Parker 51
1950s
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 51 is an Aerometric-filled model, and it is practically perfect, probably never filled. (Note: I never use the term “mint” because I can’t verify it, and because I always test a pen with ink.) That said, this pen does not have a mark of use, a single little scratch of wear, or a trace of ink in the clear sac. It is from the 1950s, a MKII, in midnight blue, with a12K gold-filled cap with the thin line pattern. As an added bonus, the pen is still stickered, to advertise that it was “electro-polished”. The nib is one of my favorites, a fine/extra fine, smooth and wet. An elegant, special gift for a writer, but please present it with a case to preserve its perfect finish.
This pen is not for sale.