Plain, unassuming pens have a way of hiding surprises. Like the pen equivalent of a sexy librarian.
I have many pens with flexible nibs, and many pens whose finish and function are artful. This Parker Duofold is not the most flexible or artful. Still, it has kept its place in the pen case. It must be the sexy librarian vibe.
This librarian’s from Canada, from the very early 20th century. There is an unofficial consensus among Parker people that Parker nibs stamped “Canada” have more flex.
![Parker Duofold Lucky Curve Parker Duofold Lucky Curve](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110642-600x450.jpg)
The bottom of the barrel has a cap that twists off to reveal a button. Depress the button and a lever inside compresses the sac, which upon release sucks up the ink.
![That looks like a button, all right That looks like a button, all right](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110651-600x450.jpg)
The stamp on the barrel is readable, just.
![Are you feeling lucky Are you feeling lucky](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110655-600x450.jpg)
The pen has a “Christmas tree” feed, serrated on the sides. I think this is meant to improve ink flow. (I could be wrong. The feed designer could have been a fan of sharks, or corrugated cardboard.)
![Christmas tree feed Christmas tree feed](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110660-600x450.jpg)
I love how the nib has oxidized into a golden inky rainbow.
![A nib on psilocybin A nib on psilocybin](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110665-600x450.jpg)
The clip says “Pat. Sep. 5 16” (So 1916?) and “Parker.”
![Ball clip Ball clip](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110666-600x450.jpg)
Here it is with another Parker Duofold.
![Duofold duo Duofold duo](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110687-600x450.jpg)
I’d write with a stick if it flexed. This one is pleasantly flexible, crafted from elderwood, dragon heartstring and phoenix feather.
![Accio handwriting Accio handwriting](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110684-600x450.jpg)
To be honest, I find myself getting bored with the cadence of my pen reviews. I think it’s time for a change. Don’t be too scared. This should be fun. 😉
![It's just nonsense until you get it It's just nonsense until you get it](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1110680-600x450.jpg)