#vacumatic

[penhero]

PenHero.com Article

Parker Vacumatic vs. Sheaffer Vacuum-Fil: Sheaffer Wins

An interesting conversation at the 2023 Washington D.C. Pen Show prompted me to revisit this article, originally written in 2003. That year I discovered an undated Sheaffer sales brochure titled, “Fountain Pen Selling Facts: Helpful Information For Retail Salespeople” probably released as early as 1934. Parker got an early start in the vacuum filling game with the release in late 1932 of their new Vacuum Filler, actually the second name used for their new diaphragm filling “sacless” pen which would eventually be called the Vacumatic. Sheaffer was late by a year before offering its own vacuum filler, cautiously offering their new Vacuum-Fil pen as a sub-brand by early 1934. The Vacuum-Fil system was moved to Sheaffer's top Balance pens later that year. But how to compete with the popular Parker Vacumatic? Sheaffer armed their dealers with fact sheets and sales brochures to equip retail sales people to show why that new Sheaffer was better!

Read the story about these interesting pens here:

[pastpens]

Vintage Parker Vacumatic New Old Stock Green Fountain Pen

Vintage Parker Vacumatic New Old Stock- New old stock - never been inked before- original price sticker on cap- Vacumatic plastic filler- Green pearl striped marble with semi-transparent amber barrel - you can see the ink flow inside the body Parker vacumatic fountain pen - Up here is a vintage Parker Vacumatic fountain pen, which was manufactured in USA circa 1930s.The pen is an NEW OLD STOCK, very rare probably never been inked before.On the cap is still the intact label/tag.The pen is in excellent condition.The pen illustrates green pearl striped pattern, and it is amber SEMI-TRANSPARENT, you can see the ink flow inside, highly sought after, rare, and beautiful, and I am sure that you will not be disappointed.It is fitted with a Parker 14ct solid gold nib, writing smooth fine/medium line.A new vacumatic sac has been fitted. The filling system is special and in working order.This Parker Vacumatic has a classic elegance and has been produced to the highest standards of craftsmanship, technology and aesthetics.The pen has been serviced and tested for full functionality. This is rare and very much sought after, of such a collectible and vintage pen in excellent condition.The Parker Pen Company was founded in 1888 by George S. Parker, whose mission was to manufacture a better pen. The Parker Pen Company's tradition epitomizes the highest standards of craftsmanship, technology, and aesthetics. From the 1920s to the 1960s, Parker was No.1 in worldwide writing instrument sales. The Parker Duofold is one of the most recognizable and enduring fountain pen designs. Launched in 1921, the pen was a phenomenal success and put the Parker Pen Company squarely into the front rank of fountain pen manufacturers. Duofold remain popular in Europe being produced well into the 60s in varying sizes and colors when it was revived in the 80's once again as Parker's Flagship model.In 1932, Parker began test marketing the next generation in fountain pens, the Golden Arrow. This radical new pen featured a compact plunger-operated pump filler that nestled at the back end of the barrel, eliminating the space-hungry pressure bar and sac. The Golden Arrow was later renamed as Vacumatic. The Vacumatic went on the market in 1933; and discontinued in 1939, due to the introduction of new Aero-metric filler.Parker pens were frequently selected to sign important documents such as the World War II armistices, and commemorative editions were sometimes offered.You can also view our item on Trumblr.  Read the full article

[dulcemelanie83]

[mllebleue]

Those were genuinely lovely pens.

[syncallio]

Is anybody tired of Vacumatics? 'Cause I'm not!

This beautifully green thing had a ton of wear, especially on the barrel. So I gave it a polish with my Micromesh pads and it came out very nicely.

The nib is a bit soft and has some feedback. It writes well - no surprise there.

If you're wondering how I know the exact date of this pen, the photo above shows the date code. The style of the pen tells me it's from the 1940s, and the tiny number "3" is for 1943. It also indicates what quarter of 1943: the number stamp would start off with three dots around it, and with each quarter they'd file off one of the dots. This one has no dots, so it's from the fourth quarter.

Very few pens do date codes. Parker only did it on certain pens. No idea why that is, but there you go.

[oimoi-op]

Mentioned a little while back that I got some more vintage fountain pens so here's one of them courtesy of my mid-at-best photography skills:

It's a Waterman no. 12 eyedropper. No clip but for some reason both Watermans and BCHR pens with clips hate me so this is the norm for me lol. Cap's patent date reads "MAY 24. 1898" so it's very likely it's from right about the turn of the 19th century. Barrel's patent date reads "FEB. 12. & NOV. 4. 1884" so I believe the later date on the cap is probably closer to when it actually left the factory.

Both patent dates are very clear despite visible aging throughout the pen. Barrel imprint "WATERMAN'S IDEAL FOUNTAIN PEN N.Y." is also very legible. The "12" stamped on the end barrel is much more faded and difficult to make out in poor lighting.

The pen's barrel, section, and cap are all made from ebonite/hardened black rubber. I don't see any markings that would lead me to believe this was ever chased/patterned. However, the pen has clearly been exposed to water throughout its life as it's a very uneven brown, with the section and parts of the barrel having turned black.

The no. 2 nib and its ebonite feed are completely intact thank fuck. The section was very stubborn and did NOT want to unscrew thanks to decades' old dried ink. I went ahead with the decision to partially soak the section to where it meets the barrel as it was already very discolored and seemed unlikely to be further damaged by this.

(Side note: it is not recommended to soak rubber pens or expose them to water unnecessarily, especially if the rubber still retains its original factory look. Even in this situation I took care to not soak the barrel.)

After some careful soaking and a little bit of heat (just low controlled heat!! NOT heated water!!!), the section unscrewed in my hand, so I didn't even need my section pliers, which was nice lol. Flushing the inside of the barrel with a syringe made cleaning go pretty fast, so I was able to fill it with ink in no time.

She's a flexy lol

The tines split very easily with hardly any pressure to the point I think I can safely classify it as a true flexible nib, albeit not a wet noodle. Without any flex, it leaves an almost stubbish EF or even EEF line—however, it lays down ink so wetly that unless you're writing VERY slowly, it doesn't look quite so fine lol. And with just barely any pressure, it easily puts down BBB lines, though (as evidenced by the slight railroading pictures) sometimes the feed struggles to keep up.

This is one of the most user-friendly vintage flex pens I've owned. It makes me wish my handwriting wasn't dogshit so I could do it justice :(

Biggest issue is a moderate crack on the cap. It isn't so severe to the point of drying out the pen, but I have to be careful when capping, and just to be safe posting is a no-go. It's functional but I wouldn't mind replacing it.

Overall, this a pretty good example of a user-grade vintage flex. Since there's no mechanism, it doesn't need to be restored, and it holds plenty of ink for writing/calligraphy purposes. I've enjoyed writing with it more than my other vintage flexies and semi-flexies for the past few weeks, and the inky fingertips are so worth it lol

[moved-to-thanatologie]

one last thing before i do the adulting thing:

emmrich would be a fountain pen snob send tweet

[tournament-for-best-neopet]

Round One!!!

Vacumatic 9000

It certainly does suck!

Wain

If you hear strange noises in the night. Chances are its a Wain racing with its favourite toy.

[vanguessal]

Short Toons - The Vacuminator

[2057]

[penhero]

PenHero.com Feature Article:

Mabie Todd Top Filling Sacless Blackbird 1937-1940

When Mabie Todd introduced the Visofil VT series as the replacement for the Swan Visofil V series pens in September 1937, the company also introduced the shorter “top-filling” sacless BT200 Blackbird pen equipped with a very similar plunger filling system. “Top filling” indicates the barrel end is the “top” of the pen when the pen is inverted for filling. Interestingly both the Visofil VT and the Blackbird BT200 were advertised as “sacless” though both use a rubber sleeve in the mechanism that can come into contact with the ink, especially when the pen is pocketed. The Top Filling Sacless Blackbird is very uncommon and has two of the most beautiful and difficult to find celluloids on any Mabie Todd pen.

Read the story about these interesting pens here:

[pastpens]

Vintage Parker Vacumatic Gold Web Double Jewel Fountain Pen

Vintage Parker Vacumatic Gold Webbed Fountain Pen

- Stunning golden web marble amber semi-transparent barrel - Double jewel - Vacumatic lock-down filler Parker vacumatic fountain pen - Up here is a vintage Parker Vacumatic fountain pen, which was manufactured in USA circa 1930s. The pen is in nice condition. The pen illustrates GOLDEN WEBBED pattern, and it is amber SEMI-TRANSPARENT, highly sought after, rare, and beautiful. You can see the ink flow inside the barrel. I am sure that you will not be disappointed. The pen bears double jewel at the barrel end. It has a Parker 14ct solid gold nib. A new vacumatic sac has been fitted. The lockdown filling system is special and in working order. This Parker Vacumatic has a classic elegance and has been produced to the highest standards of craftsmanship, technology and aesthetics. The pen has been serviced and tested for full functionality. This is rare and very much sought after, of such a collectible and vintage pen in excellent condition. The Parker Pen Company was founded in 1888 by George S. Parker, whose mission was to manufacture a better pen. The Parker Pen Company's tradition epitomizes the highest standards of craftsmanship, technology, and aesthetics. From the 1920s to the 1960s, Parker was No.1 in worldwide writing instrument sales. The Parker Duofold is one of the most recognizable and enduring fountain pen designs. Launched in 1921, the pen was a phenomenal success and put the Parker Pen Company squarely into the front rank of fountain pen manufacturers. Duofold remain popular in Europe being produced well into the 60s in varying sizes and colors when it was revived in the 80's once again as Parker's Flagship model. In 1932, Parker began test marketing the next generation in fountain pens, the Golden Arrow. This radical new pen featured a compact plunger-operated pump filler that nestled at the back end of the barrel, eliminating the space-hungry pressure bar and sac. The Golden Arrow was later renamed as Vacumatic. The Vacumatic went on the market in 1933; and discontinued in 1939, due to the introduction of new Aero-metric filler. Parker pens were frequently selected to sign important documents such as the World War II armistices, and commemorative editions were sometimes offered. You can also view our item on Trumblr. Read the full article

[goldenstorm0]

Okay, I've cooked for a little, I've got a new outline for fixing a lever-fill, but I've realized that there are hurdles that newcomers would want to cross before even considering fixing a pen: ie what is a leverfill and how do I id it? (also maybe how to id other common filling mechanisms, there are a fuck ton and most modern pens are either cartridge, eyedropper, or vacumatic, and it can be intimidating at first); What are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd tier pens, how do I get one, and general brand overviews; and most importantly, can you even fix the pen, cause there is some shit that better to just pay a professional.

So I'm going to pause the restoration guide for now and make up an overview of pen brands, why certain ones are considered better than others. Then I'll do a simple overview of different filler systems cause they are cool after, a simple guide on how to id a pen that is worth fixing, and then how to do a basic resac.

......... this was suppose to be an little project. Just a tiny thing. There are already guides out there. I just thought it would be fun and cute to make my own and now it's blown up. Idk if other people even care. 10 bucks it'll get 10 notes when I finally finish it, I'm going to screen shot those notes and frame it along with the absolute stack of note cards I've accumulated and the finished product.

[funkervogt]

Got a parker vacumatic for 16 bucks today im literally god

[syncallio]

Here's an early Parker Vacumatic I picked up awhile back:

The section is chewed up for some reason. Maybe a failed repair? Fortunately it's cosmetic and doesn't affect the pen's usability.

Not much else to say about this pen except that it writes very dry, and the material is gorgeous.

Too bad "Helen Mann" is a common name; I'd've liked to find her. She had good taste in pens!

[luxorpen]

The Cost of Parker Pens: A Reflection of Quality and Prestige

Parker is a name synonymous with elegance, quality, and refinement in the world of writing instruments. Established in 1888 by George Safford Parker, the Parker Pen Company has stood the test of time, earning a reputation as one of the most prestigious pen manufacturers globally. However, this reputation for excellence comes at a cost. The price of a Parker pen is often higher than that of many other brands, and this is largely due to several key factors that contribute to the overall value of the product. In this article, we'll explore the factors that influence the cost of Parker pens and discuss why people are willing to pay a premium for them.

1. Materials Used

The materials used in the construction of Parker pens are a significant determinant of their cost. Unlike cheaper, mass-produced pens made from plastic or other low-cost materials, Parker pens often feature high-quality metals, resins, and precious materials. For instance, the Parker Sonnet collection includes pens made from sterling silver, lacquer, and gold-plated trims. The use of these materials not only enhances the pen’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and longevity. High-end Parker pens, such as those in the Duofold range, often come with 18k solid gold nibs, which are meticulously crafted to provide a smooth writing experience.

The craftsmanship involved in the selection and processing of these materials plays a significant role in the final price tag of the pen. The more luxurious the material, the higher the cost of production, which translates into a higher retail price.

2. Craftsmanship and Innovation

Parker pens are renowned for their innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Each pen undergoes a meticulous production process, often involving hand-assembly and rigorous quality control. The precision required to produce a Parker pen that writes flawlessly, feels comfortable in the hand, and lasts for years is no small feat. Many of the higher-end Parker pens, such as those in the Premier or Duofold ranges, are crafted by artisans who take pride in their work, ensuring that each pen is a masterpiece.

In addition to craftsmanship, Parker has a long history of innovation. The company's development of the Quink (quick-drying ink) in 1931 and the Vacumatic filling mechanism are just two examples of Parker's commitment to improving the writing experience. These innovations, while initially adding to production costs, have contributed to the brand’s prestige and are part of what makes Parker pens a desirable investment for many writing enthusiasts.

3. Design and Aesthetic Appeal

Another factor that influences the cost of Parker pens is their design. Parker pens are not just writing instruments; they are often seen as status symbols, coveted for their elegance and sophistication. The brand's iconic arrow clip, introduced in 1933, is instantly recognizable and adds to the pen's aesthetic appeal. Each collection has its own distinct design language, ranging from the clean lines of the Parker IM to the intricate detailing found in the Duofold series.

The design process itself is a labor-intensive one, with designers carefully considering every element of the pen, from the weight and balance to the grip and finish. Pens in the higher price ranges, such as the Parker Ingenuity collection, often feature unique design elements, such as engravings or custom finishes, which add to the pen's exclusivity and, consequently, its price.

4. Brand Heritage and Prestige

Parker is a brand with a long and illustrious history, and this heritage adds to the cost of its pens. Over the years, Parker pens have been used by world leaders, royalty, and celebrities. For example, a Parker pen was used to sign the Armistice Agreement at the end of World War II. The association with such significant historical moments has only added to the brand's prestige.

For many consumers, purchasing a Parker pen is about more than just buying a writing instrument; it's about owning a piece of history. This sense of prestige and heritage is something that cannot be replicated by cheaper brands, and it's a key reason why people are willing to pay a premium for a Parker pen.

5. Range of Prices

Parker offers a wide range of pens to cater to different budgets. Entry-level models, such as the Parker Jotter, are relatively affordable, often priced between $10 and $30, making them accessible to a broader audience. Despite their lower price point, these pens still feature the same quality and reliability that Parker is known for.

However, the price range escalates quickly for more premium collections. Pens in the Sonnet series, for example, can range from $70 to $300, depending on the materials and finishes. At the high end, pens in the Duofold or Premier collections can cost several hundred dollars, with some limited-edition models reaching over $1,000.

6. Limited Editions and Collectibility

Finally, limited edition Parker pens can significantly impact the cost. These pens are often produced in small quantities and feature unique designs or materials that make them highly collectible. Limited-edition pens are not only functional writing instruments but also investment pieces that can appreciate in value over time. The rarity and exclusivity of these pens are reflected in their price, with some models fetching thousands of dollars at auction.

Conclusion

The cost of a Parker pen is a reflection of the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and design. While they may be more expensive than other pens, Parker pens offer a writing experience that is second to none. Whether you're buying an entry-level Jotter or investing in a high-end Duofold, owning a Parker pen is about more than just writing—it's about making a statement.

4o