Parker
Vacumatic (Junior or Sub-Debutante stream-lined model)
Fountain Pen
Filling System
Vacumatic filler (speedline plunger)
Condition
Very Good vintage condition with minor brassing on the clip and cap ring, and typical ambering of the laminated body sections.
Estimated Value
$150 - $250 USD
Era
Vintage 1930s-1940s (circa 1938-1942)
Pen Specifications
Pen Type
Fountain Pen
Filling System
Vacumatic filler (speedline plunger)
Body Material
Celluloid (laminated transparent/opaque black pearl)
Trim Material
Gold-Plated
Color / Pattern
Black Pearl (transparent laminated stripes with amberized viewing section)
Cap Type
Screw Cap
Clip Design
Classic Parker Arrow clip with embossed feathers and chevron detailing
Barrel Shape
Tapered torpedo / streamlined
Nib Details
Nib Material
14K Gold
Nib Size
Fine
Nib Type
Semi-Flex
Nib Condition
Good, clean nib with well-aligned tines and intact tipping material.
Dimensions
Size / Dimensions
Approximately 128 mm capped, 118 mm uncapped, 150 mm posted
Weight Estimate
Lightweight, approximately 16-18 grams
Heritage & Origin
Era / Period
Vintage 1930s-1940s (circa 1938-1942)
Country of Origin
USA
Rarity
Uncommon
Condition & Value
Overall Condition
Very Good vintage condition with minor brassing on the clip and cap ring, and typical ambering of the laminated body sections.
Filling System Condition
Assumed in need of diaphragm replacement due to age, common for unrestored vintage Vacumatics.
Estimated Value
$150 - $250 USD
Special Features
Innovative Vacumatic plunger filling mechanism designed to hold a significantly larger volume of ink compared to lever fillers of the same era, plus the distinctive laminated striped celluloid barrel.
Ink Recommendations
Parker Quink Blue or washable black, avoiding heavy iron-gall or permanent pigmented inks to protect the vintage sacless filling system.
Care Recommendations
Hand wash only with cool water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners due to celluloid sensitivity and metal filling components. Professional restoration of the rubber diaphragm is recommended.
Interesting Facts
The Parker Vacumatic was introduced in 1933 and revolutionized the fountain pen industry by eliminating the traditional rubber ink sac, utilizing the entire barrel cavity for ink storage through an ingenious pump mechanism.
Overall Assessment
A classic icon of golden-age American pen design. This Parker Vacumatic represents a pinnacle of technical innovation and elegant art-deco styling, making it a prized piece for any vintage pen collector.