Parker 21 fountain pen

**johnmrson** · 05-09-2010, 05:35 AM

For those interested in vintage fountain pens but can't or don't want to stretch the budget to a Parker 51, do yourself a favour and try a Parker 21. I bought one because I used to use one at school many many years ago and to be honest, I think it writes every bit as good as my Parker 51. If you're lucky, you can pick one up on eBay for less than $20. I also prefer the filing system on the 21.

**benvh** · 05-09-2010, 09:15 AM

The 21 was my first fountain pen...a NOS from the bay. Love how it writes and fills. A nice price if you want to dip your toe in the FP water. Careful though, it's a slippery slope once you dip that toe in...

Ben

**Gruder** · 05-09-2010, 01:09 PM

+1 A very nice pen!

**brianw** · 05-09-2010, 02:02 PM

Yes the "21" is a great pen... Referred to many years ago "as a Poor Man's "51" ". Great writers ... although because the barrel and hoods were made out of plastic not lucite as was the "51" there has been a tendency to cracking as the years go by... the Octinium nib has also had a tendency to flatten out a bit. A great pen to test the waters with tho

**GarageBoy** · 05-10-2010, 10:52 PM

Err, don't get a 21, get a SUPER 21. (more 51 Special like)

**Rev. Nathan** · 05-11-2010, 12:38 AM

Seems like any Parker pen is "can't lose". Can any fountain pen "experts" confirm this?

**brianw** · 05-11-2010, 03:24 AM

A little too broad a statement. I have had some duds.... mostly though with the duofolds, not with the "51" genre. Modern parkers you could chase me a country mile with

**johnmrson** · 05-12-2010, 05:42 AM

After using the "21" quite alot at work during the last few days I'm even more impressed with it. It writes so smoothly and actually keeps up when I need to take quick notes. I've already bought a second (with red barrel to fill with red ink) and I'm now looking for a third for those long sessions at work when a single fill isn't enough ink so I'll have a spare. My Cross Titanium has been relagated to the pen tray in the drawer I'm afraid.

**shyrlock** · 05-12-2010, 07:50 AM

Johnmrson,
Man those must be some dreadful long sessions at work.

**AndrewGWU** · 05-12-2010, 07:54 AM

I have always used modern, not vintage, fountain pens. After loosing my waterman I am carrying around a cheap Duke, but it writes rather well.

This thread has spurred my interest in vintage pens and a 21 may be the place to start.