For your consideration, we are pleased to offer this beautiful 1990 Parker International Duofold Fountain Pen in the highly attractive Red Marble finish, fitted with an uncommon 18K Two-Tone #98 Fine Italic nib. This is a particularly appealing example of Parker's celebrated Duofold International, combining the rich, swirling red marble finish with bright gold-plated appointments and a distinctive italic writing point that offers an impressive degree of line variation. Carefully serviced and polished, this Duofold is in excellent condition and ready to provide a wonderful writing experience.
The Red Marble finish is absolutely gorgeous, displaying beautiful variations in color and pattern that complement the gold-plated trim exceptionally well. The cap and barrel are in excellent condition, with no nicks, chips, cracks, or repairs. The gold-plated clip also presents beautifully, with one extremely small scratch in the metal just above the arrow's fletching on the upper left side. I have pointed this out for clarity, as it is a minor detail worth noting.
The cap and barrel threads are excellent, and the cap secures firmly as intended. There are no monograms, engravings, or personalizations on either the cap or barrel. This is the International-size Duofold, offering the substantial proportions and comfortable balance that make this model so enjoyable to use.
The cap is stamped with the Parker name, Parker logo, and Made in U.K. designation. The date code on the reverse side reads IIIQ, identifying this as a first-quarter 1990 production example. This is a MK 1 Duofold, representing an attractive early example of Parker's modern Duofold revival.
Now, let's talk about the nib, because this is what makes this particular International Duofold especially interesting. The pen is fitted with an uncommon 18K Two-Tone #98 Fine Italic nib, with the number 98 identified on the reverse side of the feed. This distinctive writing point offers considerably more character than a conventional Fine nib, producing pronounced line variation through its italic geometry.
The actual tipping measures approximately .93mm when checked with digital calipers. In writing tests with this exact pen, the nib produces an exceptionally fine horizontal stroke measuring approximately .25mm and a dramatically broader vertical stroke measuring approximately 1.07mm. This substantial contrast creates the distinctive calligraphic character that makes italic nibs so appealing, adding expression and visual interest to everyday writing.
The nib is enjoyable to use, with the characteristic line variation expected from a Fine Italic point. The writing sample shown was produced using the actual pen being offered, with the nib dipped in Pelikan Royal Blue ink. It provides an accurate representation of the nib's writing characteristics and the impressive contrast between its horizontal and vertical strokes.
The fountain pen has been disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, and carefully polished. The exterior has been cleaned and brought back to a beautiful presentation, while the nib and feed have been cleaned to ensure excellent writing performance. The factory Parker ink converter is included, has been tested with water, and operates properly. It is ready for your preferred fountain pen ink.
The Parker Duofold International measures approximately 5 1/8 inches capped and 6 3/8 inches posted, with a weight of .80 ounces.
The Parker Duofold International is already a desirable writing instrument, but finding one fitted with the uncommon 18K #98 Fine Italic nib makes this example particularly appealing. The combination of the beautiful Red Marble finish, two-tone gold nib, and expressive italic writing characteristics offers something a little different from the more commonly encountered standard-nib examples. For the Parker collector or enthusiast who appreciates distinctive writing points, this is a Duofold that deserves special consideration.
Condition: Excellent. The Red Marble celluloid presents beautifully, with no nicks, chips, cracks, or repairs. The gold-plated trim remains attractive, with only a very small scratch on the clip as described above. The cap and barrel threads are excellent, and there are no personalizations. The pen has been cleaned and polished, the factory Parker converter has been tested and functions properly, and the uncommon 18K Two-Tone #98 Fine Italic nib delivers an impressive range of line variation. This is a beautiful Parker Duofold International, ready to be enjoyed or added to a collection.
