The Parfitt Vintage Pen Collection Part 1

Bishop & Miller present an auction of fountain pens, lovingly amassed over many years by Rex Parfitt. Rex's passion began at the age of eleven, a reward for passing the 11-plus exam that marked his entrance to Grammar School. As Rex states, "I have used fountain pens ever since, surviving the attractions of the biro and the deterioration in my handwriting that ensued!"

His appreciation deepened over time, leading him to recognise the "quality and expertise that went into the production of the variety of pens produced by makers such as, Sheaffer, Waterman, Parker, Conway Stewart and a whole range of smaller manufacturers, with some pens being minor works of art in themselves."

This impressive collection, representing "many years of collecting," spans a fascinating period of fountain pen history, with examples "dating from the very early 1900s to the 1960s with a few ‘modern’ pens." Rex's primary focus, driven by both admiration and budget, lay in the "vintage pens from the 1920s and 1930s," a period richly represented in this selection.

Part One of this collection features a total of 46 lots from of pens from renowned manufacturers.

While parting with these treasured items is bittersweet, Rex finds comfort in knowing "that they will be appreciated by others and hopefully some will continue their working life!"