For your consideration, we are pleased to offer this exceptionally desirable New Old Stock circa 1958 Parker 61 Fountain Pen in Rage Red, fitted with its original 14K Fine nib and distinctive Lustraloy Cap. Preserved in Mint, Never Inked condition, this is an outstanding early example of the Parker 61 in one of its most desirable colors. The pen is accompanied by its original Parker 61 box and literature, including period literature dated 1958, which provides the basis for dating this particular example.
Introduced to the public in 1956, the Parker 61 represented one of Parker's most innovative departures from conventional fountain pen design. Its streamlined profile and revolutionary capillary filling system embodied the futuristic design philosophy of the mid-century era. Among the various colors offered for the Parker 61, Rage Red is particularly sought after for its vivid, unmistakable appearance, and it provides a striking contrast to the cool, finely textured finish of the Lustraloy Cap.
The Rage Red barrel is exceptionally well preserved, retaining its beautiful original color and factory appearance. The Lustraloy Cap is equally impressive, with its characteristic frosted stainless-steel finish remaining exceptionally clean and bright. The cap is complemented by its original chrome clip and trim. The lower cap lip is properly marked “Parker,” along with “61” and “Made in U.S.A.” The cap and barrel are free from chips, cracks, teeth marks, dents, scratches, or repairs, and there are no monograms, engravings, or personalizations anywhere on the pen.
The Parker 61 measures approximately 5 1/2 inches capped and 5 3/4 inches posted, with a weight of approximately .66 ounces. The proportions are classic Parker 61, offering the sleek, balanced profile that made this model such an important part of Parker's mid-century history.
The pen retains its original 14K gold Fine nib, measuring approximately .56mm with digital calipers. I have deliberately not written with this nib, preserving the pen in its original New Old Stock condition for the collector who ultimately acquires it. The nib remains clean, untouched, and free from the evidence of ordinary use.
The original capillary filling system is likewise untouched and has never been inked. One of the most compelling indications of the pen's Never Inked condition can be seen at the end of the capillary filler, which remains distinctly white with no evidence of ink having entered the system. This is an especially valuable detail when evaluating a purportedly unused Parker 61.
Rage Red was produced throughout much of the Parker 61's production run, from 1956 until its discontinuation in 1969. While the color itself was available for many years, finding an early example that has retained its original color and finish while remaining genuinely New Old Stock is considerably more difficult. The combination here is especially appealing: an early Parker 61, highly desirable Rage Red barrel, perfect Lustraloy Cap, original 14K nib, untouched capillary system, and original packaging and literature.
The accompanying Parker 61 literature displays a 1958 date, which is the basis for identifying this example as circa 1958. While the literature does not establish an exact manufacturing date, it provides useful period documentation placing this pen within the early production era of the Parker 61.
The original Parker box and literature complete the presentation nicely. After nearly seven decades, it is remarkable to find a Parker 61 that has escaped the scratches, discoloration, repairs, personalization, and ink exposure that commonly accompany vintage examples. This pen remains remarkably close to the condition in which it originally left the factory.
There is something particularly compelling about an untouched early Parker 61: the vibrant Rage Red barrel, frosted Lustraloy Cap, streamlined mid-century styling, 14K gold nib, and innovative capillary filling system together represent a fascinating piece of Parker's design history. In this condition, it is as much a mid-century design object as it is a fountain pen.
We consider this circa 1958 Parker 61 Rage Red to be in New Old Stock, Mint Condition. With its highly desirable color, early production characteristics, Never Inked originality, and original box and literature, this is an exceptional example for the Parker collector who values originality and remarkable preservation. You won't find one better than this one!
