For your consideration, we are pleased to offer for sale this circa 1980 Parker 180 Guirlande pattern in 22K Gold Plate Fountain Pen, preserved in Mint, Never Inked condition. This fountain pen has never been inked, in Mint condition, and comes with a Parker box and Parker ink converter.
Introduced in 1977, the Parker 180 was one of the company's most ingenious fountain pen designs. Parker aptly named the model "180" because the pen was engineered to write at two different angles, allowing the user to rotate the pen 180 degrees and instantly achieve two distinct line widths from a single nib. This innovative concept set the model apart from virtually every other fountain pen of its era and remains one of Parker's most celebrated engineering accomplishments. This will date to the late 1970s to the early 1980s - this one does not have a date code.
The Guirlande pattern is among the more elegant and less commonly encountered finishes within the Parker 180 series. Inspired by classical European decorative motifs, the intricate repeating design creates a sophisticated architectural appearance while adding beautiful depth and texture throughout the cap and barrel.
Produced in France during one of Parker's most refined manufacturing periods, the Parker 180 blends exceptional craftsmanship with understated luxury. Its slim profile, balanced proportions, and precise fit and finish have made it a favorite among both writers and collectors for decades. The fountain pen measures 5 1/4 inches capped, 5 1/2 inches posted, and weighs .69 ounces.
Condition throughout is exceptional. The cap and barrel remain free from dents, dings, scratches, cracks, repairs, finish wear, or signs of handling. The slip cap secures firmly to the barrel via friction fit, and there are no monograms or personal engravings present.
The original Parker converter accompanies the pen and has been water tested to ensure proper operation while preserving the pen's unused status.
The true highlight of this example is its original 14K Gold X/M dual-width nib. One side produces an Extra Fine line, while rotating the pen 180 degrees delivers a Medium line, offering two distinct writing experiences from a single nib. This nibs tend to write very smoothly, I don't see why this one would be any different. This pen was never inked and I tried to keep it this way for the new collector. This practical yet ingenious feature remains one of the defining characteristics that Parker 180 collectors seek today. The nib is not marked 14K, but it is a 14K gold nib.
Examples preserved in true Mint, Never Inked condition have become increasingly difficult to locate, particularly desirable Guirlande models that retain their original converter and dual-width nib designation.
Elegant, innovative, and unmistakably Parker, this circa 1980 Parker 180 Guirlande represents a fascinating chapter in the company's history, successfully blending French sophistication, technical ingenuity, and timeless design into one highly collectible fountain pen.
Whether acquired as a refined daily writer or preserved within an advanced Parker collection, this Parker 180 Guirlande stands as an increasingly scarce and wonderfully preserved example of one of Parker's most creative designs.
