Parker 51
1947-48
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
This 51 MKI, from 1947-48, is in excellent condition. Its only marks of use are on the hood, under the cap, which is typical with the slip fit cap. The midnight blue body and hood are otherwise unscratched and very shiny. The cap is gold-filled, with vertical striping. The vacumatic filling unit was restored; it is a strong filler. At some point in its history, this pen was probably returned to the factory for repair, because the barrel does not have an imprint; this is typical for post-1950 MKII pens, but not for a Vacumatic model. The gold nib writes a very smooth and fast fine, a perfect pen for serious writing.
Price: $98 Sold