Inspired by trends in aviation, the Dufold also became known for its iconic advertising, demonstrating the durability of its revolutionary plastic finish which, when dropped from an airplane, was proven to resist cracking.
Capillary force then withdrew the surplus ink back into the pen, preventing leaks. In 1894, he patented the innovation as The Lucky Curve and it revolutionized the pen industry, proving so successful its logo was stamped on to the Duofold and it remained in production for decades until 1929.
Leaning into Parker's heritage and inspired by arrow clips of the past, the arrow motif was maintained as a signal of writing precision, whilst the dynamic thick to thin arrow feather, almost hand-chiseled in appearance, echoes the fine art of pen making.
Its streamlined shape was a fresh concept, unparalleled in the pen industry at the time. With its stylish finish and hooded nib, Parker 51 marked a major achievement in innovation and product design. It was considered ahead of its time and received an Academy Award for Best Design.
The first pen-cleaning ink that dried fast on paper and needed no blotter. It was sold in bottles designed with a low centre of gravity to prevent tipping and was successfully distributed worldwide.
This was the first quality ballpoint pen with a large refill which has become one of the world’s most iconic pens and is still to this day renowned for it’s style, reliability and functionality, down to its signature click.