Not a Parker 45

This is one of those pens that can confuse even the most dedicated collector of English Parker pens – the ‘New’ Slimfold. It can also cause quite a lot of debate – particularly for such a simple, low profile pen.



The MKII Slimfold, known as the ‘New’ Slimfold, is very similar to the Parker 45 introduced in 1960. There are two main differences between the pens: 1) the length – the Slimfold being shorter; and 2), the cap – the New Slimfold is screw-fit compared to the 45 push-fit cap.

The New Slimfolds were only manufactured for three years (1972–1975) so are relatively rare. It is not to be confused with the ‘transitional’ model previously available that had the new 45 style cap, but retained the rounded end body and open nib of the first generation Slimfold.

My 'New' Slimfold is of particular interest because it retains the chalk marks used during the introduction of decimalisation in the United Kingdom. The decimal coinage system was introduced on the 15 February 1971 – the start of an 18 month period when the previous system of pound, shilling and pence was phased out. The chalk marks show the price for this pen in both ‘old’ and ‘new’ money. It is for this reason the pen is dated as between 1971 and 1972.