For your consideration, we are pleased to offer for sale this circa 1983 Parker Premier Athenes Fountain Pen, fitted with an 18K Extra Fine nib. This exceptional example remains Mint, New Old Stock, and never inked, preserved exactly as issued and complete with its original presentation box, hang tag, literature, pen pouch, nib removal key, and two ink cartridges—a superb and highly complete collector’s set.
The Premier was introduced to the European market on September 12, 1983, during a formal launch event at the prestigious Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Manufactured at the company’s Meru, France factory, it was designed as the luxury successor to the iconic Parker 75. With slightly larger proportions and a more contemporary profile, the Premier represented a refined evolution of Parker’s flagship writing instruments and was positioned at the top of the brand’s European offerings.
The model is distinguished by elegant design details, including faceted cap band rings that reflect light beautifully and flat black onyx end jewels that provide a striking contrast to the pen’s body. Produced from approximately 1983 through 1991, the Premier has since become a sought-after model among collectors of Parker’s luxury European production.
This particular example is the Athenes model, finished in a sophisticated 22K gold-plated pattern accented with fine black lacquer pinstriping, giving the pen a refined architectural appearance that feels both classic and distinctly modern. The cap and barrel present in magnificent condition, free from dents, dings, scratches, wear, or repairs. The scap fits securely to the barrel via a friction fit, and the faceted cap band retains crisp stamping reading “PARKER FRANCE” alongside the French Parker logo. Both the cap and barrel remain free from monograms or personal engravings, preserving the pen’s originality and collector appeal.
The pen measures 5 3/8 inches capped, 6 1/8 inches posted, and weighs approximately 0.96 ounces, offering a well-balanced and comfortable presence in the hand.
This example is equipped with a Parker factory ink converter, which has been tested with water and functions exactly as intended. The pen also accepts Parker ink cartridges, and two original cartridges remain included in the box.
The pen is fitted with a beautiful 18K / 750 solid gold nib, stamped “PARKER 750 FRANCE” and bearing both the Eagle hallmark and the Parker “PP” arrow hallmark. The feed is marked “XF” for Extra Fine, and the iridium tipping measures approximately .40mm using digital calipers, confirming a true Extra Fine point. In keeping with its preserved condition, the pen has never been inked or dipped, ensuring the nib remains pristine for its next owner.
Included with the pen are the original Parker presentation box, hang tag, literature, pen pouch, nib removal key, and two ink cartridges, all carefully preserved.
Elegant, refined, and increasingly difficult to locate in complete, never-inked condition, this Premier Athenes represents a collector-grade example from Parker’s luxury European production era. Whether enjoyed as a distinguished writing instrument or preserved within a fine pen collection, it stands as a superb example of Parker craftsmanship and design—ready to write or to take its place among a carefully curated writing arsenal.
