Date: c1949
Size: Capped - 5 3/18 inches; posted - 6 inches.
The AF or "Aluminium Filler" Duofold was made by the UK arm of Parker in 1948. A very short production run that means these pens are not common today. It is the immediate predecessor of the much more common Aerometric Duofold and looks outwardly almost identical. This is a glossy very dark brown example that is in very good condition. The cap and barrel are very glossy with splits, cracks or noticeable scratches; the only damage that I can see on this pen is some very minor plating wear to the shoulder of the pocket clip. The cap has a brown conical end "jewel" and a rolled gold Parker Arrow pocket clip. There is also a wide cap band - also rolled gold - that has the usual "deco" engraving. At the end of the barrel is a blind cap. This can be unscrewed and beneath is the original anodised aluminium filling button and aluminium collar that it is held in. The barrel imprint is clear and crisp and easily read. The lovely large nib is in 14 carat yellow gold and marked "PARKER DUOFOLD" and "N" for Newhaven. It has a rather unusual broad stub point.
I have fully serviced this pen. It fills and writes very well. The nib lays down a very smooth, wet and consistent line. This is a stub nib and will give you effortless line width variation from a fine on the horizontals to a generous broad on the verticals. A lovely expressive nib.