Finally got me one of them there Parker 51 pens

**Darkbulb** · April 9th, 2016, 11:29 PM

Even being new to pens/fountain pens I had of course heard of the almost cult-like following that had developed around the Parker 51 pens.
"Best pen ever made", "You will only ever need one pen - this one", etc.

Curious to find out what lies behind all the praise I ended up, thanks to online forums and not eBay in this case, getting myself one.

It arrived today and first impressions (pre-writing) are very positive.
Now, there is no real 'wow-factor' when picking up the pen but what grabs you is the simple, elegant yet sturdy design. It..'feels' good in your hand.

The one I got is a 1948 full-size aerometric burgundy pen w/ 1/10 gold filled cap - and let me tell you...it is in gorgeous condition and has been taken apart, cleaned, etc.
I was also able to get it for what my max budget was: $75 shipped so I'm very happy about that.

Won't try it out with ink until tomorrow/Monday but I am very, very excited to do so.

Here's a writing sample from the seller - he is thinking it might be a Fine or Medium:

And, some photos of mine of the pen today (I realized that this dark 'burgundy' color is really hard to capture...);

**earthdawn** · April 9th, 2016, 11:40 PM

Beautiful pen, congrats.

Great photos as well.

**katherine** · April 9th, 2016, 11:41 PM

Pretty pen! You should bring it to the Posse tomorrow!

**Darkbulb** · April 9th, 2016, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by earthdawn

Beautiful pen, congrats.
Greta photos as well.

Thanks!
The photos are all with my phone

Originally Posted by katherine

Pretty pen! You should bring it to the Posse tomorrow!

Ah yes, seems like I most likely will be able to swing by tomorrow!
I'll bring my enormous collection of 3-4 fountain pens (and one stuck rollerball pen)

I'll also have some Deleter pens on me if you want to check them out. They are by far the best brush-pens I've found as they give a near watercolor effect when painting with them.
Far better, in my eyes, to anything by Faber-Castell, etc.
They are hard to find but there IS one place in SF that carries them.

**katherine** · April 10th, 2016, 12:48 AM

I have about ten minutes of experience with brush pens... but I'd be curious to try them!

**Darkbulb** · April 10th, 2016, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by katherine

I have about ten minutes of experience with brush pens... but I'd be curious to try them!

Sure thing, they will already be in my bag

I can't draw well at all but they 'paint' sooo smoothly that they are great for like adding shadows like I did here;

**pajaro** · April 11th, 2016, 09:45 PM

No "wow factor." I have no idea what you mean by "wow factor."

I have used and owned a lot of various pens, and I have owned a number of 51s. Few pens have been as good as a 51. After using a couple of hundred 51s I have found a no hassle factor second to none. That's what it's about. No having to wet or refill the pen to get it writing today after leaving it overnight.

**Darkbulb** · April 11th, 2016, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by pajaro

No "wow factor." I have no idea what you mean by "wow factor."

I have used and owned a lot of various pens, and I have owned a number of 51s. Few pens have been as good as a 51. After using a couple of hundred 51s I have found a no hassle factor second to none. That's what it's about. No having to wet or refill the pen to get it writing today after leaving it overnight.

The comment "no wow factor" was in the context, that I thought I made rather clear, of not having actually used the pen yet- as in initial, visual impression