My finds from the weekend and an opinion needed on item 2

**PFP_Dad** · 04-09-2012, 05:42 PM

So the first one is a Pengun made to shoot tear gas canisters. It basically works like a simple zip gun with a spring loaded firing pin that locks in place. You simply load a canister with a rear primer and release the spring. Pretty cool pen and I'm told that they make flare cartridges as well. If anyone has a source for ammunition for this I would love to buy some (assuming it's legal). I'm told by a Marine NBC specialist that the tear gas canisters from this time period will not still activate properly.

The second is a Parker 51 with a 16k gold filled cap. It has initials and a last name enscribed on the barrel. My buddy cleaned it up and it functions flawlessly. I spent roughly an hour in research and believe I located the son of the original owner (the father has passed if I'm correct). I feel that it's only right to call him to see if he has an interest in having this pen (would arrange a trade or something for a similar model). My wife however thinks that it would be "creepy" to call him out of the blue and ask. Let me know your thoughts.

**rearviewmirror** · 04-09-2012, 05:50 PM

The parent in my says it would be a bit creepy.
The child in me, who lost his dad 8 years ago, would love to get a call from somebody saying they had a pen of my dads encribed with his name.

**ddustinn** · 04-09-2012, 06:09 PM

I think it's worth the risk. I would love to have a family heirloom like that. I say go for it.

**oc_in_fw** · 04-09-2012, 06:09 PM

Cannot tell you anything about the Parker, but I can about the Pengun. I found one of these at my grandparents house when I was 8 years old. "Ooh, neat" I thought, "what is this?" Let me tell you, they do work, and scare the hell out of you- of course, I was only 8 and thought the world had ended

How I lived into my 40's is beyond me.

**dfollett_98** · 04-09-2012, 06:32 PM

Chris:

Although the call would be a little difficult to make, if I were on the receiving end I would love to be offered something that belonged to my Dad.

Just my $.02. Good luck with your decision.

Don

**oc_in_fw** · 04-09-2012, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by oc_in_fw

Cannot tell you anything about the Parker, but I can about the Pengun. I found one of these at my grandparents house when I was 8 years old. "Ooh, neat" I thought, "what is this?" Let me tell you, they do work, and scare the hell out of you- of course, I was only 8 and thought the world had ended

How I lived into my 40's is beyond me.

on edit: Sorry, I saw "Parker 51" and stopped reading (I don't like hooded nibs). If it were me, I would give the son an opportunity to express his interest.

**PFP_Dad** · 04-09-2012, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by Blue Raccoon

I'm guessing if you have his number you have his address.. send a nice note with a picture inquiring if indeed this is his fathers pen and let him take it from there.

I really like this idea, now I just need to decide if I'm patient enough to execute it. I have decided that I'm going to attempt contact with him in some form; hopefully he didn't intentionally sell it off in the estate.

**PFP_Dad** · 04-11-2012, 05:01 PM

Well yesterday I e-mailed the son (easier to find than his physical address) and did receive confirmation of the read receipt. Unfortunately I haven't received any contact back from him so it seems likely that I'll just have to keep writing with a beautiful pen that I now know some of the history on. I update this if I do hear back.

**miatapaul** · 04-12-2012, 03:40 PM

I think I would have sent him a note written with the pen. They may have just sold off all his things to an antique shop, thinking it was no good or of any value. If he saw how it writes he might change his mind. I know I am trying to get my father to find a Parker 51 I know used to be in his desk drawer (and he never throws anything out!) but he can't find it, or understand why I want it. I will be visiting them this summer. I was hoping to make it for his 80th birthday, but it looks like I will be moving that week if we ever close on the house we are trying to buy.

**oc_in_fw** · 04-12-2012, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by PFP_Dad

Well yesterday I e-mailed the son (easier to find than his physical address) and did receive confirmation of the read receipt. Unfortunately I haven't received any contact back from him so it seems likely that I'll just have to keep writing with a beautiful pen that I now know some of the history on. I update this if I do hear back.

You tried- looks like you may have a new pen to enjoy.

**PFP_Dad** · 04-26-2012, 12:32 PM

Just an update:

I received a e-mail from this individual late last week and it looks like he is interested in the pen. We came to an arrangement and it looks like I'll be parting with it next week. Luckily I have a new '51 coming in its place. Of course pics will be put up when it arrives.

**appleman** · 04-26-2012, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by PFP_Dad

So the first one is a Pengun made to shoot tear gas canisters. It basically works like a simple zip gun with a spring loaded firing pin that locks in place. You simply load a canister with a rear primer and release the spring. Pretty cool pen and I'm told that they make flare cartridges as well. If anyone has a source for ammunition for this I would love to buy some (assuming it's legal). I'm told by a Marine NBC specialist that the tear gas canisters from this time period will not still activate properly.

The second is a Parker 51 with a 16k gold filled cap. It has initials and a last name enscribed on the barrel. My buddy cleaned it up and it functions flawlessly. I spent roughly an hour in research and believe I located the son of the original owner (the father has passed if I'm correct). I feel that it's only right to call him to see if he has an interest in having this pen (would arrange a trade or something for a similar model). My wife however thinks that it would be "creepy" to call him out of the blue and ask. Let me know your thoughts.

You might check at an outdoor store and look for bear bangers