The Parker 51 Mk. III was introduced in 1969, and gave way to the Mk. lV in 1971 a very short production run. This is a Mk. lll fountain pen and pencil set in first class, probably unused condition throughout.
The set is finished in Red with lustralloy caps which carry a rolled chromed 'arrow' clip and a pearl grey end stud. This stud was replaced with an integral metal stud in 1971, apparently there was some concern about toddlers ingesting the pearl stud! This pen therefore had a very short production run, always a good sign for collectors.
The overall condition of the fountain pen suggests that it has seen very little use, if any. The pen body is flawless with a deep, lustrous shine, the cap shows no dings and the 'pli-glass' ink sac is clear and unstained. The red colour of the Mk.III pen is more vivid than the Duofold or earlier 51 reds.
I have inked the pen, once for testing purposes. It is a superb writer, delivering a wonderfully smooth broad line. It would particularly suit someone with a large, bold hand.
The pencil has a rotary action, it operates by turning the cap to expel and retract the lead. The eraser has sheared off, it had hardened and become brittle with age. Spare leads can be accessed by removing the eraser.
The Parker 'polka dot' box has very light age marks but is in good, clean condition.
Despite being around fifty years old the Parker 51 Mk. III still has a modern appearance but with all the Parker 51 prestige. It would make a great vintage every day user.