Parker 51 Liquid Lead Pencil

1955-62
About This Model

The Parker 51 is generally agreed to be one of the genuinely iconic fountain pens, for its timeless design, revolutionary construction, efficiency, unparalleled durability, and for being a great writer.  It is also among the most sold pens of all time, having been available from 1941 until the early 1970’s, manufactured in plants around the world, and sold millions.  Within each major model there are myriad combinations of color, cap, and other details that have made collecting 51s a serious sport around the world. 51s are available in two lengths: the typical 51 is 5.4″ long, but there are also 5″ long demis. They are excellent writers, hold a great deal of ink, and are great shirt/jacket pocket pens. Parker 51s are readily available today, although some of their colors and cap patterns are rare.

About This Pen

This Liquid Lead pencil is one of the higher level models, most likely sold as part of a set with a 51 MKII fountain pen. It is in Midnight Blue, with a gold-filled 1/10 cap, and is in nearly perfect condition. I suspect it received very light use, for it looks new. The “LL” imprint is fresh and deep. This pencil does not write: if stored point-down it will write for an inch or so, and perhaps can be brought back to life, but this is intended to join a Parker collection.

Price: $25