New Pen Acquisition: Parker 45 Harlequin and Cross Century Classic Gold

I was organizing some of my stuff inside my mom’s library. She had several pencil cases that I didn’t want to open yet since she died. I figured I will open them little by little, like surprises that I spread out over a few years. So today I opened up one of her pencil cases and lo and behold, lovely pens! There were a lot of  Parker Jotters with her name on it, I’m gonna have all of those restored and refilled. There were a couple of things that I super loved, though.

This is a Parker 45 Harlequin. This kind of pen was first manufactured in the 60’s, and this distinctive pattern on the barrel is not easily found anymore these days. The Harlequin pattern (first introduced in 1970) was made in circlets and (like the one pictured above) shields. It’s a pretty rare pattern because Parker discontinued it after several years due to the fact that its complexity made it difficult to mass produce. The matte and glossy finish on the barrel is produced by sandblasting.

The body is metallic and the cap actuation mechanism works perfectly. If I remember correctly, this was one of my father’s pens. I don’t currently carry any ball point pen on me, I only carry fountain pens. I think I’ll start carrying this around. It’s so understated and simple. At first glance you would actually think it’s a jotter, if not for the cap-actuated mechanism and the unique Harlequin finish.

Behind this PARKER logo is engraved “Made in England LIE”. According to the date code (LIE), this particular pen was manufactured in England in 1983. I think it’s a great pen. Solid in construction like typical Parker pens and made to last.