This update is long overdue. Just like last year, this update was delayed by the Chicago Pen Show, a show at which I expected would be very interesting for us Parker 75 enthusiasts. This year was no different and I am happy to say that the long wait was worthwhile!
If you follow the various pen lists, you may have already heard that Lee Chait has made some incredible finds just prior to the Chicago show. My friend Lee is a frequent contributor to these pages and he graciously gave me access to his finds so that I might photograph and share them with you.
Among Lee's finds was the same prototype #3 with the circle design on the barrel and a goldplated cap. As luck would have it, he also found another variation with a brushed stainless steel cap. He also found a never-before seen pattern that had a goldplated rough-stippled finish that is reminiscent of the RMS Queen Elizabeth 75. The fact that he got this with a box with a special emblem leads me to believe that Parker was close to releasing this. Maybe they did indeed released this within some test market.
One of Lee's best 75 finds was a brand new Rainbow 75 set. The incredible thing about this was that it came with its original packaging! Amazingly this find has proven what I had guessed previously -- that the Rainbow 75 model was originally called the Regency 75 by Parker.
I also found two other prototypes at the Chicago Show — those belonging to two previous contributors to this website, Lynn Sorgatz and Susan Wirth. The first prototype was another Keepsake variant with the Parker inscription, sterling silver content, and country of origin squeezed into a small space below the clip arrow. The second prototype was a lonely silverplated cap of the Diamante, a model that I thought only came goldplated.
Other contributions came from UK pen dealer Duncan Sewell and pen restorer Rick Horne. These gentlemen provided me with their pictures of the solid 18K gold 75 FP and BP model with a bark-like pattern known as the Accacia and solid 18K gold Premier model. With such pictures of this elusive model, I am finally able to create a new page for this pattern.
I am grateful to Lee, Lynn, Susan, Duncan, and Rick for their contributions to this update.
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.
Additional prototype #3 pictures including a variant with brushed stainless steel cap.
Treasure Gold prototype.
Still another Keepsake prototype variant.
Raw pewter casting for the cap and barrel of the Bicentennial limited edition.
Solid 18K gold Accacia model with a bark pattern.
Rainbow 75 packaging naming it the Regency model.
Silverplated Diamante, cap only.
Picture of the raw unfinished nib.