Brand history

1863 While selling pens to his students to make ends meet, George Safford Parker came up with the idea of creating something unexpected: a pen that doesn't leak!

1888 At a time when the industry's two main problems were short pen life and ink leaks, George Safford Parker decided to change the face of writing. The big news: Parker patented the Lucky Curve, an ink-feed system in which capillary attraction draws ink back into the reservoir, minimising the chance of leaks.

1889 His wish seems to have come true: George Safford Parker patented his first fountain pen in 1889.

1898 The slip-on cap was patented.

1905 With growing consumer demand for large fountain pens, the Black Giant went into production — the predecessor of the Duofold.

1919 Before the First World War, George Safford Parker was a classic self-made man who combined business with pleasure. Now it was time to combine business and family. Parker's son Kenneth joined the company in 1914, following his brother Russell.

1921 Parker launched the Duofold fountain pen. Known as the "Big Red", it was immediately recognised as the most advanced pen of its time, and also the most prestigious and expensive. A stylish look that still turns heads today.

1924 Parker crossed the Atlantic and set up a distribution business in London. From the UK office, Parker pens spread across the continent. An excellent result!

1939 A major achievement was the Parker 51, with a hooded nib and a new ink that dries as soon as it touches the paper. Perhaps the best pen of the century.

1954 Although ballpoint pens appeared in the mid-1940s, Parker waited for the right moment to add the Parker Jotter — a high-quality ballpoint pen with a large-capacity refill. It was well worth the wait.

1956 Progress cannot be stopped! Seventeen years after the Parker 51, Parker's designers presented their latest achievement — the Parker 61, the first fountain pen with a mechanical filling system that draws ink from the bottle by capillary action. Parker's history has always been closely tied to ink innovation. Now Parker offered the first cartridge pen, named after the .45-calibre Colt pistol. Just like the gun that won the West, you simply load the pen and use it.

1982 A year of outstanding success that brought a whole wave of new creations. The Parker Vector rollerball pen presented a new look that won universal admiration, followed by the Vector fountain pen, ballpoint pen and pencil.

1992 The Duofold collection continues to surprise with its enduring capacity for renewal. The already impressive line-up has been joined by Pearl and Black designs.

1992 The Sonnet is a true bestseller. Inspired by famous models of the past, this pen embodies the latest advanced technology.

2004 A new addition to the Parker family: the Parker 100, combining modern technology with the hooded-nib concept.

2009 Parker sets a "dress code", creating a new standard of style for the 21st century: elegance and precious materials are its essential elements.

2010 Parker repeats its success with a stunning hybrid ink that delivers an ultra-smooth flow and exceptionally fast drying. Discover Quinkflow® technology — in a nutshell, Parker's greatest ballpoint invention ever.

2011 A new era of innovation in pen making began. The Parker Ingenuity stunned the world of writing with the unique, revolutionary Parker 5TH™ technology.

2013 Happy birthday! The ever-young Parker company turns 125, yet it is as full of fresh ideas as on its very first day.