I recently bought my first Parker 51. It was online market place site in Australia. I think it was someone whose father or husband died and was selling off his pen. Only described as an old Parker that had been a gift in 1951 in England. Photos didnt focus on the vital parts so was hard to be sure what it was. But the price was very very good Hooded nib made me suspect it could be a 51. So after posting on the Parker forum most thought it was in fact a 51. Then I had to wait to see whether I had an ordinary 51 or the cheaper Special. The anticipation of what I might have purchased was quite exciting and also the research to try and identify it. I now know about 10 times as much about Parker 51s than I did before so the experience had two pluses.
So the purchase of something that you havent seen physically no doubt has its risks but also the anticipation and mystery is so exciting. I have only bought one new pen from a pen shop and that was a Faber Castell E-motion but while it was exciting the anticipation was missing as I knew what I was getting.
Of course you probably wouldnt buy an expensive pen without physically seeing it But when you are buying some of these under $50 cheap vintage pens from unprofessional sellers who are not sure what they are selling I find it a really exciting experience. Yes obviously not every purchase is going to be what you expected but I still think I would continue to do it.
There must be heaps of little treasures out there in opportunity shops, antique shops and at estate sales. I also think that there must be some great buys at garage sales but I am not going to spend my weekends going to them.
When I read the "What pen are you waiting for" forum you can feel the excitement and anticipation of those waiting for their new purchase.
So to tie this altogether I would be interested in hearing whether anyone else has experienced this excitement or is just the excitement of having a pen you want in your hand.
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