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HOBBIES: PEN COLLECTING
How Old is My Parker Pen?
By Jon Warren,
Wondering how old your old Parker Pen is? This article helps you establish when a Parker Pen was made. If you have questions about Parker Pens or have a collection to sell, please contact us.
Who buys Parker Pen collections? We do.
We have been a top dealer in Parker Pen collections for many, many years. No collection is too large. For large collections, we can travel to you. We are located in the Nashville, Tennessee area.
Parker Pen Year Chart
This is a pretty good start to dating Parker Pens. Our goal was to make it a quick, simple reference chart covering the most common cases.
I am not going to bore you with a history lesson, or display my vast knowledge of Parker Pens (which I do not possess). Just the facts. We will add to this page and add exceptions and special cases as we improve it.
Oops! What if there is no tiny text to date with?
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker abandoned their dating system. Also, sometimes the 'barrel stamp' is missing due to wear. This can happen if the pen was used quite a lot and the capping and uncapping over the decades wore the tiny print off the barrel. What then?
Do your best. Take a best guess. Say '1940s' or '1950s' or 'Circa 1955-1978'if possible. Clues are the clip, barrel color, the cartridge, filler, or bladder...and other clues. If the pen has an ARROW CLIP, you know it falls within a certain decade range. If it has a BLUE DIAMOND ARROW CLIP, that can place it within a certain time frame. If you simply can't
figure it out, skip the date. That is a HORRIBLE thing, but you can't spend too much time trying to figure out the date on a pen.
1934 to 1937 → The Early Years
1934 was the year Parker first introduced a dating system. It is unlikely you will encounter a Parker pen from the earliest dates. However, if you do, here is a bit of information you
may find helpful in determining which year your pen dates to .
The early years used a 2-digit system, with the first digit being 1, 2, 3 or 4 and the second digit representing the year in 1930s the knife was produced (the first digit was the quarter).
x4 = 1934
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x5 = 1935
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x6 = 1936
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x7 = 1937
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x8 = 1938
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x5 = 1935
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x6 = 1936
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x7 = 1937
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x8 = 1938
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x6 = 1936
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x7 = 1937
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x8 = 1938
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
x6 = 1936
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x7 = 1937
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x8 = 1938
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x7 = 1937
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x8 = 1938
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
x8 = 1938
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
x8 = 1938
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
Where x is a 1, 2, 3, or 4
1938 is a transition year, so the date code could be either way.
1938 to 1949 → The Easy Years
The vast majority of REALLY OLD Parker Pens you will see are going to fall in the year range from 1938 to 1949. Fortunately, these are among the easiest to date.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib.
You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
1939: First blue diamond clips.
0 = 1940
If the stamp has the number 0 with no dots → the pen dates to the year 1940
with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1940
Parker 51 introduced in USA in 1941.
1 = 1941
1 no dots → 1941
1 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1941
2 = 1942
2 no dots → 1942
2 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1942
3 = 1943
3 without dots → 1943
3 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1943
4 = 1944
4 without dots → 1944
4 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1944
5 = 1945
5 without dots → 1945
5 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1945
6 = 1946
6 without dots → 1946
6 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1946
7 = 1947
7 without dots → 1947
7 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1947
1947: Plain Arrow Clip (no diamond) introduced.
1947: Blue Diamond Clip discontinued.
8 = 1938 or 1948
NOTE: 8 with a blue diamond clip is 1938. With plain arrow clip, 1948.
8 without dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on ... ?
8 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1938 or 1948, depending on type of clip.
9 = 1939 or 1949
9 without dots → 1939 or 1948, depending on ... ?
9 with 1 2 or 3 dots → 1939 or 1949, depending on type of clip.
1950 to 1957 → The 2-Digit Years
The last year for the 2-digit dating in the USA is 1952, according to some experts, but this is up for debate. Canada, Great Britain and the UK apparently kept the 2-digit dating system going for a few more yaers, some think as laet as 1957.
Parker introduced a new dating system in 1950, presumably after realizing they had an overlap problem (took them 12 years to realize that?!)
50 with dots = 1950
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
51 with dots = 1951
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
52 with dots = 1952
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1951: SHORTER Plain Arrow Clip introduced.
1952: Last year for 2-digit dating on pens.
53 with dots = 1953
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
54 with dots = 1954
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
55 with dots = 1955
The arrangement of dots indicates the quarter of production that year.
1956: Last year for 2-digit dating system on pencils.
1955 - 1978 NO NUMBER, NO DOTS
From around 1955 to 1978, Parker discontinued the dating system in the USA. In this case, usual policy is to specify 'Circa 1955-1978'
1958: 'Halo' added to Parker logo on Cap.
1969: 'MKII model introduced.
1971: 'MKIII model introduced.
Which Parker Pens are worthless?
Damaged. Most Parker fountain pens have some value, UNLESS they are damaged. Pens in rough, rusty, chewed condition with damaged
barrels or caps won't be worth much, no matter how old they are. So, if it is poor, donate it to the thrift store.
What is a valuable Parker Pen?
The current record for a vintage Parker Fountain Pen is more than $4,000.00 for an early rare type in mint condition.
You can date a Parker pen from the years 1938 to 1955 or so by looking at the tiny print just below or above the 'clutch ring' (that area near the tip where you typically hold the pen while writing) or in some years on the nib. You will see some tiny print, including PARKER "51" and a number, often surround by dots. This little tidbit here is where you begin on your dating journey.
