1995 Parker Pen Set, Would Like Info?

[SimonUK]

Hello all!

 

Firstly i think that i should introduce myself, Hi I'm Simon! I@m 16 and current working up to my GCSE exams which are pretty soon :/

 

I've just been given a Set of 3 Parker pens, that my Grandmother (Before she died) gave to me as a christening present, I've never seen them till now, and this is the first time they have ever been opened and looked at

 

I'd like a little help with what they are, and if they are any good or anything, obviously not ever thinking about selling them or using them really, i have rubbish handwriting which i would love to improve, so that I could do these pen's some justice SO maybe if i get my writing up to scratch i would start to use them at home ect...

 

 

I've got a picture of them included below, they all came in a Grey cardboard box, with Parker on, and then a Plastic box, inside that with the pen in, The Fountain has 2 cartridges, and a 3rd inside that appears to have a spring or screw in it? The Ballpoint had a blue insert in the box with it, and the pencil was just loaded with a lead/graphite stick as you'd expect.

 

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7011/dsc0096jrt.jpg

 

Sorry for the rubbish photo, due to the fact there is no light outside, its hard to get anything decent in non natural light

 

So! Are these pen's special in anyway apart from the means i got them by? IS it worth writing with them? What the hell are they?! Whats the best bet on getting my handwriting up to scratch? I get a laptop for my exams but i'd love to have semi decent handwriting

 

 

Thanks!

 

Simon

Edited December 8, 2011 by SimonUK

[carlc]

Hi Simon

 

It's a Parker Sonnet set - the 'cartridge with a screw in it' is a converter (see this link here for how to use it).

 

Don't worry about your handwriting - it will get better just using a fountain pen.

 

Carl

[SimonUK]

Hi Simon

 

It's a Parker Sonnet set - the 'cartridge with a screw in it' is a converter (see this link here for how to use it).

 

Don't worry about your handwriting - it will get better just using a fountain pen.

 

Carl

 

Ohh cool! I actually just found a cheap, looks like stainless steel Parker Fountain pen and ave been using it at school for the past few days, it makes me write bigger, which in turn makes my writing a little easier to read, Are these pen's worth much? Or worth writing with, i'm in two minds on weather to use them, or keep them unused in the box :/ I think i might buy some ink in cartridge's for now, just to try it all out and stuff? Where on-line is the best place to get them? And what colour should i go for, for every day writing, I think there is a Blue/Black that your supposed to use for writing with?

 

Thanks for all the help!

 

Simon

[PAKMAN]

Welcome to FPN! Congrats on getting the pen set! I agree that it is a Parker Sonnet set. Not a cheap set by any means but not overly expensive either. Should be a good set of pens to get you started. The fountain pen really will help with your handwriting, I know they did with mine!

[olivier78860]

Hello Simon,

 

This set is worth around £250-300.

Fountain pen :

You can see the nib's line size under the nib, on the plastic part (called the feed). It's engraved in its center. F(ine), M(edium) or B(road).

 

You can get a bottle of Parker Quink for around £5, 57ml, it should last you a few months. Or use plain cartridges, but those are more expensive in the long run. I'd recommend an ink that dries fast enough for a starter, so Quink Blue. Beware with Parker pens, only Parker cartridges fit in! You should be able to find cartridges in any supermarket or drugstore.

 

If you want to practice your handwriting after your exams, try to find Seyes paper. (look for it on this site, there are examples)

Check Bo Bo Olson's topic about "Tripod grip" to learn how to hold your fountain pen properly.

 

You just need some time (so after your exams), some good will (it won't be easy the first few days) and I'm sure you'll become a fountain pen user.

 

Ballpoint, Mechanical pencil

Those are very well balanced pens, you'll enjoy them a lot, I'm sure.

 

Since christmas is coming, ask for a nice leather pen pouch to carry your pens. Don't lend them to people you don't trust, and don't lose them (captain obvious is back!). I'm sure you'll love these pens in a few years, because of the sentimental value and their great usability. I have a similar set in checkered ciselé motif, and I really enjoy it !

Edited December 8, 2011 by olivier78860

[olivier78860]

Hello Simon,

 

This set is worth around £250-300.

Fountain pen :

You can see the nib's line size under the nib, on the plastic part (called the feed). It's engraved in its center. F(ine), M(edium) or B(road).

 

You can get a bottle of Parker Quink for around £5, 57ml, it should last you a few months. Or use plain cartridges, but those are more expensive in the long run. I'd recommend an ink that dries fast enough for a starter, so Quink Blue. Beware with Parker pens, only Parker cartridges fit in! You should be able to find cartridges in any supermarket or drugstore.

 

If you want to practice your handwriting after your exams, try to find Seyes paper. (look for it on this site, there are examples)

Check Bo Bo Olson's topic about "Tripod grip" to learn how to hold your fountain pen properly.

 

You just need some time (so after your exams), some good will (it won't be easy the first few days) and I'm sure you'll become a fountain pen user.

 

Ballpoint, Mechanical pencil

Those are very well balanced pens, you'll enjoy them a lot, I'm sure. By the way, it's not a ballpoint (the ballpoint and the pencil have a similar design) but a rollerball.

 

Since christmas is coming, ask for a nice leather pen pouch to carry your pens. Don't lend them to people you don't trust, and don't lose them (captain obvious is back!). I'm sure you'll love these pens in a few years, because of the sentimental value and their great usability. I have a similar set in checkered ciselé motif, and I really enjoy it !

 

Edit : Editing error. Sorry about duplicate post.

Edited December 8, 2011 by olivier78860

[SimonUK]

Thank you guys so much! I've had a look around on the internet, and i'm going to try and get some more practise in with the Fountain i'm using now.

 

It appears that it got a M nib, so medium i guess? I'll try get a picture of my handwriting up in a little bit, so you can point me in the dierection that i'm going wrong in...

 

Thanks!

 

Simon

[SimonUK]

After searching my house for a sample of somthing to write, i pulled up it Bible Passage, and wrote it out a few times, my handwriting is alot of legible in a fountainPen than in a Biro or somthing Which we are encourged to use at school as they are less messy

 

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/6192/handwriting1.png

 

What are your thoughts?

[Uncle Red]

Your handwriting is fine like that but slow down a bit and in a while it'll be better. That's what worked for me.

 

[SimonUK]

Your handwriting is fine like that but slow down a bit and in a while it'll be better. That's what worked for me.

 

 

Thanks The FP makes it much better, i do get cramp after a few minutes of using it though, may just need to work on how i hold the pen

 

I will continue to update this thread, as i hope others will aswell, with more info on this lovely set of pen's i have in my possession!

[jar]

Your handwriting is fine like that but slow down a bit and in a while it'll be better. That's what worked for me.

 

 

Thanks The FP makes it much better, i do get cramp after a few minutes of using it though, may just need to work on how i hold the pen

 

I will continue to update this thread, as i hope others will aswell, with more info on this lovely set of pen's i have in my possession!

 

 

You are holding the pen to tightly; you need to almost let go of the fountain pen. Relax.

 

Curl your second finger just slightly and the section of the pen should rest on that finger with the body sitting on the web of your hand. It should balance there and be steady. Then just barely touch the section with your thumb and first finger to keep the pen from rotating. Don't squeeze it at all.

 

I think you will find the cramps are gone.

[carlc]

Your handwriting is fine like that but slow down a bit and in a while it'll be better. That's what worked for me.

 

 

Thanks The FP makes it much better, i do get cramp after a few minutes of using it though, may just need to work on how i hold the pen

 

I will continue to update this thread, as i hope others will aswell, with more info on this lovely set of pen's i have in my possession!

 

Time for Bo Bo

 

Have a look at this thread here and look for the posts by 'Bo Bo Olson' (there's pictures as well (which is helpful).

[jslallar]

HMMMMMMMM

 

Your handwriting does need improving.

 

So tell you what, come over to Pakistan and teach me to write at least as well as you do, and then we will both go to carlc to learn to write better - DEAL? He he he - just pulling your leg, dont worry.

 

Welcome to forum.

 

You have a nice set of pens - enjoy them. And as your Grandma must have bought them locally (unlikely that she bought off the net) so they are most likely genuine too - unlike a pen I just commented upon.

 

A pen pouch would be a good idea - agreed.

[minislot]

Good Job on being given the Sonnet set , and welcome to our inky world, or so to speak.

 

When I started using a fountain in the second year of secondary school, I never had anyone complain about my handriting And still havent since.

Which is a good job as my bad handwriting had been plaguing me for years up to that point!

Edited December 10, 2011 by minislot

[View from the Loft]

Hello and welcome.

 

I have had good experiences with Sonnet fountain pens as have my family. So please enjoy that wonderful present.

 

As to your school saying that fountain pens are messy, well really. Stuff and nonsense. I used a fountain pen all the way through school and my professional exams, and still use fountain pens now. My three children all use fountain pens for school. You just need a little bit of discipline and remember to fill your pen every night (after homework/revision :ltcapd: ) so that it is ready for the next day. My son did his GCSEs this year, and even on the days that he had three papers, one convertor full of ink got him through the short papers that are used nowadays.

 

I would recommend black ink for school and exams - it's slightly easier to read on the horrible paper used in exam script books. Waterman or Parker Quink will do just fine.

[grandpasmurf]

Hi Simon

 

Firstly

 

I'm not sure on olivier78860's valuation, without a better picture showing the finish properly, but it looks like either a matte or laque black to me, pirces for the current equivalent set would be £145 (bought seperately)

 

Don't take that the wrong way though, because of how they were given to you, they are irreplaceable and priceless!

 

I have several sonnet sets, including a matte black set and they are all lovely pens to use, and without a doubt fountain pens are the best way to improve your handwriting. I have a 12 year old nephew who I am teaching calligraphy and not only is he enjoying this as an art, the difference to his handwriting is excellent.

 

The inks that parker supply in the cartridges do not do the sonnet nib any justice, I have found that mine all benefit from using Sheaffer Skrip ink (I am quite fond of the purple myself, it also gets some nice compliments from the lady at the post office whenever I post anything there!)

 

It would be worth having a look in your local Stationary shop for a small Calligraphy set, I know of a manuscript set for about £4 and a very good sheaffer set at WH Smith for £20 (personally I would go for the sheaffer set, you get a lot for the money and the nibs are quite nice to use) Aternatively, I am expecting a cheap little calligraphy set to be delivered next week, If it is any good I would be happy to get another and pop it in the post for you

 

Best of luck with your writing, I'm sure your Grandmother would be proud as punch to know that you are enjoying these wonderful pens!

 

Feel free to give us a shout if you would like any advice

 

Regards

 

Grandpa Smurf!

 

Edited to add This :

 

P.S

 

The ink in the Parker cartridges is Royal Blue Washable Quink - Other wise known as Parker Disappearing Ink - I have a dozen or so of these cartridges that I cant even give away lol!

 

Seeing as your Sonnet has one of the best converters I've ever come across already included, A bottle of Ink would be a very wise investment, you should have no trouble picking them up for £5-£6 (PM me if you would like a link for where I get mine from)

Edited December 11, 2011 by grandpasmurf

[dickydotcom]

Welcome Simon,

The Sonnet is a lovely pen.

I have two of them and a spare nib. I bought an Italic nib which is marked with an S on it.

I've been using fountain pens for 40 years now and still trying to improve my writing

It pretty much comes down finding a style you like and practise.

Keeping a diary helps because it forces you to write something each day.

 

Dick D

[Malcy]

W H Smiths sell bottles of Parker Quink ink in a few colours. They are a bit expensive though at nearly £6 for a bottle (still a lot cheaper than cartridges). There are a quite a few online UK sources for ink such as Cult Pens and The Writing Desk to name a couple.

 

I find that Quink washable blue fades quickly. You could try Lamy Blue or Waterman Florida Blue. Diamine inks are made in Liverpool and have a range of nearly 90 colours and are really good inks. They are available from the online shops mentioned or direct from their own diamineinks.co.uk web site.

 

Good luck with your exams

[SimonUK]

Thank you guys so much! Honestly forums like this make the internet a pleasure to be on :)Will be sticking for sure

 

I do need to do some more research on some Inks, and a converter for the Parker Jotter that i'm currently using for school, no way i want to take and risk the Sonnet set at school So i need to find a converter to buy online as well as some blacker ink. The Quink Washable blue that i use now, is way to blue, so and recommendations online where i can buy a bottle of like blue/black ink? I don't really want fully black but at the same time i don't want fully blue either

 

I really love the look of calligraphy, but being rubbish at art(I mean really rubbish) I never really though to try it, so i may look at getting a cheaper set of calligraphy pens

And going through some of my dad's old school work, we found a load of maths/engineering drawing that were drawn with old school ink compass's and stuff. And they looked incredible, so i'm currently scouring eBay to see if i can find a set of Ink drawing tools

 

Thanks for all the Help Guys!

 

Simon

[dickydotcom]

Thank you guys so much! Honestly forums like this make the internet a pleasure to be on :)Will be sticking for sure

 

I do need to do some more research on some Inks, and a converter for the Parker Jotter that i'm currently using for school, no way i want to take and risk the Sonnet set at school So i need to find a converter to buy online as well as some blacker ink. The Quink Washable blue that i use now, is way to blue, so and recommendations online where i can buy a bottle of like blue/black ink? I don't really want fully black but at the same time i don't want fully blue either

 

I really love the look of calligraphy, but being rubbish at art(I mean really rubbish) I never really though to try it, so i may look at getting a cheaper set of calligraphy pens

And going through some of my dad's old school work, we found a load of maths/engineering drawing that were drawn with old school ink compass's and stuff. And they looked incredible, so i'm currently scouring eBay to see if i can find a set of Ink drawing tools

 

Thanks for all the Help Guys!

 

Simon

If you want a decent italic nibbed pen then it's hard to beat the Lamy Safary with either a 1.1 mm or 1.5 mm nib in terms of value for money.

Cheap caligraphy sets can be a bit scratchy because they are designed to give a very crisp line and only used on the down stroke.

The Lamy has slightly rounded edges to the nib and so can be used for up strokes as well.

Edited December 11, 2011 by dickydotcom