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Black and Gold

Maker: Parker.

“Black and Gold” is not, in fact, the name of a model of pen, but simply a description from some catalogues in the period between the retirement of the Jack Knife line and a simplification of the model line in 1934, applying to pens so basic that in Parker’s estimation they had not earned a name.  One will also see them described as “Raven” with a similar basis.  These were overall very similar to the Duofold and other named models, but  more slender and with lesser trim levels and warranty protections– one of the other names these pens went by was DQ, for “Duofold Quality,” the idea being you were getting a pen that was as good as the top-end Duofold but you were on your own if it broke.  The “streamlining” which the Duofold adopted in 1930 was also applied to these lesser pens.

From a function standpoint, the similarity to the Duofold is quite marked.  The points seem to have a little more give in them, but otherwise they write much like their more expensive brethren.

Production Run: 1925 to 1933.

Cost When New: $2.75 or $3.50, depending on whether there were cap bands or not; in 1932, the whole range was $2.75 and the all had a single thin band (for modern value, try this calculator).

Size: 11.4 cm long capped, 14.1 cm posted, 10.4 cm uncapped (No. 25 Streamline).

Point: 14K gold.

Body: Celluloid.

FillerButton, capacity approx. 0.7ml (No. 25 Streamline, which is a small one).

Parker "Raven Black and Gold" No. 25; the number seems to have consistently described a bandless short model.

Parker No. 25 “Raven Black and Gold” as the 1930 catalogue would have it; the number seems to have consistently described a bandless short model.

 

 

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