The Parker "75" was designed by Kenneth Parker (son of the founder George Parker) and the designer extraordinaire, Don Doman (who also designed the Parker "45", Parker "61", Parker "T1", Parker "VP" and Liquid lead). After the great success with the Parker "51" came an era of decline for the fountain pen, the ballpoints sold in greater and greater numbers. Parker was eventually introducing the Jotter ballpen which sold very well, one reason being that it fitted as a set to the Parker "51" which was just about in everybodys pocket anyway. Parker tried (as they had before) to capture the broad markets with cheaper pens: Parker "21", Parker "41" and the Parker "45" (introduced in 1960, that was to become Parkers greatest seller in the low-priced area). But Kenneth Parker was not satisfied. The Parker company was always reluctant to appear as anything but a high-classed company that made high-classed pens, and since the Parker "61" never became the ultra-seller Parker had hoped, KP (so called by his employees) wanted to introduce yet another top-line fountain pen. Another reason was that even if the Parker "45" and the Jotter sold very well, they also sold for very little money, leaving Parker with a small margin. Kenneth Parker characterized the company as being "in the early stages of rigor mortis unless something is done to recapture the higher-priced, gift-oriented business". Kenneth Parker wanted the new pen to be aesthetic, innovative, expensive and a good writer. | ![]() |
Type: Cartridge/converter filling fountain pen, working well;
Product Name: Parker 75, "Milleraies" pattern (Gold lined);
Manufacturer and Year: Parker, made in France circa 1983's;
Length: 5-1/8 inches;
Filling System: Takes Parker style cartridges or a converter;
Color: Milleraies fine lined pattern in a gold plated finish with gold plated trim. There's a smooth panel on the cap for engraving. It has a dish tassies on both ends;
Nib: Medium, Parker 18K Gold nib;
Condition: Overall Very Good condition. No cracks, chips, dings, dents, scratches, or plating wear.
This is an elegant pen in a very comfortable hand size.
The imprints are clear.