The Parker 51 Mk. III was introduced in 1969, and gave way to the Mk. lV in 1971 a very short production run.
The set is finished in Blue, an uncommon colour, with a 12 Ct. lustralloy cap which carries a 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, if any use. The pen did not come to me specifically as new old stock but that could well be the case. The pen body is flawless with a deep, lustrous shine, and the 'pli-glass' ink sac is totally unstained. The original presentation box is is high quality and in very good, clean condition.
Despite being over 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.