Discover 135 Years of Craftmanship
In 1888, George S. Parker took the first of countless steps on a journey of ambition, passion, and innovation. For 135 years Parker has continuously built upon a legacy of craftsmanship and quality, making the Parker name synonymous with excellence in Fine Writing.
In 1888, George S. Parker took the first of countless steps on a journey of ambition, passion, and innovation. For 135 years Parker has continuously built upon a legacy of craftsmanship and quality, making the Parker name synonymous with excellence in Fine Writing.
The Beginning of a Legacy
Aged 25, George Safford Parker applies for his first pen patent and begins the Parker story with the driving philosophy: ‘It will always be possible to make a better pen.’
The Beginning of a Legacy
Aged 25, George Safford Parker applies for his first pen patent and begins the Parker story with the driving philosophy: ‘It will always be possible to make a better pen.’
The First of Many Breakthroughs
Parker invents the pioneering anti-leak system, the 'Lucky Curve', Parker's second patent and major breakthrough.
The First of Many Breakthroughs
Parker invents the pioneering anti-leak system, the 'Lucky Curve', Parker's second patent and major breakthrough.
The 'Big Red' Rocks the World
Parker launches Duofold, a large, bold, premium priced pen, which captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Soon afterwards, Duofold becomes world famous with the 'Big Red' for its new bright orange colour and 25-year guarantee.
The 'Big Red' Rocks the World
Parker launches Duofold, a large, bold, premium priced pen, which captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Soon afterwards, Duofold becomes world famous with the 'Big Red' for its new bright orange colour and 25-year guarantee.
Thousands of Experiments later
The Parker research department's first product arrives on the market. After three years and 1021 experiments, a quick-drying ink 'Quink' (formula #1022) arrives. This is the first pen-cleaning ink that dries fast on paper and needs no blotter.
Thousands of Experiments later
The Parker research department's first product arrives on the market. After three years and 1021 experiments, a quick-drying ink 'Quink' (formula #1022) arrives. This is the first pen-cleaning ink that dries fast on paper and needs no blotter.
A Pen from Another Planet is Launched
To mark the company's 51st year, the Parker 51 is developed in 1939 and 1940 and launched in 1941. Inspired by Kenneth Parker's passion for aircraft aerodynamics, it appears 'Like a pen from another planet.' It won the Academy Award for Best Design and is heralded as one of the best pens of the 20th century.
A Pen from Another Planet is Launched
To mark the company's 51st year, the Parker 51 is developed in 1939 and 1940 and launched in 1941. Inspired by Kenneth Parker's passion for aircraft aerodynamics, it appears 'Like a pen from another planet.' It won the Academy Award for Best Design and is heralded as one of the best pens of the 20th century.
An Icon is Born
Production begins on the Jotter, Parker's ballpoint pen. The Jotter sells 3.5 million in its first year and remains a popular icon today.
An Icon is Born
Production begins on the Jotter, Parker's ballpoint pen. The Jotter sells 3.5 million in its first year and remains a popular icon today.
An Official Supplier to the Royal Household
Parker is awarded the Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the official supplier of writing instruments to the Royal Household.
Parker is granted a second Royal Warrant from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
An Official Supplier to the Royal Household
Parker is awarded the Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the official supplier of writing instruments to the Royal Household.
Parker is granted a second Royal Warrant from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
The Future is Green
Parker launches 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging for Jotter Originals. It marks the start of a journey to make Parker pens more sustainable.
The Future is Green
Parker launches 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging for Jotter Originals. It marks the start of a journey to make Parker pens more sustainable.
135 Years in the Making
Celebrating 135 years of craftsmanship. Ever since its founding days, Parker has continuously built upon a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and quality. It’s this commitment that’s made the Parker name synonymous with excellence in Fine Writing.
135 Years in the Making
Celebrating 135 years of craftsmanship. Ever since its founding days, Parker has continuously built upon a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and quality. It’s this commitment that’s made the Parker name synonymous with excellence in Fine Writing.
In honour of the 135th anniversary year, Parker proudly presents this Special Edition Duofold Gift Set, which includes the much sought-after Duofold Black Centennial Fountain Pen, available with either chrome or gold trims.
This beautiful, Special Edition pen features a unique 135th Anniversary marking on the barrel and stamping on the cap and maintains the emblematic Ace Emblazoned Bi-Tone 18k-Solid Gold Nib coated in Rhodium.
1 x Gift Bag
1 x Gift Box
1 x Duofold Black Centennial Fountain Pen
1 x Genuine Leather Pen Pouch (below pen platform)
1 x Special Edition Ink Bottle
1 x Special Edition Booklet (below pen platform)
How to “make a better pen”
“Craftsmanship” might well be the new buzz word. It is, after all, something that is
highly coveted. But what exactly is Craftsmanship?
The Parker brand, beginning with my great-grandfather, George, is committed to
Craftsmanship. What we have learned is that it’s actually a rather complex idea, and we
have dedicated the past 135 years to exploring and refining it.
We have learned that, while the natural assumption seems to focus on the physical
production of an item, for PARKER Craftsmanship is much more. It begins with designing
a pen to perform well, and then identifying the materials, the talents, and the processes
needed to combine it all into a pen that is worthy of our name. Then, we test it.
Relentlessly.
It is this combination of ingredients that defines PARKER. I encourage you remember
this recipe for a better pen the next time you write with a PARKER.
Find out more about the pens featured as part of our Anniversary.