This is the issue after the conclusion of the Chicago Pen Show 2000. Held at the Westin Hotel O'Hare as in previous years, this is usually the largest pen event of the year. As I tell people who ask, if you can only go to one pen show a year, this is the one.
From a Parker 75 perspective, this was an interesting one. There were 3 late-minute additions to the Saturday auction which were very unique pieces. Sorry I could not get pictures of these.
Sterling Keepsake FP that was engraved with the Seal of the President and, below it, the signature of Gerald R. Ford.
FP fashioned from parts of the booster rocket that launched John Glenn into space and inscribed with "Made from a fragment of the rocket which boosted astronaut John Glen into America' first orbital space flight. 20 February 1962."
(I don't remember if the spelling is exactly this way, I am merely transcribing it from the Chicago Auction description. It is a shame that Mr. Glenn's name is misspelled.)
The third unique 75 was one made out of titanium (I think) that had a panel attached to it, a panel containing lunar dust. The panel was inscribed with "Traces of Lunar Material Apollo 15."
The hammer prices for these 3 special fountain pens were $700, $3000, and $4500 respectively. Hours later, these quickly changed hands again. I personally know that the Ford pen was finally sold for $2000.
For me this show was the best I have ever experienced. Not only did I renew old friendships, I finally had the chance to meet people that I knew only via email and AOL Instant Messaging chat sessions. Some of them were other Parker 75 collectors and I had a wonderful time chatting with them. Even more special, I was able to view some exquisite 75 prototypes and even managed to purchase one. :-)
For this update, I am happy to say that there are two new contributors -- Derry Harding and Michael Smarinsky. Thanks to them we have some pictures of prototype 75 FPs and finally have the correct name of the pattern of what used to be known as the Prince de Galles with 11 bands on the cap. It is really called the Ecossais; the Prince de Galles pattern only has 7 bands on the cap. Thanks for these additions and corrections Derry and Mike!
As always, please feel free to send me email with your feedback on this site.
Thanks for visiting!
I found proof that Parker did use the term Ciselé with the Parker 75 line. At the Chicago show, I was found this Parker 75 pen case using that term.
Added 2 new ads for Bicentennial 75 in the wooden box and pewter writing box.
Refreshed all the pictures of the Bicentennial limited edition including all the pages of the brochure contain the certificate of authenticity.
Correction made with the identification of the Ecossais pattern, a more dense crosshatch pattern that was previously mistaken and written here as the 11-band Prince de Galles.
Variations in the Insignia caps are documented.
GP Milleraies variant with the an opal cabochon on cap tassie.
Added pictures of many 14K US nibs in a side-by-side comparison along with one to show the difference between the 14K US/French and 18K French nibs.
Added a new page for prototypes.
Added additional picture a later version of the silverplated Grain d'Orge with goldplated trim.
New unknown 75 pattern engraved by non-Parker artisans was added.