Parker 50 Falcon

1978-1982 · Cartridge/Converter

The Parker 50 Falcon is easy to recognise by its unusual shape and integrated nib, which forms a smooth line with the section. Its simple, modern design gave the pen a unique appearance and made it one of Parker’s most interesting fountain pen designs of its time.

2 Archived Pens
15 Known Variants
Key Facts
The Parker 50, also known as the Falcon, was released in 1978 and appeared in Parker’s 1979 catalogue.
It had disappeared from the regular production catalogue by 1982, although examples with later date codes are known.

Integral nib: The stainless-steel nib and metal grip form one continuous part. Parker called this a unitary nib. The design was developed from the earlier Parker T1, but the Falcon uses steel instead of titanium.

Filling system: The fountain pen accepts Parker ink cartridges or a converter for bottled ink. The cap pushes on.

Nib sizes: Fine, Medium and Broad nibs were offered with the early range. Extra Fine was added later. The nib may have a plain steel or gold-coloured surface, depending on the finish.

Main finishes: The regular range includes the brushed stainless-steel Flighter, Matte Black, Matte Brown and the lined 12K gold-filled Insignia. Chrome and 22k gold electro-plated trim combinations are known.

Golden Falcon: The Golden Falcon has a gold-coloured lattice pattern. It is a separate version and should not be confused with the regular lined Insignia.

Other colours: Matte Blue and Matte Burgundy examples have also been found. As reported, these models are prototypes.

Clip designs: Two arrow clip designs are known. The more common version has a simple surface without feather lines called featherless or plain. A feathered clip appears rarely, this variant is hard to find.


Date codes: Current evidence includes the code NL, used in late 1979, and LE, used in the first quarter of 1983. NL was found on Flighter, Matte Black and Matte Brown models. LE – was seen on the Flighter ballpoint pen.

Undated pens: Many USA-made examples have no date code. They may be earlier than the known NL examples. Undated English pens may have been made before UK date coding began in 1980. A missing code cannot confirm an exact production year.

Manufacture: Examples are marked Made in USA and Made in England. Pens marked Industria Argentina are also known, but their exact production period remains uncertain.

Related instruments: The Falcon range also included matching ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils.

Known problems: The metal ring around the clip mounting point can crack and become loose. Matte finishes may wear or chip around the edges. These problems are found on some pens but are not present on every example.


50 Falcon catalogue photograph

Key Dates

1978

First appearance
Flighter model

1979

NL – first date codes
Matte Black and Brown

c1979-80

Golden Falcon
Lattice Pattern

c1981

12k Gold Plated
Lined Pattern

1983

Production
ends

Known Variants

Explore all known variants of Parker 50 Falcon .

15 variants 1 in archive

Parker 50 Falcon

1978-1983
5
Flighter GT
Matte Black CT
Matte Brown GT
Golden Falcon - Lined
Golden Falcon - Lattice

Additional Variants

1978-1982
10
Flighter Dialer
Flighter CT
Matte Black GT
Matte Blue
Matte Burgundy
Flighter GT / F-Clip
Flighter CT / F-Clip
Matte Black CT / F-Clip
Matte Brown GT / F-Clip
Smooth Gold Plated / F-Clip
Created by Denny Vienko Last updated:

Note: Extensive research has gone into compiling this reference, and every effort has been made to ensure that the registry is as complete and accurate as possible. However, previously undocumented variants may still exist. If you know of a variant not listed here, or can provide corrections or additional supporting evidence—such as photographs, catalogues, price lists, packaging, or other reliable documentation—please get in touch. Well-supported additions and corrections are always welcome and will help expand and improve this registry.

Note: For Collector View page: Generation dates reflect generally accepted introduction dates and may not exactly match actual production dates. For example, the Sonnet Mk I was introduced in 1994, although production began in 1993. The Production Timeline reflects known production dates and may therefore differ from both official introduction dates and catalogue appearances. Pens were sometimes produced well before they were officially introduced or appeared in catalogues, and production could also continue after they disappeared from them.

Parker 50 Date Codes 1979-1983
Year Q1 (Jan–Mar) Q2 (Apr–Jun) Q3 (Jul–Sep) Q4 (Oct–Dec) Notes
1979 NE NC NL NI
1980 QE QC QL QI
1981 UE UC UL UI
1982 AE AC AL AI
1983 LE LC LL LI

This Page is in progress – waiting for photo content..

Pen

filling

barrel end

text: size:years

nibs; filling sistem; boxes

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saites, books, notes, cinema

Archive Note

An Evolving Reference

This reference list reflects the variants currently documented by Happy Pens Archive and is not necessarily exhaustive. Further variants may be identified as research continues, and existing entries may be expanded as additional examples, photographs and supporting information become available.

Accuracy & Revisions

Every effort is made to keep this reference accurate, but some details may be incomplete or require correction. Dates, descriptions and variant classifications reflect the evidence currently available and may be revised when new findings or better documentation provide a clearer understanding.

Collector Contributions

Collector contributions help improve and expand this reference. If you notice an inaccuracy, own an unlisted variant or have relevant photographs, catalogues or other information, please let us know. Supporting details help us assess proposed additions and corrections before updating the archive.