The history of Parker Pen Company dates back to 1891. The company was founded by George Safford Parker in Janesville, Wisconsin. He started this small business as he wanted to make reliable pens for his telegraphy students. By capitalizing the patent of 'lucky curve' that helped in minimizing the danger of leaking, he quickly moved to a commanding position in the fountain pen industry. Before the development of 'ballpoint pens' (that is from 1920's- 1960's ) Parker was number one in worldwide writing instrument sales.
George Stafford Parker moved several steps ahead in the Pen manufacturing market after his introduction of 'Quink', a quick drying ink which eliminated the need for blotting. This creation led to the development of the most widely used model of the fountain pen in history Parker 51. A statistics states that over $400 million worth of sales were made of this fountain pen in 30 years of history. Since then Parker Pens are frequently opted for signing the most important documents, such as the World War II armistices.
The company has never gone downhill from the date of its creation as everything what Parker made was of interest to the collector, to the user, or to both. The company was the first to introduce pen with a metal cap, the first pen that could fly (could be used in an airplane without leaking), and the first pen ever to fill itself by capillary action. Parker finally got into ballpoints in 1954 after developing what it considered a good point. The finest material used in parker pens till date are gold, silver, vermeil, platinum, rhodium, stainless steel, resin and Hi-Tech pigments that offer innovative, shimmering effects.
In 1993 parker was acquired by the Gillete company that already had acquired one of the best selling disposable ball points Paper Mate brand. Gillete later sold the writing instrument division in 2000 to Newell Rubbermaid. In 2001, Parker and former arch-rival Waterman were taken over by office-supply giant Sanford . Parker has introduced several models (including fountain pens) at lower price points, and has retained the trusty Duofold Centennial and Sonnet series.
In 2004 Parker 100 became the face Parker for the 21st century. It combined avant grade looks and an affectionate reinterpretation of the unique styling of its famed predecessor, the 51. The demand of Parker pens are such that the manufacturers have to keep up the fast production with the expanding demands for the pens. All Parker pens come with a limited 2 Year warranty. The Parker models are the emblems of excellence that own fine craftsmanship, character, luxury and commitment. It has crazed the whole world to own one for an authoritative look.
