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, stamped 'made in U.S.A. The pen was made, in England, in 1955, there is a '5' date code on the barrel.
The pen has been fully serviced and tested and is in excellent condition. The aerometric filling system works well and takes up a good amount of ink.
The 14 Ct. Gold nib writes with a firm, medium line, 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 an 'English Burgundy finish and a good, deep shine. The colour is most attractive, it is definitely a red, The american version of burgindy 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 last photograph shows the English and American colours side by side.
The box is brand new, it is very high quality and will serve well for protection and display.
At sixty nine 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.