Pattern 13 - Solid 14K gold Imperial

This pen was found in March 2004 and represents a remarkable discovery.  Until this time, the Imperial pattern was only known as goldplate over brass.  Here is a closer look at the cap that shows the Imperial pattern of repeating groups of 5 lines and space.

The tassie on this pen was dished.

Here is the inscription that makes this pen so remarkable.

That this solid 14K gold FP bears the QE date code and USA inscription indicates this pen was made in 1Q1980.  

Could this have been a special order item?  Do more of these exist?  If you know, please send me email.

Update of Jun 27, 2004

I compared this 14K solid gold model with a normal 22K goldplated Imperial, and there are some noticeable differences.  Here are some comparison pictures.

The physical differences are as follows:

• Since the gold Imperial is only 14K while the normal one is 22K goldplated, the former is less yellow.

• The lines in the normal Imperial is not as pronounced.

• The line patterns do not align because the solid gold Imperial has 6 line clusters versus 7 in the normal Imperial.

• There is a noticeable cap band on the solid gold model.

• The weight (grams) of the gold Imperial is heavier, assuming negligible difference in the inner caps and slip clutch springs.  For further comparison, I have also included the weight another lined pattern solid gold pen, the 18K FP listed as unknown #4 which is even heavier.

During the recent Chicago Pen Show I was able to discuss this pen with my friends who are also avid Parker 75 collectors.  None of them had ever seen this model before and they also agree that this pen may very well be a special order item.  Clearly solid gold models are produced in far fewer numbers than other 75s made from less expensive materials, but this model was probably produced in very limited numbers even fewer than the smooth Presidential Keepsake 75.

Rumor has it that at one time, Parker's Special Products Division did entertain custom projects solicited by customers via field sales force around the world.  If this is rumor true, then I view this as opening a very exciting door for 75 collectors.  There may be many more unknown models in private hands that are one of a very small number in existence.  Only time, patience, and good luck will tell!

Update of July 15, 2006

Here is another 14K Imperial though there are some slight inscription differences as seen below as the pen on the right.

Instead of having two lines of inscription for the "MADE IN USA" and "14K GOLD CAP & BARREL, this one has spread this same information over three lines.  Also notice there is no date code inscribed.

Weight (grams) difference was slight, and amounted to one-tenth of a gram for both the cap and barrel.

Update of March 31, 2007

Here is yet a third variant of the solid 14K Imperial found in Germany by Geof Barker.

Here are the differences I noted in this variant:

Weight (grams) difference was noticeable, and this third variant has the heaviest cap among them all, while the barrel weight was about the same.

Update of June 30, 2007

I discussed the third variant with another collector, Michael Smarinsky.  He is convinced that the pen was made by Parker Germany since it has similar attributes to other solid gold Parker models he has with proven provenance to support the claim.  Among them are:

• Lack of country inscription

• 14K is inscribed as "585"

Furthermore, here is the packaging for this third Imperial pattern pen.

Click the following links to see the paperwork in detail with translation from German kindly provided by Geof Barker.

• Parker 5-year service guarantee

• Letter bestowing this gift pen