WTB - Parker 51 (revisited)

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Putting this out there again.

I am looking for a midnight blue aerometric Parker 51 in excellent condition.

Here is the one I lost and am seeking to replace.

https://i.imgur.com/cQ5pFDMl.jpg

Nib will probably have to be fine, as I don't believe that factory italics exist for this pen (I've certainly never seen one, either in hand or online).

I have a good condition English made burgundy 51 and a grey 51 without a cap (it has a Consort cap if anyone is interested in this, I can throw that in). So, they could be for a partial trade.


It is understood that finding this pen is going to be majorly problematic, and that the best I can realistically hope for is a lead to a suitable dealer. No doubt it will also be very expensive by regular 51 standards, but will see how I feel about that if one ever turns up.


As an aside, I find it astonishing that I cannot readily source such a pen, given how many were sold and how many in general appear on the market.

[mizgeorge]

I've seen quite a few recently on UK ebay, but most have g/f caps. There's an oblique in black as well (though the condition wasn't very impressive) that could be raided for its nib.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

I've seen one or two as well. Talking of the one I lost, it had been used as attested by the discolouring of the sac, but other than that was in as near mint condition as I've ever seen. Most of the few I've seen online are not in that condition. Also, the cap had perfect frosting. Further to that, it was a set and only cost $70, which I thought was a bit of a bargain under the circumstances.

No doubt my expectations are unreasonably high now, and as noted I don't recall ever hearing about a factory italic nib so I guess that part is pie in the sky anyway.

[RobJohnson]

I've seen one or two as well. Talking of the one I lost, it had been used as attested by the discolouring of the sac, but other than that was in as near mint condition as I've ever seen. Most of the few I've seen online are not in that condition. Also, the cap had perfect frosting. Further to that, it was a set and only cost $70, which I thought was a bit of a bargain under the circumstances.

No doubt my expectations are unreasonably high now, and as noted I don't recall ever hearing about a factory italic nib so I guess that part is pie in the sky anyway.

Parker made a stub for the 51 but perhaps not an itallic, the stub was in both medium and a broad. They also made two Arabic nibs which I would love to try.

[mizgeorge]

Here's the nib: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUPERB-1949-Parker-51-Italic-Oblique-STUBB-fountain-prn-nib-Solid-14k-GOLD/203259039774?hash=item2f532ed01e:g:Y6UAAOSwippf-efB

Here's one fitted, but not in a great pen: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Parker-51-Aerometric-Vintage-Fountain-Pen-14ct-Italic-Oblique-Nib-Serviced/274659018791?hash=item3ff2f40827:g:rS8AAOSwNNpgDmz h

Here's a nice midnight blue set: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIDNIGHT-BLUE-PARKER-51-SET-Original-CLAMSHELL-CASE/174222749689?hash=item28907c2ff9:g:9dsAAOSwQKleZwf i

Or a demi version in immaculate condition: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Parker-51-Aerometric-UNINKED-DEMI-MIDNIGHT-BLUE-SET-LUSTALOY-CAPS-CASE-UNUSED/143408890219?hash=item2163d6016b:g:k~sAAOSwZGRbZYh z

And there are lots of midnight blues with the gold caps, which could be switched over?

Or ask these guys to keep an eye out for you: https://www.penhome.co.uk/collections/parker-51-fountain-pens

[Empty_of_Clouds]

That nib is very expensive, starting at about $50 and likely to rise, and seller doesn't ship here.

Second link is an oblique, which is not what I use.

Third link looks more like a teal than midnight blue. Note midnight blue is very dark

Demi version is too small for me.

Battersea Pens is really expensive - around $240 for an easy to find 51.


Despite all that, I do appreciate that you went and looked :) Part of the problem is getting everything to align, and that's probably a bit of a big ask quite frankly: right model and colour, right condition, sensible price, nib of choice, sells to NZ. Quite a few hoops!

Sorry, don't mean to come off as a Negative Nellie, but I am a bit more particular about what I buy these days, having been ripped off rightly on many occasions over the years.

[mizgeorge]

Not to worry - I was browsing anyway.0

I tend to find my 51s by accident - usually in mixed lots - I got a lovely one this week - cost me less than a tenner, almost immaculate condition apart from a tiny ding in the cap. One of these days I'll spring for the liner remover so I can sort out several of these, but as they're just for me I'm not in a hurry. I'm not big on Parkers as a rule - I was put off them by the horror of the 25s when I was at school (these were our mandatory school pens) but I have a soft spot for the 51 - it's just so unassuming and gets on with the job faultlessly every time. There were always a few lying around at home when I was growing up so I guess they're the Heinz tomato soup or mac and cheese of my pen world. Along with my old Pelikans of course, though I have rather more of these now :)

Hope you find what you're after. I'll keep it in mind if I'm looking anyway.

[empliau]

If you find the perfect thing and your country is in the do not ship list, it's worth sending an inquiry to the seller. I've done that and acquired something rare-ish and very nice! Some sellers will accommodate a serious buyer.