Vintage Parker Premier Athenes ballpoint pen 22 carat gold plate finish

  

This was a gift I was given more than 25 years ago. Fine Writing Consumer Service has confirmed that this is a Parker Premier Athenes ballpoint which was first introduced in 1983. It was initially produced by the Parker factory in Meru and has a 22 carat gold plating with lacquer inserts creating a very striking striped pattern. The ballpoint pen has an unusual hall mark on the waist collar - shown on one of the photos.

The pen is in very good condition with no dints or dents. Although the biro writes in blue, it hasn't been used for some time and would benefit from a new ballpoint refill.