I’ve always wanted to get my hands on a Parker 75 but up to now I have never succeeded, mostly because the prices they fetched were a bit too steep for my pocket.  When I saw this beautiful lacquered example I was determined to have it and luckily it sold at not too wild a price.

It has always seemed to me to be the most beautiful of all the Parkers, whether it was in the cisele pattern or this beautiful Thuya.  This one is French made and is part of the lacquer series which dates the pen to the period from 1981 until it went out of production in 1994.

The lacquer on this pen gives the impression of great depth and in a sense that’s right because these lacquer finishes were worked up layer upon layer.  The metalwork fits right in with the finish and the gold trim has lasted well as it remains perfect.

The cap and barrel are made of metal – probably brass – but the pen isn’t really heavy.  The cap slides over the section smoothly and closes the pen with a satisfying click.  It’s completely firm and requires a noticeable effort to remove the cap again.  The pen is a cartridge/converter filler, of course, and it takes several turns to remove the barrel.  This one has a squeeze-type converter fitted and it takes a good fill of ink.  It posts securely and, for me, feels absolutely right in the hand.  The sculpted section indicates where your fingers should go and provides a secure, non-slippery grip.  The very handsome gold nib – in this case a broad one – is as smooth as silk.

This was an expensive pen when it was new and 75s continue to fetch a high price when they appear.  I would say that unlike many another high-priced pen, this one has always been extremely good value for money.  It’s a pinnacle of pen-making.