Parker 21
About This Model
Parker 21 was first designed as a school pen, a less expensive version of the top selling 51, and it first appeared in 1948. Made of polystyrene plastic, for three years the Mark I, sold pretty well, but had issues with premature ink drying. So, starting in 1952, the Mark IIs appeared, and these became a big seller and model companion to the 51. The Mark IIs had many improvements over the Mark I, gold-filled trim, and a good variety of colors and octanium-tipped nibs. Although the Parker 45 was introduced in 1960, it did not supplant the 21s for five more years. Like 51s, the 21s proved to be very durable, and are easily found today. The Parker 41 was introduced in 1956, and only survived for two years. It was essentially a brighter-colored 21, and many of their parts are interchangeable. One doesn't see many 41s these days, and probably didn't in the late 1950's, either. Models were changing fast then, and the Super 21 followed the 41 in 1958, and both were superceded by the highly successful 45 in 1960.
About This Pen
This is a Parker 21 Super, from its second generation, starting in 1953 until likely 1958. It looks very much like a late Parker 51, which was of course Parker’s intent, although its clip is better known as the clip for the Parker 45. This pen is in Charcoal Grey, and it is in very nice condition. 21s are all Aerometric fillers, although the filling unit is a bit plainer than that in the 51. Unusual in my experience with 21s, this pen writes an exceptionally smooth, full and wet medium! A workhorse pen, enjoy it.
Price: $49 Sold