WTB Unbeautiful Parker 51

[AdaByron]

I am looking for a Parker 51 to use as a writer, not for show (not a collector of this pen, but adore them for writing). I would like a fine point, smooth writer, perfect working condition, BUT, would be happy with a dinged cap, monograms, scratches on barrel, demi or full size, any color -- I just want a beater Parker 51 (aerometric) to write with an have as my EDC. I do need the clip to be sturdy and solid. I live some distance from easily getting to a pen show, and so I'm hoping someone here has something for me. I'm low on dough, high on desire for this pen. I am new to this forum, but am admin on a fountain pen group on FB, and so am not just a drop-in to the online pen world, am just new here (am excited about becoming an active member). WILL PAY BY PAYPAL, or whatever you want to work out. Thank you!

[Laura N]

Welcome! You should know that there are no unbeautiful Parker 51s. That would be unpossible.

Enjoy the one you find.

[AdaByron]

Yes! I should have said "unconventionally beautiful."

[Laura N]

Yes! I should have said "unconventionally beautiful."

That's the ticket!

[Neo]

Try contacting joel Hamilton at ink-pen.com. he accomodated me with a similar request for flex pens. None of the options he found were over $100 and the cheapest was around $50. Good luck with your search.

[Sailor Kenshin]

See if Rick Krantz has anything. That's how I got my beater 51.

[carlos.q]

See if Rick Krantz has anything. That's how I got my beater 51.

Me too!

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Me three!

[Rick Krantz]

ugh, let me look.

send me an email at ckrantz3@msn.com

put in the subject "find me a beater 51"

I'll go hunting tonight

RIck

[Rick Krantz]

any chance it could be a vac fill instead? I might be more able to make that happen, just sitting here at work thinking about it

[AdaByron]

Must be aero...

[mhosea]

Not to try to talk you into anything, but just sayin'...

Given the number of 51 aero's I've seen with gooey connectors and corroded breather tubes, and I have only handled but several 51's at this point, I'm not entirely convinced that a typical 51 aero is less likely to need repair over the next 10 years than a freshly restored vac 51. And if you want to experiment with different inks instead of say, just using Waterman Blue or some such, that translucent pli-glass sac will be tinted in no time to the point where the ink supply is difficult to make out. In a "beater" aero it is somewhat likely to be opaque when you receive it. The only argument I would be willing to make for an "not-overhauled but working" aero 51 over a restored vac 51 at this point is that the latex diaphragm in the vac might be susceptible to early breakdown with some modern inks. It remains frustrating that we don't have more collective information on which specific modern inks should be avoided.

[AdaByron]

Thanks, but I've got a lot of pens I use to experiment with inks (and a lot more inks than I should have...). That's not why I want this pen. You mentioned Waterman blue, I'm thinking I really will be a Waterman Serenity Blue for this pen, and I'm not a collector. I don't care if the ink sac is stained or opaque -- I can tell if it's filled the same way I can tell my cheapo Hero copy is filled -- no more bubbles in the ink bottle. I didn't say "not overhauled but working." I said, not collectors grade, cosmetically. A gooey connector and/or corroded breather tube wouldn't really be good writing condition, which is what I said I wanted. And, I really want an aerometric.

Again, I'm not a collector.

ETA: I don't want to sound ungrateful for the information! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on this.

[mhosea]

A gooey connector and/or corroded breather tube wouldn't really be good writing condition[snip]

In my experience that's not the case. A "51" aero with a gooey connector tends to write fine, and a corroded breather tube only affects how much ink the pen can take up after it starts to crumble. It's hard to shop for an aerometric that has a connector that is not at all gooey and a breather tube that is not at all corroded because this information is not usually available. These problems go undetected for years, and most aerometrics are sold without anyone evaluating the condition of the breather tube or connector because you have to disassemble the pen to find out. I didn't know why you in particular wanted an aerometric, but I knew why I did originally, and I was only thinking of practical, user reasons why anyone, any user, might prefer an aerometric. The interests of collectors never crossed my mind. Usually it's about durability, reliability, or some such, and what I'm saying is that my sense is that the population of aeros has aged to the point where many of them will require servicing within the normal lifespan of a vacumatic diaphragm. Now, if you replace a vac diaphragm, then you'll need to repeat the exercise several years later (10? 20?), but if you do a comprehensive overhaul of an aero, you might have another 70 years, maybe more. So that's still an advantage.

[Sailor Kenshin]

I don't know....fascinating thread, but I wouldn't look for a vac myself. All my (working) Parkers are either cart/con or aero. Just my preference.

[mhosea]

Where's FarmBoy when you need him? I'm sure he could provide exactly what is needed, a cosmetically-challenged aero with verified-good innards.

[Laura N]

A gooey connector and/or corroded breather tube wouldn't really be good writing condition[snip]

In my experience that's not the case. A "51" aero with a gooey connector tends to write fine, and a corroded breather tube only affects how much ink the pen can take up after it starts to crumble. It's hard to shop for an aerometric that has a connector that is not at all gooey and a breather tube that is not at all corroded because this information is not usually available. These problems go undetected for years, and most aerometrics are sold without anyone evaluating the condition of the breather tube or connector because you have to disassemble the pen to find out. I didn't know why you in particular wanted an aerometric, but I knew why I did originally, and I was only thinking of practical, user reasons why anyone, any user, might prefer an aerometric. The interests of collectors never crossed my mind. Usually it's about durability, reliability, or some such, and what I'm saying is that my sense is that the population of aeros has aged to the point where many of them will require servicing within the normal lifespan of a vacumatic diaphragm. Now, if you replace a vac diaphragm, then you'll need to repeat the exercise several years later (10? 20?), but if you do a comprehensive overhaul of an aero, you might have another 70 years, maybe more. So that's still an advantage.

I was going to say the exact same thing.

I feel like it's common to read advice that prospective 51 buyers should always choose an aero because all it needs is a flush and it's good to go. That is, often, true. You often can flush an aero out until the water runs clear, ink it up and either write with it or sell it, or both. But from what I've seen, the internals of these can be in poor shape nonetheless. What does that mean, practically? Maybe in the end very little. Let's face it: you're buying a used pen, an old pen. Like other used pens, it may develop a problem in the future, and you then would either have to buy a new one or fix it.

For my money, the main advantage of the aero is that it is easier (faster) to flush out. That's especially relevant if you change inks a lot. And, as Rick said, you probably are safer using high maintenance inks in an aero. Also, if you are buying one to restore yourself, an aero is a lot easier.

I'm not trying to sway you at all, Ada. You want an aero, so you should get an aero. I'm just speaking generally.

[AdaByron]

I want an aero because both of my grandparents had aeros, and I was allowed to help fill them sometimes as a child. Not write with them, but fill them. I was allowed one squeeze, and everytime I'd see one of them write with their pen, I would think "I'll get to squeeze it again soon in the ink bottle."

I can't think of anything that would trump that for me, honestly, but I'm enjoying learning a lot about this all the same.

[mhosea]

I want an aero because both of my grandparents had aeros, and I was allowed to help fill them sometimes as a child. Not write with them, but fill them. I was allowed one squeeze, and everytime I'd see one of them write with their pen, I would think "I'll get to squeeze it again soon in the ink bottle."

OK, I utterly failed to anticipate this reason!

Ironically, I have a good aero in my pocket today, though cosmetically excellent. I actually had it up for sale here last week. When it didn't go for $60 after a week, I decided to pull it, and I thought why not see if all my adjustments prior to putting it up for sale paid off (it had been dry, but I adjusted the hood as the Parker Repair Manual describes, except I used a hair dryer instead of an alcohol lamp). Unfortunately, I like it a lot now, so I'm glad it didn't sell.

[Laura N]

I want an aero because both of my grandparents had aeros, and I was allowed to help fill them sometimes as a child. Not write with them, but fill them. I was allowed one squeeze, and everytime I'd see one of them write with their pen, I would think "I'll get to squeeze it again soon in the ink bottle."

I can't think of anything that would trump that for me, honestly, but I'm enjoying learning a lot about this all the same.

I figured it was something like that. But I think Rick's post set us all thinking. Pen sellers aren't usually as candid as Rick is, so most people don't really know what's under the hood. Sorry for the pun.

What an excellent thread.