The Parker 51 with the aerometric filling system was introduced in 1948, and went on to become the most successful fountain pen ever made. This is a fine example, made in England between 1962 and 1964.
The date of the pen is derived from the modifications to the design, date stamping had ended by this time. In 1962 the clutch inside the cap was changed to a 'finger' design and in 1964 the cap lip was removed. This pen has the finger clutch and a cap lip so it would have been made between these two dates.
The colour is most attractive light grey, perhaps the best 51 colour for a Classic pen as it goes very well with the Lustralloy cap. The pen is in outstanding condition throughout and shows little sign of use. The surface is superb and the cap is ding free and has retained much of its frosted finish. It is fitted with a 'short arrow' clip and pearl coloured end stud.
The pen has been fully serviced, checked and fully tested. A service is recommended for a 51 as the excellent ink flow is partly due to an 'ink collector under the hood which consists of very fine fins which can become blocked with dried ink if the pen has been unused for some time. The aerometric filling system works well and takes up a good amount of ink.
The 14 Ct. gold nib has a medium point which lays down a really smooth and consistent medium line, perhaps a little on the fine side, a very pleasant writer. Although the hooded design of the nib precludes any significant flex, Parker were able to produce a very pleasing 'soft' feel, due to high quality and the 'holistic' design of the 'writing end' of the pen.
At over sixty years old this is a remarkable top quality vintage pen. The 51 is the first choice of many collectors as a daily user, it is totally reliable, stylish and very practical with a great deal of prestige.