1. The pen is 124mm which makes it a junior although the cap is three stripes (silver/black) and, as expected, it looks out of proportion. It has the early feathered clip as expected.
2. The nib is marked 1934 and the pen translucent body, when easily cleaned with a cue tip and soapy water reveals length-wise striations or windows, which seem to be unique to 1934, thus confirming the pen date as probably 1934. No date mark is evident.
3. Lockdown filler and jeweled on both ends with what I call the "cat's eye."
4. The body of the pen has a larger diameter than a junior of the same age, a junior cap is way too small.
And here is where it gets strange
4. There is a 5/16th silver band molded into the body of the pen. When I bought the pen I assumed that someone either had some custom work done or perhaps the pen cracked and was repaired using the ring.
Nope, "Parker, Made in U.S.A." "Vacumatic" are engraved around the pen just under the band! When I look inside the cap, I don't see the band so it's flush and molded into the body of the pen.
I have found photos of 1934-1935 pens like this with the silver/black striated cap fitted with a black translucent barrel, although they seem to be somewhat rare. However, I'm at a loss to explain the silver ring with lateral "Vacumatic" et al engravings--it must be factory(?)
Anyone have any ideas about unraveling this puzzle? I can post more photos if you want to see something specific.
Hopefully the four photos I attached will show the pen well.
Bob
Edited by Captain Bob, 27 November 2012 - 02:14 AM.