RARE: Parker Ellipse Fountain Pen & Ballpoint Set in Metallic Amber - Complete in Original Box An Instant Collectible from Parker’s Millennium Collection The Parker Legacy: 135+ Years of Writing Excellence Since 1888, Parker has stood as one of the world’s most prestigious pen manufacturers, creating writing instruments that have signed treaties, penned masterpieces, and graced the pockets of presidents and professionals worldwide. From the revolutionary Parker 51 to the iconic Duofold, Parker pens represent a commitment to innovation, quality, and timeless design that has defined luxury writing for over a century. The Ellipse: Parker’s Bold Millennium Statement Produced exclusively from 2000 to 2001, the Parker Ellipse represents one of the shortest production runs in Parker’s modern history—making it an instant collectible. Created to celebrate the new millennium, the Ellipse was Parker’s audacious attempt to reimagine what a luxury pen could be: larger, more substantial, more tactile, and utterly unlike anything else in their lineup. The Ellipse was ahead of its time—perhaps too ahead. Its bold, chunky silhouette and innovative design didn’t achieve immediate commercial success, leading Parker to discontinue it after less than two years. However, what failed as a mass-market product has succeeded brilliantly as a collector’s item. Today, pen enthusiasts and collectors recognize the Ellipse as one of Parker’s most distinctive and desirable modern pens. The Amber Finish: Rare Metallic Elegance This particular set features the Metallic Amber finish—officially designated as “Red” in Parker’s limited color palette, though collectors know it better as amber or copper. This warm, lustrous metallic finish catches light beautifully, shifting from deep amber to copper to reddish-bronze depending on the angle. The metallic lacquer over brass construction creates a finish that’s both sophisticated and eye-catching. The Ellipse was produced in only three colors: Piano Black (solid), Metallic Blue, and this Metallic Amber/Red. The limited color range adds significantly to the pen’s collectability—there are no endless variations to chase, just three distinct and beautiful finishes. Why the Ellipse Became an Instant Collectible Exceptional Build Quality: • Brass body with multiple lacquer coats - substantial weight and luxurious feel • 18K Gold Two-Tone Nib on the fountain pen with elaborate Parker “P” engraving • 23-Carat Gold Plated Clip featuring distinctive inset chrome ellipse detail • Elliptical gold cap band - a striking and unique design feature • Solid “click” cap mechanism - satisfying clutch engagement with spring-loaded tabs • Oversized dimensions - 15cm posted length, 1.4cm girth (substantial presence) Rarity Factors: • Less than 2 years of production (2000-2001) • Limited to only 3 color options • Complete sets increasingly difficult to find • Made in France - Parker’s premium production facility • Never achieved mass distribution due to high price point Design Innovation: The Ellipse features several unique design elements found on no other Parker pen: the chrome ellipse inset in the clip (nodding to Parker’s historic “Blue Diamond”), the elliptical cap band, the distinctive clutch mechanism, and the domed cap under the feed to prevent ink drying—all hallmarks of Parker’s millennium-era innovation. This Set: Excellent Condition Fountain Pen: ✓ Inked once only - essentially unused✓ 18K gold two-tone nib in pristine condition✓ Perfect metallic amber lacquer - no scratches or wear✓ All gold plating immaculate✓ Cartridge/converter filling system Ballpoint Pen: ✓ Lightly used with lacker chip damage under the clip, see last 2 pictures ✓ Twist-action mechanism functions perfectly✓ Matching metallic amber finish✓ Gold plating pristine Presentation: ✓ Original Parker presentation box - substantial and heavy, as befits the Ellipse✓ Complete matching set - increasingly rare to find together✓ Both pens in excellent to near-mint condition The Collector’s Perspective The renowned Penography website declared the Ellipse “an instant collectible” as early as 2007—and they were prophetic. In the nearly 25 years since production ended, the Ellipse has only grown in desirability. Complete sets in good condition command premium prices, particularly in the metallic finishes which show their quality more dramatically than the solid black. The Ellipse occupies a unique space in the Parker hierarchy—more collectible than standard production models, yet more accessible than limited editions. It’s substantial enough to be used as a serious writing instrument, yet rare enough to appreciate in value. Investment Potential As Parker continues to streamline its lineup and move away from the substantial, brass-bodied construction of the Ellipse era, these millennium pens represent the last examples of a particular type of Parker quality. The extremely limited production run ensures genuine rarity, while the distinctive design ensures the Ellipse will never be confused with any other pen. For collectors focusing on: • Parker modern collectibles (post-1980) • Short production run models • Millennium-era pens • Distinctive design innovations • Complete matching sets …the Ellipse represents an essential acquisition. Perfect For: ✓ Parker collectors seeking rare modern models✓ Millennium memorabilia enthusiasts✓ Writers who appreciate substantial, well-balanced pens✓ Design aficionados drawn to bold, innovative styling✓ Those seeking complete matching sets✓ Investment collectors focusing on limited production models Why This Set Deserves Your Collection Complete sets are significantly rarer than individual pens—most Ellipse pens sold separately over the years. Finding both fountain pen and ballpoint together, in matching amber finish, with the original substantial Parker box, represents an increasingly rare opportunity. The near-mint condition of the fountain pen and excellent condition of the ballpoint ensure this set will only appreciate over time. A Bold Design Statement The Ellipse challenged conventions and paid the price commercially—but that’s precisely what makes it collectible today. It dared to be different, to be substantial when others were minimalist, to be tactile and solid in an era of sleek simplicity. For those who appreciate pens with presence, character, and a story to tell, the Ellipse delivers in abundance. Parker’s millennium gamble became the collector’s windfall. This is your opportunity to own a complete piece of that history.