dense dark brown linen fabric all over, with brass trim all around, and Parker label inside.

October 21, 2011

Now that is an oddity to say the least - the D617 is probably Parkers R&D reference number and is enough to convince me that it's a prototype.

The biggest surprise for me is that it was made in the USA when the Florence Parker 75s were only produced in France plus this being a .9mm twist pencil it most likely predates the French versions by a good few years, how curious??

These are my little Florence trio

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab212/ceejaybee_photo/IMG_1357.jpg

Edited October 21, 2011 by ceejaybee

October 21, 2011

Now that is an oddity to say the least - the D617 is probably Parkers R&D reference number and is enough to convince me that it's a prototype.

The biggest surprise for me is that it was made in the USA when the Florence Parker 75s were only produced in France plus this being a .9mm twist pencil it most likely predates the French versions by a good few years, how curious??

These are my little Florence trio

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab212/ceejaybee_photo/IMG_1357.jpg

October 21, 2011

Your 'Trio' is awesome. That's just what I needed -- some more ideas! ;?)

Well, I did it again. I re-posted your post. This is an interesting thread -- two-thirds of it will be the combination of my posts, plus others' that I have managed to re-post due to my being clueless. ;?)

I thought I would address the Vermeil types. Not much experience, but, as I mentioned ... time to give back to the FPN, even if it's modest.

I have the Vermeil style in the following models:

1) USA 75 Vermeil Cisele' -- flat tassie.

2) USA 75 Vermeil Cisele' -- indented tassie.

3) French 75 Vermeil Florence -- cobachon (? proper ?).

4) French 75 Vermeil Fougere' -- as above.

5) French 75 Vermeil Damier -- as above.

6) Sonnet Vermeil Crocodile.

There are probably several more Vermeil models, but I haven't seen them yet.

Again, your 'Trio' is gorgeous. Can I tell my better half, that you forced me to go 'looking'?

Edited October 21, 2011 by cgregory4

October 21, 2011

Can I tell my better half, that you forced me to go 'looking'?

You can say I put your arm up your back if you like :roflmho: after all it costs nothing to look

It looks like you have a nice collection, I've not seen any others that you've not managed to find, in fact I've come to the conclusion that the Chevron, Gross Cotes, Filette and Godron didn't come as a vermeil version which is a shame. I have all 7 French Sterling versions in BP and FP except for the Chevron BP, which is proving very difficult to find, I'm not sure it exists but I see no reason for it not to

Another interesting snippet is that the P35 was the Fibre tip companion to this series but was not offered as a fountain pen in it's own right as far as I know.

ps. when you reply hit the dark blue button instead of the light blue one, I'm guessing that's why you post my posts