Which 51?

[Farmboy]

Here’s a question: did every single 51 made feature an arrow clip?

There are the clip-less Demi "Princess" pen models.... Bedazzled with "jewels". Don't see them very often.

Bob

Yes. That qualifies I think.
They are also probably the ugliest 51s ever made.

[Seattleite]

[22.1033-1034.27.05]

Does this pen have a soul? EOC asks.

I think that the soul escapes when you leave the cap off.

Bob

[christof]

Of the models made of metal, I particularly like "Rolled Silver". I think it is a rather rare model.



Mine is NOS, so I prefer not to use it.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Here’s a question: did every single 51 made feature an arrow clip?

There are the clip-less Demi "Princess" pen models.... Bedazzled with "jewels". Don't see them very often.

Bob

Yes. That qualifies I think.
They are also probably the ugliest 51s ever made.

Now I kinda hafta see one.

[Jon Szanto]

Now I kinda hafta see one.

From the gopens.com site:

This is a 1950 Parker 51 Princess Demi Aerometric-fill in smooth gold-filled. The cap top and barrel bottom each have a large white glass crystal, and the cap is surrounded by 12 diamond shaped red glass crystals. So very rare! According to Zazove & Shepherd in their Parker 51 book (2004, p. 71), “The rarest Demi in existence…was designed by Don Doman and introduced in the mid west USA. Only a limited number were made and it never went into full production. Furthermore, it did not feature in Parker Advertisements.” Different size, shape and color jewels were used. Correct with no clip. Fitted with a Medium nib. Near mint+ (could be new-old-stock).

[Sailor Kenshin]

Well.

I like #8.

[Farmboy]

Of the models made of metal, I particularly like "Rolled Silver". I think it is a rather rare model.



Mine is NOS, so I prefer not to use it.

The English all silver pens are spectacular. That it is new adds so much, the finish didn’t take a lot of abuse before it started to start to look worn.

Now we need the big daddy Presidential in that all metal shot.

[Farmboy]

Classic 51 double jewel with an uncommon nib.

[carlos.q]

I would love to get a rolled silver 51 as shown by Christof. However, I guess I'll have to settle with a 51 with a rolled silver cap.

[Sandy]

The UK P51's seem to write wider than the US ones.

My US one is on the fine side. 2 UK mediums are on the medium-broad side and one (mark III) is inbetween.

The UK ones seem to write smoother, but I think it's the width of the nib that does it.

Of the ones I have, the mark III is the ugliest, but is also the most consistent writer.

I'd suggest looking at reputable dealers who sell 2nd hand pens.

P51's come in a variety of conditions - and e-bay is a lottery - and spares/relacements for repairs can cost more than pen itself.

Better to buy one that will work well.

[FredRydr]

Keep in mind that the "51" is the world's most wanted pen. Measurably!

image0.jpeg

[RobJohnson]

If I could have any 51 it would be one of the ex Eisenhower 51s. I used to have a good 51 Presidential, nice looking pen but an EF nib so it wasn't for me and a 51 is for using, especially an Aero so a regular 51 with a medium or broad works well for me.

They are an admired pen by many in 2022, can you imagine the impact in the early 40s?

[Prettypenguin]

This says it’s the gift of a lifetime. I would settle for finding one in the wild in excellent condition, regardless of color or year. All of mine are serendipitous finds and write wonderfully, but were definitely EDC for their previous owners. Although the more time passes, the more I get to know each ding. However, a blue or green aerometric with a gold nib and cap of any sort will always turn my head.

[Cyril]

I remember my younger age at school and I had a " YOUTH " pen ( similar Japanese version pen I guess ) Parker 51 style. Good writer with a gold plated nib.
I need one of these world's most wanted pens.
I have noticed how this pen writes. It is a lovely pen With many characters. Fine and Broad italic nibs are very special.

[Motomachi10]

Parker 51 Flighter. I can't find the date.

[RobJohnson]

Here’s a question: did every single 51 made feature an arrow clip?

I have seen an increasing use of a clip from another Parker on common 51s, probably because the 17/Duofold cap is prone to cracking and plentiful with clips that can be made to fit. The end result doesn't look too bad at all. The end result is still a feather clip, just not a 51 clip and not as intended by Parker, a gold clip on the brushed cap is a nice effect.

I haven't used any of my 51s for a long time, I took out a very ordinary dark red aero with a medium+ nib today, a joy to use, very smooth and perfect flow.

[pajaro]

I don't care for the Vacumatics. My experience with them is 2 to ten years before needing a resac. I thought I wanted a plum aerometric, but the color is too dark. I like the cocoa and the midnight blue, with Lustraloy caps and clear jewel. Medium or fine nib, but I have a midnight blue with a Minuskin stub.

Every First Year I have seen has the date code very worn. Of course, what would you expect after all this time? I don't imagine I will see the hundred year anniversary.

[Vacnut]

A double jewel black 51 with an one of kind cap from Parker. Fine nib.

[MikeD]

A first year Nassau Green with a solid gold cap…..a pen I’ll simply never have. Barring that, a Pan Am 51 in decent shape.

[sirtoti]

I like the green + golden combination, so I would go with a forest green insignia or signet. My P51 is actually an aerometric Dove with plain gold filled cap, not much of a beauty, but a terrific writer.