Distinguishing features of Golden Arrows/Vacuum-Fillers (Ur-Vacumatics)

The pen that gained fame as the Vacumatic initially bore the name Golden Arrow, then Vacuum-Filler.  Only in 1933 was the name Vacumatic finally adopted.

Golden Arrows are quite rare.  It is possible that Parker dropped this name because it had already been used for a minor English pen, but it seems just as likely that the deciding factor was a desire to lay greater emphasis on the new pen's distinctive pump filler.

Golden Arrows and Vacuum-Fillers are easily identified by their imprints.  These early pens come in a bewildering range of variations, including features not found in the Vacumatic line.  Things to watch for include: sections and barrels made in one piece (separate sections are also found, however); laminated celluloid with skewed rings; laminates with extra-thick layers; nibs imprinted "VACUUM FILLER" (on the solid black economy range pens); two-tone nibs, sometimes with arrows of unusual form; very short pens, some with ribbon rings instead of clips; black pens with white gold filled trim.  Most of these early models do not appear in any surviving catalogs or advertisements, which has led to some confusion over what they should look like.

Click here for the Vacuum Filler Pen Profile.