I own an advertising specialty company - now in our 45th year I am happy to report - and worked in the industry for many years prior to establishing my own firm. For many years my best client was what was formerly known as "The Bell System". Of course after divestiture, it was broken up into what was generally called the "Baby Bells" - and later morphed into many variations. So over the years we worked very closely with Western Electric, AT&T, Southern Bell, BellSouth, Lucent Technologies, OFS, Avaya, etc. I collected many over-run samples, one-or-a-kind spec samples, and the likes. I am now selling much of that collection via eBay. Here is a most high quality Parker Vector Roller Ball pen and paper pad set I sold AT&T in the early 1990's. The Vector line was very popular as it offered smart styling, writing grip comfort, choice of refills, e.g., ballpoint, roller ball, fountain pen, etc., and all at a reasonable price point. For a brief period, Parker offered the Vector as this pen and paper gift set. So in addition to the quality Parker pen, the recipient also received paper on which to write. Special gift box packaging was needed, and how it is displayed shows well - as you can see. This striking Vector Roller Ball is in gloss white with the contrasting AT&T logo in black an blue. In addition to the logo on the barrel, AT&T opted to add the optional cap emblem as well. Very few of our AT&T Parker orders included this extra feature, but it really sets the pen off. This is from an order sold them in the early 1990's. However, the instrument is in as new condition. It has never been used, and kept in a sealed container in one of our climate controlled sample rooms. As it contains the original refill, if used rather than displayed, a new one is needed - which are readily available. As indicated, still in original Parker two piece gift box as shown. An aside - a Parker related story - I worked my way through college as the shipping and receiving clerk for a well known specialty advertising distributor. As I was preparing to graduate with a BBA in marketing, I was contacted by the national sales manager for Parker, located in Janesville, WI. He was an outstanding gentleman named Russ F., and looking for a Southeast U.S. rep. He came to Atlanta on a multi-prong business trip, and while here invited me to dinner at a nice downtown restaurant. We discussed the possibility of employment and he offered me the job as S.E. rep when I graduated. I accepted, but unfortunately Uncle Sam had other plans. In 1968, shortly before graduating, the draft lottery was instituted. The very first birthday drawn was mine - Sept. 14th! I realized I would be soon losing my student 2S deferment and reclassified 1A and immediately drafted upon graduation. I instead volunteered under the OCS College Option program. Although it meant entering the Army as a private, it afforded me the opportunity to eventually attend OCS to have the chance to become an officer. I did and ended up serving a tour in Vietnam as a Combat Engineering Platoon Leader, and later Company Executive Officer. After discharge I returned to work with the gentleman who was my mentor, eventually becoming V.P. of the company - before starting my own business. I often wonder what a different path my life would have taken had I not been "encouraged" to enter the military, but instead worked as a traveling Parker Pen salesman... An excellent addition to anyone who worked at AT&T or collects old Bell System memorabilia. A very rare find for sure, especially unused. From a smoke-free, pet-free climate controlled environment. Only $24.00 !!! Plus, you will also receive several free telecommunications advertising samples AND a hand-drawn in ink personalized "Thank You" cartoon note! I have many telephone related items, as well as writing instruments listed and will be listing more - along with other old advertising pieces. With 1550+ feedback's and 100% positive responses you can buy from me with confidence! For my international buyers, contact me for details. Thanks for looking... |