For your consideration, we are pleased to offer for sale this 1939 Parker Vacumatic Long Major Double Jewel Fountain Pen in Burgundy Pearl Celluloid, fitted with a 14K gold Medium nib. This example has been professionally restored and is now in excellent working and writing condition.
The pen has been thoroughly disassembled, cleaned, serviced, and carefully polished. The original diaphragm was replaced with a new, properly sized diaphragm, while the nib, feed, and breather tube were ultrasonically cleaned. The Speedline filling unit was cleaned, lubricated, and tested with water and operates smoothly and properly.
The exterior has also received careful attention. The Blue Diamond Parker Arrow clip, Chevron cap banding, 14K Parker nib, and bottom tassie have been hand-polished, while the barrel, cap, and blind cap were cleaned, buffed, and polished to restore the vibrancy and depth of the Burgundy Pearl celluloid without compromising its original character.
This is the uncommon Long Major size, measuring approximately 5 3/8 inches capped, 6 3/16 inches posted, and weighing .61 ounces. The elongated proportions give the Long Major a particularly elegant appearance while remaining comfortable and practical in the hand.
The Burgundy Pearl celluloid is beautifully preserved, displaying a rich burgundy coloration with attractive depth and character. The cap and barrel are free of chips, cracks, repairs, personalizations, or monograms. The Chevron cap banding remains exceptionally clean with no noticeable brassing or wear, while the gold-filled Blue Diamond Parker Arrow clip retains its bright gold filled finish. Both the top and bottom black jewels are intact and polished to a high shine.
The barrel is clearly imprinted “GEO. S. PARKER PARKER VACUMATIC MADE IN U.S.A.” and carries the “9” date code for 1939, which makes this a fourth-quarter configuration. Barrel transparency remains very good, with light ambering consistent with age, and the ink level can still be observed through the barrel with the naked eye. The blind cap fits securely.
The pen retains its correct Speedline filling unit, the style used in second-generation Vacumatic production. The filling system has been tested with water and fills properly, typically requiring approximately 6–9 presses to achieve a full fill. The filling unit has been lubricated to ensure smooth operation.
The fountain pen is fitted with a 14K gold Medium Parker nib measuring approximately .65mm at the tipping. In actual writing, the nib produces a versatile line ranging from approximately .46mm (fine) with very light pressure to 1.29mm (double broad) with firm pressure, providing a great line variation. The accompanying writing sample was produced using this exact pen by dipping the nib into Faber-Castell Cobalt Blue ink. The nib is exceptionally smooth and provides an enjoyable writing experience.
The Long Major Double Jewel Vacumatic in Burgundy Pearl is an especially desirable configuration for collectors, and examples combining this size, color, double-jewel configuration, and strong overall condition are not frequently encountered. The restoration has been performed with an emphasis on preserving the character and integrity of the original pen while returning it to dependable working order.
I would conservatively grade this Parker Vacumatic Excellent to Excellent+ condition, taking into consideration its beautifully preserved celluloid, clean trim, intact jewels, strong transparency, and completed restoration.
A wonderful example of Parker's classic Vacumatic design—restored, ready to write, and equally deserving of a place in a serious Parker collection or writing arsenal.
