Need some info re Parker 51

**legrandfromage** · 02-03-2012, 09:27 AM

When I was a kid (a long time ago), I practiced my penmanship with my father's Parker 51 (actually emulated his handwriting). I've just started using a fountain pen again and have been thinking about that old Parker 51. Needless to say, that pen disappeared long ago and I'm curious about hunting down one like it. I've searched around a bit and realized that I need to narrow down the exact model. As best as I can recall it, here's a description:

Color: Maroon or burgundy
Cap: Silver
I think that it filled by using a lever (not sure here;might have been by squeezing the insides)
I used the pen in the early Fifties
Probably had a medium nib

Besides the nostalgia/ memories issues, it was the best pen I've ever written with.

It would be appreciated if someone could help me zero in on what to look for and also recommend some vendors.

**Mike H** · 02-03-2012, 09:30 AM

This may help...
http://www.parker51.com/versions.html

**Legion** · 02-03-2012, 06:09 PM

It sounds exactly like a P51 "Special" I used to own. Do you remember if the filler bulb on the inside was enclosed, or if you could see it, and it just had a bar of spring steel that went over the top which you squeezed?

**legrandfromage** · 02-04-2012, 07:04 AM

I'm not sure how accurate my recollection of filling the pen is (+/- 55 years ago). If I'm not confusing it with anything else, and if it filled by squeezing the inside, I think it was a metal tube with two longitudinal cutouts that exposed a membrane. To fill, you squeezed/released the exposed membrane.

**strop** · 02-04-2012, 07:30 AM

Brian will be along sometime and get you all the info you need!

**brianw** · 02-04-2012, 06:07 PM

How may I be of Service !!!!

**legrandfromage** · 02-05-2012, 01:25 PM

brianw: If you are the resident Parker 51 expert, please see my post up top. Thanks.

**brianw** · 02-05-2012, 01:52 PM

By far not a expert... just know a little about them

It was one of 4 things

a "51"
a "51" special
a "21"
or a "41"...but probably not.

Do you remember the color of the jewel of the end of the cap ? Pearl, black or stainless

The cap sounds like lusterloy

was the filler like the first or the second pen?

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**legrandfromage** · 02-06-2012, 06:28 AM

This is turning into a real memory test. The top was pearl and the filler looked like the lower of the two pens (had to close my eyes and roll back the years for that). Thanks.

**brianw** · 02-06-2012, 08:02 AM

Okay.....1948 and later Burgandy "51" with a lusterloy cap.

**legrandfromage** · 02-06-2012, 02:23 PM

Thank you. Any suggestions as to where to look for one. I'm not into pens other than I like them and have few (of course PAD could be close by) and need a trustworthy source; I would want one in working condition. Buying decision would depend on price/mood. Thanks again.

**Legion** · 02-06-2012, 08:18 PM

Ebay has tons of them, and that is where I got most of mine. Obviously it is not as foolproof as a dealer, but the Aeromatic models are more bullet proof than the earlier vacumatic ones. Unless it has had an accident, the chances of it working well still are pretty good.

This one looks good, if you are quick

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-Parker-...item1c234d7ebc

**brianw** · 02-06-2012, 08:28 PM

Hot much are you willing to spend. What is your comfort zone ??

**legrandfromage** · 02-07-2012, 03:52 PM

Up to $150.00. Is that doable for a pen as per your description?

**brianw** · 02-07-2012, 04:47 PM

OMG.... Yes to at least 2 of them for that price.

**legrandfromage** · 02-08-2012, 11:28 AM

I really don't want to go on Ebay for this. Now that I know that the going rate is say, under $100, can you steer me towards a trustworthy seller/vendor? Maybe someone that posts on here? Thanks again.

**crowdog** · 02-08-2012, 01:50 PM

+1 on what Legrand said. I am not opposed to ebay, but I really don't want to "fix" a 51. I know I will need to keep it up and maintain it, but I don't want to have to do major repair.

Marty

**brianw** · 02-08-2012, 01:52 PM

Take a look over here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...(Bordeaux)-Ink

**crowdog** · 02-08-2012, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by brianw

Take a look over here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/274896-PIF-Pilot-Iroshizuku-Yama-Budo-Wild-Grapes-(Bordeaux)-Ink

I saw that!!! I just don't know enough about Parkers to get close. I can guess numbers, but year, etc of a pen, and why you like it, may take more research then I have time for:)

Marty