1938 Parker Black Shadow-Wave Vacumatic Sub-Deb - fine+ nib

Like Sheaffer, Parker seems to have saved the most interesting celluloids for the entry level pens. I like the materials from the Vacumatic Junior and Sub-Deb lines more than the higher tiered pens. Not that I dislike stacked celluloid. I do think Parker missed out by not making the Shadow Wave celluloid available on more pens.

I'm not deeply into Vacumatic model name lore. I get lost quickly. The Sub-Deb seems to be essentially the same as a Junior Debutante but with a plain, narrow band. Perhaps it is more subtle than that and I'm perfectly open to correction.

This pen has been well kept, it is in excellent condition. The clarity and color a so nice. The nib is luscious - a meaty fine that is wet, smooth and a little bit bouncy. The filler is in great condition.

I can think of only 2 criticisms. A previous restorer tightened the filler too hard so it created a slight bump in the barrel. It isn't obvious when looking at the pen but you can feel it. It is no more than an unfortunate cosmetic defect. The pen had no tassie or jewel on the blind cap. I've replaced them with modern parts from Dale at Pen Tooling. The tassie is bare brass with no gold plating. Another cosmetic defect that doesn't alter function in any way.

It's a marvelous little pen. I'm 6'2" (188 cm) with large hands. I can use this pen comfortably uncapped. The cap does post gently to offer even more length. I firmly believe that anyone that dismisses a pen solely on its small size is missing out on some incredible pens.

Length
Capped - 119 mm (4.7”)
Uncapped - 111 mm (4.4”)
Posted - 138 mm (5.4”).
Diameter
Cap - 12.1 mm (0.48”)
Barrel - 10.9 mm (0.43”)

Filler
Vacumatic

Nib
Fine+ with a little bounce