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 in 1955.
The colour is most attractive, it is definitely Blue but has a Green tinge, named after the wing flash on the duck of the same name. The pen is in outstanding condition throughout and shows little sign of use. The surface is superb and the 'lustralloy' cap is ding free and has retained its frosted finish. It is fitted with a 'short arrow' clip, pearl coloured end stud. The barrel bears an imprint:
Made in England .5.
The '5' indicates the year, 1954, and the two dots show that the pen was made in the second quarter of that year, it is just turning 7 . The imprint on a Parker 51 is situated at the end of the barrel, just where the cap fits. This is the part of the pen that sustains most but the imprint is still legible.
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, 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.
The 'polka dot' box, probably original, is in pristine condition.
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.