The Parker 51 Insignia was the top of the range, not only of the 51 but the entire Parker catalogue, excluding the solid Gold Presidential model. This set, comprising a fountain pen and a continuous feed pencil was made, in the U.K., in 1957, the number '7' is clearly engraved on the pen barrel.
The caps are is clearly stamped:
'Parker 1/10 12Ct. R. Gold'
indicating that the barrels and caps are one tenth, by weight, 12 Ct. Rolled Gold.
The same message is repeated around the ends of the barrels with the additional inscription:
'Made in England 7'
By this time date stamping on the barrels of most 51 models had ceased but it was still used on the U.K. Insignias. The lack of any 'dots' after the '7' indicate that the set was made during the last quarter of 1957, so it will turn 67 years old this year.
The set is in superb condition, it has a bright surface and crisp pattern. There is a suggestion of a tiny crease in the pen cap which I've tried to show but, to see it you have to be looking for it and turn the pen to catch the light. The pattern consists of groups of five finely engraved lines separated by a space. Both barrels have a cartouche which could be used to engrave a name, this is blank in both cases. I have included 15 high resolution photographs in an attempt to do it justice!
The pencil is a 'continuous feed' type, as the cap is 'clicked' a couple of mm. of lead is expelled at a time. The cap can be pulled off to reveal the eraser which can be removed to access the spare leads stored in the barrel.
The original hard case 'mock croc' Parker box is also in excellent condition, it has an unstained interior and sound hinges, opening and closing correctly.
The Parker 51 Insignia is much sought after and very collectable. It is extremely hard to find a set in such remarkable condition, in many ways the ultimate Parker 51.