Surprised by my grandfather

[Dragonmaster Lou]

When I visited my grandfather for Father's Day, we ended up talking about my new found interest in fountain pens. He mentioned that he had some pens from when he was younger, including Parkers and Sheaffers. He showed me some really simple antique non-branded fountain pens but was a bit frustrated that he couldn't find the pen he was looking for. Well, I saw him today and he finally showed me this beauty:

http://i.imgur.com/QxS3kAy.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/w8NE0A6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CRO43TO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7T0RnvB.jpg

So yeah, a classic Parker 51! This was not what I expected and was pleasantly surprised. Apparently, he had received it as a gift when he was young in Portugal (it had his name engraved on it), but it sat in its box with the matching pencil for years.

Out of curiosity, not being an expert on P51s, can anyone here perhaps give any additional info on this pen?

[Jon Szanto]

Congratulations - these kind of pens, with a personal history, are worth so much! I can't speak too much about the 51, but the first place I would go read, if I were you, is this fantastic Parker site (http://parkercollector.com/).

[jar]

IIRC that is a Parker "51" Special and was introduced in 1950. Look on the filler for the word "Special" and if it has a black jewel on the cap.

[Dragonmaster Lou]

Unfortunately, the jewel apparently has fallen off the cap over the years... but I'll look for "Special" on the filler next time I'm over there. He doesn't quite want to let go of that pen yet, lol. :)

[stub]

Nice. Hoop filler action. Clean it. Ink it. Rock it.

[Dragonmaster Lou]

Well, my grandfather doesn't want to give it up yet due to the sentimental value. Just thought it was kinda cool that he had this pen. I guess it's possible that I may end up inheriting it at some point as I'm the only person in the family who appreciates fountain pens at the moment, but I'm in no rush to inherit it.

[pajaro]

That set might have a pen with a hoop filler, but note the pencil. That's a cap-actuated pencil, not the twist-action pencil found in Special sets. The pen nib appears to be gold. These are the signs of a 51 Standard Set. The cap jewel is likely to be gray. The caps appear to be Lustraloy caps and not the shiny chrome-look of the Specials.

[Dragonmaster Lou]

Hmm, one thing to keep in mind about this particular set is that it was purchased in Portugal, so it may not exactly line up with the equivalent sets sold elsewhere. I didn't mess with the pencil much to see if it was twist-action or cap-actuated (what's the difference?). However, I did look very closely at the filler and didn't see any mention of it being a "Special." The most interesting thing it said was "use with quick-drying Suprachrome ink". No idea if Suprachrome ink was ever used in it, and even if it was, I doubt my grandfather would remember if he did or didn't.

Any idea on where I can get a replacement cap jewel for this pen? :)

I'll post another little gem from my grandfather's collection a bit later... Thanks for the help with identifying this pen, though!