Parker "51" Fountain Pen

**withoutink** · 11-06-2009, 06:53 PM

Im using a couple knockoffs - Hero 330 / 329 / 616... Amazingly, I love how they write. Im sure a real 51 would be a million times better.

So anyone here use a Parker 51? If so what are your likes and dislikes of the pen? Anything to look for when buying one?

**Sluggo** · 11-06-2009, 08:19 PM

I like everything and dislike nothing. No matter what you find, you will like. But pay attention to the nib...because it is hooded, it can be hard to dertmine what size it is.

It is built like a tank, writes well, and looks good...kind of like me :)

**withoutink** · 11-07-2009, 02:23 AM

Awesome, maybe ill find one at the antique show im going to today. If not ill start looking around over the next few weeks.

Do you have the vacuum fill or aerometric?

**Suzuki** · 11-07-2009, 03:53 AM

If you're looking for a daily writer that won't break the bank, consider a Parker Super 21 (improved version of the 21).

It looks just like the 51, but the main differences are its a bit plainer (at it was intended as an everymans' pen), the plastic is not quite as durable as the 51 and the nib is steel vs. gold. That being said, I bought my dove grey Super 21 NOS (aerometric filler is the only option for these pens) for about $20 or so - which is a fraction of the price of a beater 51. Oh yeah, its a great writer as well - I have a very fine nib on mine, which is great for margin notes, etc.

I am not knocking the 51s - they are awesome pens, I'm just saying that you shouldn't ignore the Super 21 (they're a bit of a well-kept secret in my view) if you're looking for a step up from the inexpensive Chinese pens (which I've also used, with generally lousy results), like the styling of the 51, but are just looking for a decent daily writer that is MILES better than the Chinese pens.

Happy hunting - FYI, there are lots of these on E-bay often with reasonable BIN prices.

**withoutink** · 11-07-2009, 04:55 AM

Thanks, Ill check the Super 21 out. I have a Lamy safari that I like a lot. Oh, a cheaper Pilot 78g as well, thats pretty smooth. I also have 3 vintage Esterbrooks on the way all restored by a professional =)

Pens may have hit me like shaving gear has...

**Gruder** · 11-07-2009, 05:22 AM

The 51 is a fantastic pen, particularly in terms of reliability and flow. I use one (medium nib) daily. I found mine on a wannabe ebay site for $50, so there are still a few decent deals out there on these.

**DGS** · 11-07-2009, 06:53 AM

The 51 is my favorite fountain pen. I've had hundreds of fountain pens in my collection over the years, both modern and vintage (90% vintage), and nothing matches up to a 51. Of the 150-200 pens still in my collection, I still have about two dozen 51s that I doubt I will part with. I don't write with all of them, becuase once I started to collect them, they started a "Parker 51 AD". Thus, I have many in various colors, sizes (full size and short), nib sizes and styles (regular, italic, stub, oblique), both aerometric and vacumatic fillers, etc. Also some scarcer variants such as double jewel models (i.e., end jewels on both the cap and barrel), rare barrel colors (like mustard and nassau green), and rare caps (solid gold, rare patterns like window pane etched, etc.).

I have even had some modern craftsmen make brand new 51s for me that I use as daily writers. One of my favorites is a solid sterling silver cap and barrell in the rare "Empire State" pattern (on both cap and barrel), that fits a vintage 51 aerometric pen "innards". It has a wonderful, smooth vintage medium 51 nib that is silky smooth and writes like melted butter.

As others have posted above, you cannot find a better writing pen than the 51, vintage or modern, hands-down. While the nibs are not flexible like other vintage pens (due to the hard hooded shell surrounding the nib) and therefore you can't write in calligraphic style with them, most of us don't write that way anyway. For everyday writing with a fountain pen, nothing is more pleasureable than using a 51. I'd definitely go with the aerometric fill version for ease of use, over the vacumatic filler. I'd also avoid the recent Parker re-issue limited edition model -- while it looks like the vintage 51, it is nothing like it mechanically and writes poorly in my opinion (plus it's way overpriced).

Check out Ernesto Soler's web site for all the info you'd ever want on the 51. Ernesto is a fantastic guy and the most knowledgeable 51 collector I know. Plus, he sells 51s and restores them to pristine condition. He frequently has them for sale on his site. www.parker51.com.

**withoutink** · 11-07-2009, 06:59 AM

Thank you so very much for the details. This has been extremely helpful.

**DGS** · 11-07-2009, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by withoutink

Thank you so very much for the details. This has been extremely helpful.

I notice you're in Florida. The absolute best place to find and try vintage pens (especially 51s) is a pen show. The Miami pen show is one of the longer-running shows in the U.S. and usually is held in the summer. It's usually held at the Biltmore in Coral Gables. You should definitely try to attend next year. There are always a few dealers who will let you try the pens out first (actually dip them in ink and write with them). Here's the web site: http://www.miamipenshow.com/

**withoutink** · 11-07-2009, 07:56 AM

Thanks, I will add that to my calendar =)

**Cheech** · 11-09-2009, 12:24 AM

Just a couple notes. Not trying to be a jerk, but I wanted to bring up a couple things:

It was my understanding that the 21 was the economy version, to capitalize on the 51's success, not an improved version. Parker changed the nib from the conical design, which was specific to the 51, and replaced it with a standard nib (still inside the hood). Because it was a later model, it was only offered with the aero filler.

If you decide to go with a 51, a couple thoughts on the vac v. aero discussion. Some people love the vac, others hate them. I think that the vac is a good, reliable design that holds a ton of ink. The aeros require less maintenance and are super reliable, but don't hold as much ink. Also, personally, I just like the charm of the vac. Yes, it is much more complicated to repair, but its still a great filler. I also have a few early Vacumatics which also perform very well, with no problems.

I agree the 21 is a great pen in its own right. I don't know why the 21 gets so overlooked. Its a solid performer at an affordable price. Its a well-made, solid design that will last (unlike certain unnamed pens). I have a couple and love them.

Again, I hope this doesn't sound like I'm bagging. I'm really not. I just wanted to point out a couple things.

**DGS** · 11-09-2009, 05:09 AM

Here's some more info on the Parker 21 from Richard Binder's great site: http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/21_profile.htm

**AZShaver** · 11-09-2009, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by Cheech

Just a couple notes. Not trying to be a jerk, but I wanted to bring up a couple things:

It was my understanding that the 21 was the economy version, to capitalize on the 51's success, not an improved version. Parker changed the nib from the conical design, which was specific to the 51, and replaced it with a standard nib (still inside the hood). Because it was a later model, it was only offered with the aero filler.

If you decide to go with a 51, a couple thoughts on the vac v. aero discussion. Some people love the vac, others hate them. I think that the vac is a good, reliable design that holds a ton of ink. The aeros require less maintenance and are super reliable, but don't hold as much ink. Also, personally, I just like the charm of the vac. Yes, it is much more complicated to repair, but its still a great filler. I also have a few early Vacumatics which also perform very well, with no problems.

I agree the 21 is a great pen in its own right. I don't know why the 21 gets so overlooked. Its a solid performer at an affordable price. Its a well-made, solid design that will last (unlike certain unnamed pens). I have a couple and love them.

Again, I hope this doesn't sound like I'm bagging. I'm really not. I just wanted to point out a couple things.

CHEECH.do you repair your own Vac? What tools etc is required? I have one that needs a new sac.

**Dennis** · 11-09-2009, 10:46 AM

I have a "51" Vac. It is my favorite FP. It is black with a nickel cap and jeweled. I haven't used an aero version so I only know mine. The sac was shot when I picked it up (though I knew that). I sent it to Richard Binder for a repair and he did a fantastic job. The vacs have a rubberized sac that holds the ink. You unscrew the end off the barrel and there is a plunger. To fill, you place the nib/front of barrel into the ink well, and press the plunger. The ink will vacuum right up and in, and it holds quite a bit. They are a bit tough to empty out. You have to play with gently pressing the plunger just so to get ink out of it. So if you use a Vac, be sure you like the ink color you plan on putting in it.

**Cheech** · 11-09-2009, 11:15 AM

I think I have 3 vacs. (not including the Vacumatics) So far, I've only had one leak, which was probably operator stupidity. I keep meaning to get around to repairing it, but I haven't yet.

If you want to try and repair a vac yourself, I'd recommend picking up a copy of "Fountain Pens - The Complete Guide to Repair and Restoration" (AKA Da Book) by Frank Dubiel. There's a ton of information in there. I will say that I've made a few repairs using improvised tools, so take a close look before buying tools.

For the 51 (off the top of my head - most of my stuff is still in moving boxes) I think you only need a wrench to remove the assembly from the rear (since its threaded on both ends, I'd kick down the cash for that tool) and a pellet tool (once you see a diagram, this will make sense).

I've found that basic fountain pen repair is more a matter of patience than anything else. (Unless you're dealing with a snorkel. If so - RUN AWAY NOW!) That being said, if you haven't worked on a pen before, I'd strongly suggest you consider sending it out.

You can check out Richard Binder's site (http://www.richardspens.com) which has a ton of information on the P51 and other pens.

The vac actually doesn't have a sac, the body is hollow, which is why they hold so much ink. I was going to include some shots from Richard Binder's site, but I'm not sure how he feels about that. Go to his site, then reference pages, nibs and fillers, and he has diagrams and animated videos on how they work.

For those who don't know, its been said that Richard Binder is one of the last real fountain pen mechanics. I've never heard anything other than excellent reviews of his work. The few Binder nibs I have are some of the best nibs I have.

Almost forgot to mention that yes, the P51 can take a little effort to clean out well. But it doesn't seem like that much more to me. Maybe I've just had good luck. Maybe I've just been using inks that clean out well.

**GarageBoy** · 11-09-2009, 02:32 PM

If you want to repair a vac yourself, don't get too cocky as its easy to screw up. (Don't try restoring a Vac as your first restoration)

Don't assume Aeros don't need resto. I've had my share of broken breather tubes.

**Isaac** · 11-09-2009, 02:43 PM

I have a Parker 51 and im trying out a 21 now. I have to say that hands down you can really tell the difference between the two. My 51 is definitely a work horse and I dont have one negative thing to say about it. Its an absolute joy to use. I would pick it up over a 21 any day.

**Wil Dorenbos** · 11-09-2009, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by withoutink

Im using a couple knockoffs - Hero 330 / 329 / 616... Amazingly, I love how they write. Im sure a real 51 would be a million times better.

So anyone here use a Parker 51? If so what are your likes and dislikes of the pen? Anything to look for when buying one?

I have and use them both, or rather the Heros. The Parker is part of my collection. I buy the Heros by the box for my office. Great pens.

**Suzuki** · 11-09-2009, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by IsaacRN

I have a Parker 51 and im trying out a 21 now. I have to say that hands down you can really tell the difference between the two. My 51 is definitely a work horse and I dont have one negative thing to say about it. Its an absolute joy to use. I would pick it up over a 21 any day.

I'm not saying that the 21 is a better pen than the 51 - I was just suggesting that it might be a more reasonably priced option than looking for a good 51, but still be a huge step up from the cheap Chinese knock offs..

**Cheech** · 11-09-2009, 06:26 PM

I agree. At the price point of the 21, you really can't beat it. It is actually the pen I recommend most for a good "starter" (for lack of a better term) pen. If you like it, you'll feel more confident spending more money, and have a great pen to boot! If you don't like it, then not a whole lot is lost.

Like I said before, I have a few really good (and expensive) pens and the 21 is still in my rotation. And my preferred pen while traveling.