Product Description
Type Modern cartridge/converter filling fountain pen with hand-painted barrel.
Product Name Sonnet - Mark 1 (Mark 2 came out in 2003)
Manufacturer and Year Parker, France -- 1998 (the cap band is marked with the date code IIIE which indicates 1988 or 1998. Chinese Laque Red came out in 1998).
Length 5-1/4"
Filling System Fills via Parker style cartridges or with a converter. A Parker piston converter is installed.
Color This red, black, and gold finish was called "Chinese Laque Red." The trim is 23k gold plated. The design contains some Chinese characters which are written in red on the cap (see photos). They read, "自然来源" We understand that the definition implies that the pen is made of natural materials or is hand painted.
Nib FACTORY STUB 18k nib is very smooth with lovely tipping. It is a bit springy and is two-tone. The section is labeled S. It's a good looking nib. It has been adjusted for slightly smoother writing. Please see the writing sample below.
Condition Mint Condition. There's some marks on the trim from storage but there's very few. Very light usage only. The lacquer is unblemished and the imprints are clear. There is no wear on the Chinese writing on the cap.