The Parker '51' Aerometric filling system was introduced in 1948. In England the two '51' versions were designated 'Classic' and 'Custom'. This pen is the high end Custom version with a 12Ct. rolled Gold cap. This is an English made pen carrying a date code for the first quarter of 1954.
The pen has been fully serviced and tested and is in first class working condition. The hood encloses the nib and an ink collector or 'governor', as Parker called it. This consists of an arrangement of very fine fins which can become blocked if the pen has been unused for some time so a thorough service is particularly important.
The 14 Ct. Gold nib writes with a smooth medium line, perhaps a little on the fine side. The 51 nibs were largely hand made so there is some variation between individual nibs of the same specification. The hooded nib arrangement precludes any flex but Parker managed to achieve a very pleasing 'soft' feel with their Gold nibs.
This is an outstanding example, it has a showroom 'English Burgundy' finish and a good, deep shine. The rolled Gold cap is clearly stamped:
Parker.
1/10 12CT. R. Gold.
This indicates that the cap is one tenth, by weight, 12Ct. rolled Gold. It is in beautiful condition with a good surface, crisp engraved lines, and is totally ding free. A most unusual, and very attractive feature of this pen is that the cap 'jewel', usually pearl grey, has a slightly gold tinge.
The date stamp, 1954 in this case, is situated, on the barrel, with the 'Made in England' imprint just below the clutch ring. This is the part of the pen that is subject to wear as the cap is removed and replaced so a legible imprint is a sign of sparing use, as is the unstained, original 'pli-glass' ink sac.
The colour is most attractive, it is definitely a red, the American version of Burgundy is more of a brown colour than red. In the U.S.A. the English colour is often referred to as 'Bloody Burgundy', the adjective not having the same vulgar connotations as it does in the U.K.
The pen came to me unboxed, so I have provided a new high quality presentation case as befits it's status.
At over seventy 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.