Parker 51
1947
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 Parker 51 is a MKII, an early Aerometric squeeze filler from 1948. The 1948 MKII pens are very interesting, because their then-all new Aerometric filling mechanisms have “press firmly 6 times”, instead of the later “four times”, imprinted on their surface. In addition, these early MKIIs recommend the use of Parker Superchrome ink on the filler…please don’t! Superchrome was a rare Parker mistake; it turned out to be a pen-destroyer. At any rate, this is a nice user pen, Navy Blue, with the correct Lustraloy cap. Close inspection will reveal evidence of use, but there is nothing significant. The pi-glass sac is stained, but it is firm, supple, in very good condition. Those sacs were made to last thirty years but have proven to be good for more than seventy. The fine/extra fine nib is probably original, from the same year, Parker’s standard Ruthenium-Palladium tip. It writes a wet enough line but isn’t a fast writer. A nice user 51, a good everyday carry pen for the fine writer.
Price: $80 Sold