7 replies to this topic

[MacKozinsky]

Hello, Witajcie

 

I was trying to help my friend to identify the model of "61" he has got and his suggestion was it's Custom Insignia. Not having catalogues for 60-ties and 70-ties I only noticed there was "51" Insignia (cap + barrel 1/10 12kt gold filled) and there was Custom (just the cap gold filled). In spare parts catalogues for 1960, 62 and '80 I couldn't find Custom Insignia but I noticed that caps for these models separately have the same "part number" and if they are described, the description is the same.

I also found International versions with 14 carat gold filling. There were also a "new style" Custom and Insignia and a "mechanical" in front of some Custom model parts (mechanical means, it was filled in some other way the capillary ... although it sounds like pencil parts?).

please
And, at the same time all over the internet people use Custom Insignia describing all sorts of pens. Can you help me out, wrapping my had around this? I read everything about models 61 and 65 (there also seems to be Custom Insignia) at parkerpen.net but after finding this line:

Insignia (aka Jet Flighter, aka Signet) (1958—1980's)

 

 

I'm no longer sure what to trust ... Are the vertical lines in groups of 5 the key?

 

Thanks in advance,

Maciek

 

Photo comes from heritagecollectables.com

Edited by MacKozinsky, 20 August 2015 - 07:17 PM.

[matt]

The pictured set appears to be an Insignia.  Custom is a GF cap only.  Tony lists the models on his 61 page:

 

http://www.parkerpen...t/parker61.html

[MacKozinsky]

Thanks Matt :-) As I mentioned and quoted  in the first post (and for me it's hard to believe that Jet Flighter = Insignia), as much as I admire the amount of info collected at parkerpens.net, respect the man and the project itself, there is always a margin of (unintentional) error. The very same parkerpens.net "bio" of model "61" includes these info:

 

 

In 1966 the following models were offered in the UK:
     Classic
     custom
     Heirloom
     Insignia
    custom Insignia
     Flighter GT
     Presidential in 9 or 18K solid gold

???

[MacKozinsky]

Still looking for the answers on my own and asking more and more people. I also went to FB and FPN with my question. The truth is out there, I hope :-)

[Rocco P]

Here's a 61 I purchased recently. Photos taken when I still had to clean it. And no, I don't know whether it is a Signet, Insignia or else.

 

 

[MacKozinsky]

Congrats! Is there any imprint on the cap? USA or England?

[Rocco P]

There are only the following imprints on the cap: "Parker", "made in England", and a small cartouche inside which is specified that the cap (and presumably the barrel) is 1/10 12k rolled gold.

The vast majority of Parkers of any vintage found in the wild here in Italy is made in England.

[MacKozinsky]

Seems to fit the description of Custom Insignia. One of the FPN user posted a page from UK advertising materials, most probably from 1980, showing that the name Custom Insignia was applied to 1/10 12k rolled gold cap and barrel pens with this five lines pattern. For now my theory is that US Insignia = UK Custom Insignia. Until I see evidence proving otherwise ;-)