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 demis, a half-inch shorter in cap and barrel, were also produced. 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
Perfect is not a word I use regularly in describing vintage pens, because I don’t often see nearly perfect pens. This English 51 is really almost close enough to justify the term’s use. Its midnight blue barrel shows just the slightest trace of microscratches of use, as does the gold-filled cap. But that’s it. It is an aerometric filler, fills well. The nib is typically English: a wet full medium, not quite broad. This is a special pen, a perfect gift. $140
Price: $140 Sold