The Parker 21 Mk.1 was only made from 1948 to 1951 when the section and cap design were modified for the Mk. 2 version, a more practical pen than the original. In 1956 the Parker 21 Super, this pen, was introduced. The 21 was discontinued in 1965, probably because the Parker 45 was now a competitor.
This is a particularly fine example. Finished in grey, with a stainless steel cap and the redesigned 'arrow' clip, it is in first class, unused condition. The original pli-glass ink sac is clear and unstained.
Despite it's 'new old stock' status when I acquired the pen, the original steel alloy nib had somehow sustained some damage so I took the opportunity to upgrade the pen with a 14 Ct. Gold Parker 51 nib. The 51 and 21 nibs are virtually identical, other than material, so the exchange is straightforward with no modifications needed. The 51 ink collector is also used in the 21 so this pen has a complete Parker 51 'writing end'. It performs very well indeed, producing a super smooth broad line.
The barrel and hood are pristine. The colour, a shade or two lighter than it appears in the photographs, is perticularly well matched with the steel cap. It is a most attractive pen.
The original box is also in sound, clean condition.
The Parker 21 is an extremely good choice as an unusual and dependable every day writer, a 21 with a Gold nib is a rare item.