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4 Generations of the Parker Vacumatic

Parker never formally defined  eras or generations for the Vacumatic series. However,  collectors seek to categorize the evolution of their chosen collectible. So, we shall have a go at it. Note that in discussion here,  the term "Vacumatic" will include the pre-Vacumatic pens known as Parker Vacuum Filler and Parker Golden Arrow. Also note, that the "vacumatic filler" appeared in two other Parker series- the 1940's Parker Duofold and the earl Parker "51", but that such pens are not discussed in this essay.

During the  Vacumatic's roughly 16 year run (possibly 22 year run in Canada) ,  one can find watershed  periods during which the pen changed enough to define a new "generation".  Be aware that  these generations did not  always feature crisp changes- edges can blur. Four discrete generations of Parker Vacumatic will be considered, and are labeled 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Generation, respectively.

Below, find a spreadsheet showing the core features found in the four generations of pens. Subsequently,  examples of each generation will be shown. Keep in mind that this is a basic exposure. Exceptions occur to the generalities posted here. The details of evolution within a generation and of both sizes and price points offered within each generation, will be addressed elsewhere.


 
Overview of the features found in Parker Vacumatic pens from each generation.
GENERATION JEWELS FILLING UNIT CLIP SECTION Nib:arrow motif, with exceptions. Blindcap
0th:  Pre-Vacumatic pens 
  • Vacuum-Filler and Golden-Arrow: Late 1932-perhaps  mid1933
Double Metal Lockdown Feather Matches Barrel Plastic*
  • Two Tone arrow in high line pens
  • monotone arrow* in econo-line pens
Short.Jeweled.
1st:  mid 1933-1938, with "stragglers" Double Metal Lockdown Feather
  • Matches Barrel Plastic in highline pens
  • Black in econo-models
  • Two Tone arrow in high line pens
  • monotone arrow* in econo-line pens
Short. Jeweled
2nd:  Mid 1937-1941 Double* Metal non-locking 
(so-called "Speedline)
Several Styles can be found, depending on date of manufacture and price of pen Varies with year and with model 
 
  • Same rules as 1st generation through early 1939: high line pens have matching section
  • Subsequently, Black Section in all pens
  • Two Tone arrow in high line pens
  • monotone arrow in econo-line pens
Long. Jeweled or Pseudo-Jeweled
3rd: 1942+ Single Plastic Either "blue diamond" or "feathered-Parker", depending on model Black Monotone* arrow nibs Long. smooth
* indicates that caveats and exceptions exist

Examples of the 4 Generations of Parker Vacumatic

Please view the images below, in the context of the spreadsheat offered above.

  0th Generation Parker Vacuum-Filler

1st Generation Parker Vacumatic

2nd Generation Parker Vacumatic

3rd Generation Parker Vacumatic



 
 

MAIN PAGE/HOME
CONTACT US
Pens for sale
Archive of Sold Pens
Essays n' Pen Profiles
We Buy Pens
Appraisals
Policies/Refunds
Grading Standards
 About Vacumania