The Parker Pen Company was established in 1888.   George S. Parker improved on the feeds of  the time and in 1892 he applied for a patent on  the Lucky Curve feed. This feed allowed a pen to be carried in a pocket and then work properly when used. This invention along with aggressive advertising made Parker one of the leading pen makers in the world.

Early models are both functional and in many cases quite attractive.  These include the gold overlays with mother of pearl as well as the legendary Snakes. The George W. Heath company produced the overlays for Parker from 1900 until 1915. These overlays are frequently marked with Heath's hallmark which is an H in a square box.

In 1921 Parker introduced the Duofold. This model was the first of many innovative designs that have kept the company as a leader.