PA3702 Parker Duofold AF (Medium)

PA3702 Parker Duofold AF (Medium)

Date: c1950

Size: Capped - 131mm; posted - 153mm.

The AF or "Aluminium Filler" Duofold was made by the UK arm of Parker from 1948.  A very short production run means that 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 excellent condition with no noticeable damage that I was able to spot save for a few very small and shallow scratches that I can only see whilst using a loupe.  They certainly do not detract from the very nice glossy appearance of the pen. 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 complete, and easily read.  The original Parker Newhaven nib is in 14 carat yellow gold in medium point, marked "PARKER / DUOFOLD / 14K / PEN / N".  

I have fully serviced this pen.  It fills and writes superbly.  The nib lays down a very smooth medium width line that is both wet and consistent.  The nib does have some springiness but is not soft enough to produce and appreciable line width variation without a little extra writing pressure.