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The Parker Premier is no more.  After about 70 years and 3 distinct pens with the 'Premier' name Parker has continued to slim down the range and axed the Premier. The original 'thrift time' or 'depression' version, produced from 1932 to 1934, was an attracive, functinal, but britttle pen that did not last well. The second Parker Premier was altogether a different story, it was a very high specification luxury update to the Parker 75.  It was made from 1983 to 1992 in a variety of very attractive finishes, such as this 'Chinese Lacquer' version: The final, perhaps, version of...

Occasionally a pen comes along that has a somethng that really sets it apart from other pens in the same range.  The Parker 75 Custom Laque is such a pen.  It came in four solid colours, Red, Blue, Black, and Green, each with a body coloured 'cabuchon' stone set into the cap stud.  This, and the 23Ct. Gold filling and deep multi layered lacqered finis combine to stunning effect.  It is a truly georgeous pen, and it's a Parker 75! 

I couldn't resit, although I did try, buying a 'New Parker 51' or 'Parker 51 reimagined' as they are often referred to:   Despite the screw thread, shiny cap, and modern arrow clip the overall likeness to the original is quite strong.  Not so 'in the hand', it just doesn't feel like a Parker 51. But, in fairness, if compared to the host of other '51 clones' it is a winner, and so it should be.  It is, after all, made by Parker.

A nib block is an invaluable tool for straightening pen nibs, a common task when restoring vintage fountain pens.  Most blocks consist of two curved surfaces, one for working from the inside of the nib and the other for working from the inside.  A range of hand tools is useful to apply pressure to the nib in the required area with the correct amount of pressure. I bought the kit pictured above from Mike at: vintagepensacsandparts.com, it is a good quality product at a very reasonable price.  Successful use of a nib block is, on the face of it fairly straightforward...

A knockout block for removing a reluctant nib from a section is an essential pen repair tool.  It consists of a solid block with a number of holes of differing sizes to accommodate a range of nib sizes. A range of punch sizes to fit the section bore is also needed.  The picture shows a very substantial and versatile block which will last a lifetime and more.  As you are only ever going to buy one of these it is best to buy a good one. The photo is a block supplied by The Pendragons at Thependragons - Vintage fountain pen...