It was unfortunate that Parker made their best low-cost pen ever just when fountain pens were falling out of fashion.
The Parker 45 held its market share remarkably well but by 1979 Parker felt that they had to do something to interest buyers, hence the introduction of the Harlequin (Parker Harlequin 80 to give it its Sunday name). A beautifully patterned pen, it came in two basic styles, the circlet or the shield. Initially these patterns were offered in grey or black. Later other colours were introduced. Parker ran into production difficulties with the Harlequin and within a few years it was discontinued.
This fine example is in the black shield pattern. All Harlequins are sought after, the black ones more than the grey, I’m told. Colours are especially collectable but they are very rare. This pen still has its original case which allows the pen to be propped up for display.
For the sake of Parker’s profits it’s a pity that the Harlequin didn’t work out in the longer term but being comparatively uncommon and appearing in several versions makes it a collector’s pen.
Though I’m no collector I do have a fondness for the Harlequin. Parker produced something very special in this pen and it did so at an economical price
Many thanks to Paul L. for the excellent photographs of his pen.
Goodwriterspens's Blog 
thanks Deb – very nice pen in very nice condition – I’m envious, and although of course I could buy one at very inflated ebay prices, I’m still waiting to find one from my charity shop sorties.
Don’t know about others, but for me the 45 has been the most common Parker f.p. to date, but the Harlequin eludes me still, so have to assume it really is getting a scarce pen. Well done with this example.
Gorgeous pen. Not mine, I’m sorry to say. Kind of the owner to supply photos for the blog
It’s a beauty!
I was lucky to be gifted my mother’s Parker Harlequin (dark shield), not long before she died last year. It is now doubly precious. I was under the impression that the Harlequin was based on the 45–am I in error? Would someone care to correct me?
https://writingforpainandpleasure.com/2017/11/24/vintage-parker-45-harlequin-black-shield/
Yes, you’re right. It is a form of the 45, but a very elegant one!
Thank you! I’m relieved, I thought I’d got it completely wrong somehow.
hello i am the owner of the silver one. I love my pen then disaster. Nib has broke were can i find a new nib??
Hello Janet,
That must have been very unpleasant but all is not lost. The Harlequin is a Parker 45 with a special pattern. You can buy a cheap Parker 45 in eBay. The nib unit unscrews.
I have a black harlequin fountain pen. Unnfortunately the nib has been replaced by a scheafer nib. Does this affect its value.
Hi Christine.
It does affect the value. You might try FPN, Fountain Pen Geeks or one of the Facebook pen groups for a nib.