Parker Sonnet Mk1

Click for better views. This is the first pen from the Christmas cup post and I really am getting into this pen. I filled it up with some Heart of Darkness and put the 18k nib to the test for the past week and I could not be happier with the end result.

In your hand it's a much substantial pen than it looks here. It has a great weight and feel to it. I haven't seen this color combo before and a quick Google search came up empty on the exact name but it works for me.

I shoot at night without any natural light and am trying to avoid the light box. I switched over to RAW format for these, but didn't do any photoshopping. I think I might need a lens upgrade. Lovely.

I believe this model is the MK1, Parker went with a wider band on the cap with the later models. It's a Good Pen with a fun nib. I will get a writing sample up in a day or two. thanks for looking and I will see you tomorrow. I know I have some unanswered comments out there, I will reply this weekend. -Seth

1946 Parker Vacumatic

For those of you keeping score, today is officially the 3 month anniversary of a pen a day on Good Pens. I am celebrating with one of my favorites. Shined up and ready for another 62 years of use.

Thanks again to all the great comments and emails that everyone has sent in. Keep them coming and I hope I am adding a touch of entertainment to your day.

Sometimes a gift is more than just a gift. A few years ago, I was handed a box from Grammy with some treasures in it... this was one of them. I tried over the years in different ways to tell her how much trusting me with these pens meant to me, but I doubt that I ever expressed it properly. When I write my thank you notes to her, I use this pen and will always cherish it.


I only bust out this pen for those special occasions. It's not the most expensive, or the flashiest pen I own but it's possibly the perfect pen in terms of overall style, feel and class. If you collect fountain pens, you should have at least one of these in your collection. Very Good Pen.

Sorry for not bringing the funny today, I needed to reflect and celebrate...don't worry, tomorrow I will go back to the burp jokes.

I love Parker 45's!

I do not know what it is...but I have a big infatuation with these pens, Okay, all you 51 lovers out there...I know, I know...they are different, not quite as classic, or balanced, and not Double Jeweled or mysterious, but with the 45's you sort of just... get what you get. To me, that means a smooth writing, maintenance free pen. (Yes, in this case you also get a pretty girly turquoise color) but it's ok to admit that I love this pen.


It's easy to spot a 45= because they have a big honking "45" stamped into the cap!! They made this model for over 40 years in many styles and colors.




The cool part about this pen is that it actually was named after the .45 caliber pistol. I imagine John Wayne riding through the desert with a .45 on his hip, they bad guys all taken care of and the sun setting on his bright turquoise shirt..wait...what??? I don't think they had that in mind.

This pen always stays inked, I have many of these, they are Good Pens.

The Classics

As always, click for better views.

I am postponing the "What did she Bring me Segment" till she actually brings me something. Yesterdays texts messages went a little like this:

Her "what kind of pen do you want"
Me "just buy a pen, it's for the blog"
Her " but, what kind should I get you?"


Instead I bring you two classics. One modern and one, not so much. Some days I feel like I could do anything with a loaded Parker 51 and a Moleskin. I know you purists will run about and scream about bleeding and feathering and all that, but I deal with it. They just go so well together. When I have these at a meeting, I immediately am the cool guy, no questions asked. Instant Penvy. (Pens + Envy... get it?) In some fountain pen users eyes, the Parker 51 (any 51) is still the perfect everyday pen. I usually have 4-5 inked at any time and they are in heavy rotation.

Good pens.