PA3679 Parker Duofold AF. (Medium).

PA3679 Parker Duofold AF. (Medium).

Date: c1940s

Size: Capped - 133mm; posted - 158mm.

The AF or "Aluminium Filler" Duofold was made by the UK arm of Parker in 1948.  A very short production run that means these pens are not common today.  It is the immediate predecessor of the much more common Aerometric Duofold and looks outwardly almost identical.  This is a glossy jet black example that is in very good condition.  It has a little stippling to the plating on the pocket c;lip and cap band, and there are a few minor scratches to the barrel; the worst scratch is near the barrel imprint, and this is shown in the photos below.  In my experience with this model, plating wear is very very common, and it is very unusual to find one of these without some wear to the either the cap band or the pocket clip, or, as in this case, to both.  The cap has a black conical end "jewel" and a rolled gold Parker Arrow pocket clip.  There is also a wide cap band - also rolled gold - that has the usual "deco" engraving.  At the end of the barrel is a blind cap.  This can be unscrewed and beneath is the original aluminium filling button and aluminium collar that it is held in.  The barrel imprint is lovely and sharp and deep; complete and easily read.  The lovely large No. 35 nib is in 14 carat yellow gold.  It has a medium point.   

I have fully serviced this pen.  It fills and writes very well.  The nib lays down a very smooth, wet and consistent line of a medium thickness.  Would make a super every-day writer even if it will not be winning any concours competitions!