Beginner looking for Parker 51 user

[N6GQ]

I've read a lot about how many people revere the Parker 51 as the quintessential user pen. I've got a number of lower cost new pens now but would like to experience the Parker 51. So I'm looking for a user - cosmetics are not important as long as the pen is functional. If it needs a good cleaning, thats fine, I don't mind doing the work. If it needs parts replacement then maybe that's not the one. Lastly, looking for lower price, under $20 if possible. Have anything that fits the bill that you'd like to unload? I've been watching ebay but usually get bid out right at the end of the auctions

Thanks much...

[RayCornett]

You're going to need to be willing to pay a bit more than that just for an unrestored version. $20 about covers the cost of their bottom of the barrel nibs.

[mrincon]

Yeah, to second the comment above, most P51s have gold nibs, so I'd say 50-60$ for low end is doable. If you find a P51 Special with a steel nib and it needs work then maybe 20-30 is possible. That being said, repairing them requires a bit more work as they're not easy to disassemble

I'd recommend getting a decent pen in the 50-70 range because if you don't like it you should have no problem reselling it.

[N6GQ]

Thanks for the feedback!


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[Jobesmirage]

At the price youre looking at I think you should look for a Parker 21 or a Parker 45

[Hawk]

The Parker 21 Super is quite similar to the 51. However, the barrel material is not as robust as the 51. I enjoy my 21 as well as my 51's.

[Vespagirl]

I second Hawk's suggestion. I found a Parker 21 for about $20 on EBay (I have no idea how because they seem to generally go for more) and it is a great writer. I feel it is comparable to my Parker 51, but that is in need of repair so I may not be the best judge.

In any case, I recommend the 21 wholeheartedly! And for the price, if anything happens, you are out a great pen, but not a lot of money.

PM me if you want the name of the EBay seller I got my pen from.

Good luck! I don't think you can go wrong with either pen.


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[N6GQ]

Thanks guys, I have a Parker 45 and its very nice. I haven't tried a 21 yet but will stay on the lookout!

[DavidtheGnome]

For $46 this might be a good buy (no its not my etsy store, but I like to keep an eye out for deals)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/5056559...n-blue-w-satin

[DavidtheGnome]

also as some may note its a squeeze filler I've normally seen on the 51 special. the seller checked and said it does not say 51 special on the filler but rather parker 51 and that the nib is indeed a 14k. take it for what its worth but I did ask

[N6GQ]

thanka!

[Hawk]

The pen that DavidtheGnome linked is the Super. The hood is just like the 51 hood. Earlier versions of the 21 had a more open hood and a more conventional nib. I understand they didn't perform as well. The Super is supposed to have a feather clip.

[DavidtheGnome]

thanks for clarifying hawk, did the super's ever come with a gold nib? I had a 51 special that did, which is why I recognized the squeeze fill bar vs the standard aerometric.

[Hawk]

thanks for clarifying hawk, did the super's ever come with a gold nib? I had a 51 special that did, which is why I recognized the squeeze fill bar vs the standard aerometric.

Since it is a lower tier pen, I doubt that it would. Same goes for the 51 Special. both nibs should be Octanium (?). The gold nib would be neat on the 51. Personally I can't tell the difference in the nib materials since the tipping material should be the same. I'm sure there are other people that can. It's kind of a moot point since the tubular nib can't flex.
I believe I read where the hoop squeeze filler is the same between models.
Personally I like the three piece clutch ring on the 21, it looks better.
Find a 21 and enjoy it.

[DavidtheGnome]

A couple 51's just hit the forum at a very reasonable price courtesy of Curtivisan

[kyleparsons4842]

^^^ This. Great seller/buyer too, Curtivisan.

[Doromath]

Let me k ow if you don't find anything. I have a handful of 21s I could pull up in the restoration queue If you are interested.


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[heraclitus682]

Has anyone suggested a 51 Special? Same as a 51 but with a steel nib that you will never notice.

[pajaro]

What you are asking for here would have been a stretch fifteen years ago. Today I would expect to get at least $50 for about any 51.

[Hawk]

With respect to the 51 Special, I like the black jewel, sometimes it looks better than some of the gray jewels one encounters. The octanium nib isn't noticeable with the hooded pen; besides if the nib is tuned, it will write just as good as a gold nib.