The Parker '17', made in the English Parker Newhaven factory, was added to the immensely successful Duofold range in 1962. It originally had an exposed nib but was changed to a hooded version, this pen, in 1964.

This pen is a fine example of a Parker '17'.  The '17' was made in four colours: black, red, green, and blue, this is a black pen with gold filled cap band and 'arrow' clip, it is in superb, uninked condition and shows no handling or usage marks.  The original 'pli-glass' ink sac is  unstained and still allows the ink level to be viewed. The pen body has a showroom finish with a clear barrel imprint and the gold filling is similarly pristine.  The pen is as new, clearly in collectable condition.

The pen also has complete chalk marks.  These were actually stencilled in wax and were meant to be rubbed off by the retailer as the pen was sold.  The marks are very fragile and would wear quickly with handling, a complete chalk mark such as this is generally only found on pens classified as new old stock.

Although it came to me unboxed I have provided a new, high quality box to offer protection, it will also serve well for transportation and display.

The Parker '17' is not a particularly rare pen but one in this condition comes along very infrequently.  The '17' is a very underrated pen which has stood the test of time, it is simply not possible to find a new Gold nibbed pen to compare at anywhere near the price.  In terms of performance as a vintage every day writer this pen would be hard to beat.