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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Parker Duofold Centennial Mechanical Pencil

Back in 1988 Parker released their first Duofold since production previously stopped back in the 1940’s. It was released as part of their 100th anniversary, called the Centennial model, and is made in England by Parker UK.Duofold Centennial lapis blue mechanical pencil and swarovski ducks
(All photos are clickable for hi-res)
I don’t have a vintage Duofold, but from pictures and other sources it appears the modern Duofold pencil is visually a very close match for the original Parkers.

The barrel is acrylic, and mine is Lapis Blue (or Blue Mosaic or Blue Marble) colour. It is a very nice colour and the acrylic is very bright and shiny, but somehow it doesn’t have the depth of colour or intensity that I expected. I am a little disappointed to say that in my personal opinion old Conway Stewart Nippy pencils and their ilk have a depth and intensity of colour that outshines the Centennial. Now don’t get me wrong, the Centennial is a beautiful thing, it’s just I expected a little more in the colour department.
Parker Duofold Centennial pencil in caseThe presentation case is nice, with velvet flock covering, and notes Parker’s Royal Warrant.Parker Duofold Centennial pencil presentation case

Parker Pen Royal Warrant
Parker Duofold logoThe gold trims are very classy.Parker Duofold Centennial mechanical pencil gold trimsThe mechanism is 0.9mm screw action - the lead is advanced or retracted by winding the gold top round.Parker Duofold Centennial gold topThe eraser and its gold mounting ring are truly a sight to behold.Parker Duofold Centennial eraserA very beautiful pencil, but you certainly pay a pretty price to own one!
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14 comments:

  1. kossyWednesday, 24 June, 2009

    It is a beautiful pen.

    Because a blue pen likes it, it seems to become a pen wanting it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousThursday, 25 June, 2009

    I have one in black, and thematching fountain pen, as well as the 1929 version ofthe Parker Duofold Senior Lucky Curve pencil. It still works!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. PenmaniacsThursday, 25 June, 2009

    does the eraser work nicely

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kiwi-dThursday, 25 June, 2009

    No idea - its far to good looking ruin by using it!

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  5. HenrikThursday, 25 June, 2009

    I agree about the colour - the Nippy has more depth - more 3D effect. But this sure is a nice specimen. I believe Parker sell spare erasers for this one – so I think you can use it without fear. :)
    Is it top heavy?

    Henrik

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  6. PenmaniacsThursday, 25 June, 2009

    what is the best eraser?

    ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!ERASER CUP! ERASER CUP!

    ReplyDelete
  7. PenmaniacsThursday, 25 June, 2009

    how many pencil approximately do you think you own

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kiwi-dThursday, 25 June, 2009

    Wes - I can say with 100% certainty there will not be an Eraser Cup. As for how many pencils i own, I am currently working on fully cataloguing my collection for the very first time. Its a rather slow and laborious process, but last night I was up to line number 175 on my spreadsheet, and I'm not yet halfway through, so I imagine about 400 - 500. Rest assured I will report the number on this blog when the final tally is available - but that will probably be a few months away.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kiwi-dThursday, 25 June, 2009

    Henrik, yes erasers are available but they are special and expensive import for this budget conscious collector :-)
    The Duofold weighs 27g, and with a little lead extended is 135mm long and balance point is about 75mm up from the tip. So, not extra-heavy, and not particularly top heavy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. splashkatTuesday, 10 November, 2009

    im 11 and my name around the internet is splashkat. i found a pencil in my bacement called the " centennial 0.5mm mechanical pencil. i think it may be plated in silver (i know alot about this stuff) and it is the only one of its kind. the paper i found with it said it is the finest mechanical pencil manufactured today, meaning 1979, as dated. i found it in an old case. on the out side it looks old and bad. on the inside its fine and fancy-top half is silk, bottom halfblack and soft to protect the pencil. heres a picture.http://www.clker.com/cliparts/f/9/9/4/11949861271125743485green_pear_01.svg.thumb.png

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousTuesday, 10 November, 2009

    sorry if the picture didnt show up.

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  12. AnonymousTuesday, 11 June, 2019

    Im struggling to refill the lead any tips?

    ReplyDelete
  13. StefanoWednesday, 12 June, 2019

    I'm totally not sure, but is there any chance that the refilling procedure is similar to the one shown in the last picture of this article?
    http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.com/2015/09/1940-centenary.html

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kiwi-dFriday, 14 June, 2019

    Parker Duofolds are refilled by inserting a new lead through the tip. If your Duofold is a modern one, i.e. 1980's or so onwards then.. "Rotate cap clockwise to expel any lead residue and then rewind fully. Drop new lead in through the tip and wind out about 4mm. Press lead point firmly onto hard surface to seat it into the lead holder"

    ReplyDelete