Parker History
1888
BEFORE THE INK IS DRY. GEORGE SAFFORD PARKER ESTABLISHES THE PARKER PEN COMPANY.
At a time when short life pens and ink leakage are two major problems in the writing industry, George Safford Parker is determined to change the face of writing.
1863
Selling pens to his students to make ends meet, George Safford Parker wants to create the unexpected: a pen without ink leaks!
1889
It seems his wish has come true. George Safford Parker patents his first fountain pen in 1889.
1894
GO LUCKY CURVE!
Breaking news: Parker patents the Lucky Curve, a system whereby ink is returned to the reservoir by capillary action and ink leakage is greatly reduced.
1898
The slip-on outer pen cap is patented. Hats off!
1905
The Black Giant, precursor of the Duofold, is launched in response to consumer demand for large fountain pens.
1921
THE ROARING TWENTIES
The Parker Company launches the Duofold fountain pen. Known as the 'Big Red', it is at once the most contemporary pen of its time, but also the most prestigious and expensive. A stylish look that still turns heads today.
1919
Until the Great War, George Safford Parker was the classic self-made man, mixing business with pleasure. Now it was time to mix business with family. Parker's son Kenneth joins the company after his brother Russell, in 1914.
1924
The Parker Company ventures across the Atlantic, opening a distribution business in London. The British office sends Parker Pens all over the continent. Jolly good show!
1954
JOTTER, A STAR IS BORN
Although the ballpoint pen emerged in the mid-forties, Parker waits until this date to complete the collection with Parker Jotter, the first quality ballpoint pen with a large refill. It was definitely worth the wait.
1939
The creation of Parker 51 marks a major achievement with its hooded nib and a new ink that dries as soon as it touches the paper. Probably the best pen of the century.
1956
You can't stop progress! 17 years after creating the Parker 51, the Parker designers unveil their latest breakthrough: the Parker 61 is the first self-filling fountain pen, designed to 'self-draw' ink from the bottle via capillary action.
1956
Parker's history has always gone hand in hand with innovation in ink. Now Parker creates the first cartridge pen, named after the Colt 45 pistol. Somewhat like the weapon that won the West, you simply load it and use it.
1993
SONNET, PURE POETRY
The Sonnet represents a veritable best seller. Inspired by great models of the past, it sensitively incorporates new, cutting edge technology.
1982
A vintage year, which brought a wave of new creations. The Parker Vector rollerball makes its much-applauded appearance, followed by the Vector fountain pen, ballpoint pen, and pencil.
1992
The Duofold collection continues to astonish with its enduring knack for constant renewal: Pearl and Black are added to the already lavish choices.
2004
Parker 100 joins the family and offers modern technology with the hooded nib concept.
2011
NEW WRITING TECHNOLOGY
2011 A new age in pen innovation has arrived. Parker Ingenuity stuns the writing world with its unique, groundbreaking Parker 5THTM technology.
2009
Parker sets the dress code with a new style standard for the 21st century: elegance and precious materials are a must.
2010
Parker does it again with an amazing super-smooth, super-fast-drying hybrid ink! Discover the Quinkflow® technology, in a word the greatest Parker ballpoint ever.
2013
Happy Birthday! An ever-youthful Parker turns 125, still as driven by fresh ideas as on Day One.