This update comes two weeks after the Los Angeles Pen Show, one that I never have an opportunity to attend. Reports from many people indicate this was a good pen show, but my 75 friends tell me they did not find anything interesting. The sad part is that once again there were post-show crimes committed against our own - two thefts were perpetrated, one against a new pen dealer and the other against a personal friend and contributor to this website. From what I heard, these were not random thefts; the victims were targeted and followed from the pen show, and their vehicles were broken into as the owners were away. These crimes are very disturbing and put a black mark on what is normally a fun and safe event enjoyed by our community.
My friend's loss included some pens whose very pictures are found in this reference section:
These are some high-end items, so if you should hear of such pens being offered for sale, please let me know by sending me email.
Despite the LA Pen Show, there was little in the way of new 75 finds. So, I am grateful to the following contributors who provide me with material that I can share with you. First we have new contributor on these pages, Ralph Prather, who has a curious 75 in the crosshatch grid pattern that was spectrographically tested and found to be made out of something other than sterling silver. Another new contributor is Chris Wright from England, who sends some ephemera showing Parker marketing in his country. I am also pleased that our friend and pen dealer Peter Ford from Australia gives us news and pictures of the existence of a special 75 set commemorating Australia's bicentennial.
On behalf of the pen community, I thank all these people for their thoughtful contributions.
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.
Two advertisements from France for the sterling silver crosshatch grid and several goldplated Place Vendôme pens.
Vermeil crosshatch grid details in all three variations.
Unknown crosshatch grid model made out of Nickel-Silver.
Special 75 set commemorating Australia's bicentennial.
More laque differences, even among the early samples with the Chinese signatures.
Pictures of the matching unknown solid 18K model BP with lined pattern.
Solid gold models are now aggregated on a new page in the Special Markets section.