It has been two long months since my last update to these reference pages, and I am really excited about these additions! For just as many years I have been searching for the rare example of some of the ultra high-end 75s that Parker France made in solid 18K gold, instead of custom-made by a jeweler that Parker contracted. Howard Edelstein's 1993 Pen World article indicates that only a few patterns were made:
Lined pattern similar to a Godron
Bark-line pattern known as Acacia
Chevron pattern by that same name
I am happy to say that I finally tracked one down in the pattern called Chevron.
For this update, I am happy to welcome Mr. Daniel Sedwick to the list of contributors. Dan's expertise lies in the numismatic area of Spanish colonial cob coins. Through his book and email correspondence, he provided me with insight into the coins associated with Parker's famous Spanish Treasure Fleet pens.
Also returning contributors to this update include Marco Antonetto and Lee Chait. Marco provided me with more photographs of the special packaging of Parker 75s destined for the Italian market while Lee gave me access to his collection of sterling and vermeil 75 in the standard crosshatch grid that had tassies that were rounded and bowed out. Lee also showed me some interesting ephemera including one that was a giant 6x8 foot version of the map that is on the cover of the Spanish Treasure Fleet box!
Thanks to Dan, Marco, and Lee!
As always, I welcome your feedback/criticisms on this site. I am always interested in hearing from you, especially if you have some 75 that you don't see here. Even better if you want to sell it to me. Or if you are looking for a particular 75 or have need of parts, drop me a note. I might just have it. Send me email at the LTW@Parker75.com address.
Thanks for visiting !
Here are the things that are new in the Parker 75 Reference section.
New page for the Chevron pattern including the solid 18K gold version.
More pictures of the Italian market packaging of the Laque Green.
Updated information on the Keepsake FP and addition of the pencil.
More examples of crosshatch grid FPs with rounded tassies.
Parker ad attacking 75 counterfeits.
Another titanium 75 prototype FP, this time with dished tassies.