Parker 51
1942-44
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 recently appeared at an estate sale in Queens, in its original box with a note of identification by its owner telling its future owner that “I purchased pen through ‘pull’ when I started working in Boy Scout office in 1944”. It is a typical MKI, Vacumatic filler, in black, with a sterling silver Blue Diamond cap. Curiously, there is no imprint in the usual place just below the barrel edge, so one is left to assume the barrel was replaced at some point. The cap shined up very well, and has a couple of relatively minor dents, which are almost inevitable in sterling pens but do not detract from its appearance. The nib is a fine, and a very smooth one at that. You don’t have to work at a Boy Scouts office to give this pen a new career, it’ll work anywhere, forever. The box and note come with the pen.
This pen is not for sale.