The Parker 51 clutch, inside the cap, changed to a 'finger' design in 1962 and the cap lip was removed for 1964. This pen has the new style clutch and retains the cap lip so it can be fairly accurately dated to 1963.
The pen, in Navy Grey, is in first class, near mint condition throughout. The barrel and hood have a 'showroom' finish with a deep shine and the ding free 'Lustralloy' cap is similarly pristine. It has retained the original frosted surface which was quite fragile and wore away quite quickly with use. The chromed 'arrow' clip is excellent and is secured with a brass bush and a clear pearl cap stud.
Navy Grey is one of the less common 51 colours, at the time black was the most popular, perhaps a legacy from the time when virtually all pens were black. Navy Grey is, arguably, the only 51 colour that looks better with a Lustralloy 'Classic' cap than the 'Custom' rolled gold version.
Although the pen was in superb condition when it came to me I still gave it a good service and check. The Parker 51 owes some of it's famed writing ability to the 'ink governor' arrangement beneath the hood which acts as a second ink reservoir ensuring good ink flow. This consists of a number of fine 'fins' which can become blocked with old ink so a through service is always recommended if the pen has been out of use for some time.
the 'Aerometric', press bar filler system is easy to use and works well, instructions are printed on the filler sleeve. The nib is 14Ct, Gold, it writes with a super smooth medium line, perhaps a little on the fine side. The pen is a very comfortable and easy writer.
The box is brand new, it is of high quality and will serve well for transportation, protection, and display.
The Parker 51 has been described as 'the best pen Parker ever made' and this example certainly supports that claim, it would make a first class, and prestigious, daily writer.