The Parker 61 “Carioquinha” by Celestino Praça

While Parker in the US and UK mass-produced their gold “Presidential” models using industrial engine-turning machines, the Brazilian versions were hand-finished by Praça. This gave each pen a slightly more “organic” and artisanal feel that is highly prized on the vintage market.

The Artist: Celestino Praça

* The “C” Hallmark: Look closely at the hallmarks near the cap lip or the barrel end. You will Sometime you will see his initials, “CP”, alongside the 18k (or 750) gold stamp.

* Jeweler-Grade Work: Praça was first famous for creating solid 18k gold overlays and caps for the Parker 51. When the Parker 61 was released, he applied those same techniques to the new silhouette.

* Rarity: Because the Parker 61 was significantly more expensive and less popular in Brazil than the “51,” Celestino Praça produced far fewer 61s. Finding a solid gold 61 made by Celestino Praça is a “needle in a haystack” moment for Parker enthusiasts.

Distinctive Brazilian Features

* The Pattern: Praça’s work often features a deeper, more tactile engraving than standard factory models. The patterns (often a variation of pinstripes or barleycorn) were cut into the heavy gold sleeve with a jeweler’s precision.

* The Filling System: An early example using the legendary “Capillary” (teflon-cell) filler, the pen is filled by dipping the filling unit into a bottle of ink, and allowing the capillary action to draw up the ink over 30 seconds or so. Coated in the then revolutionary teflon, the leftover ink falls of itself.

* The Weight: These aren’t just gold-plated; they consist of a thick, solid 18k gold cap and a heavy gold sleeve over the barrel. They have a “heft” that feels like a solid gold bar in your hand.

The pen we have here today is most likely made by Praca or a similar South American jeweller as it has the iconic 18K stamp in the clip, even though it does not have any other markings. It has been verified by a jeweller to be 18K, although it looks like a sleeve of solid gold over a metal/plastic base underneath to provide rigidity. It’s in very beautiful excellent condition and has only a few feint scratches and shop-wear which would polish out if you wanted to. It has hardly been used and the capillary filler still as its full teflon coating, which isn’t always the case with 61s. It has a firm fine nib which is fabulous for daily writing. Consider the price of gold in today’s market and this pen is an absolute steal.

Technical Specifications

* Artist: Celestino Praça

* Era: 1960s

* Material: Solid 18k Gold (750)

* Origin: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Industria Brasileira)

* Filling System: Capillary Filler

* Nib: 14k Solid Gold

* Nib size: Fine (F)

* Pattern: Hand-engraved Engine Turned

* Collectors' Name: "Carioquinha"

* Length: 134mm

* Weight: 30g