This Parker 51 Classic set, finished in Teal Blue, was made in England, around 1958. A 'halo' was added to the caps in 1958, and the cap lip was removed shortly after, this set has the halo and the cap lip.
The 'Teal Blue' colour is much one of the most attractive and less common of the 51 colours, it is certainly blue but has a slight greenish tinge. It is, of course, named for the colour of the wing flash on the duck of the same name.
The set, comprises an aerometric filling fountain pen and a ballpoint pen, a less common combination than the usual fountain pen/pencil. It is in first class condition throughout, the finish has a deep, lustrous shine and the lustralloy caps are ding free.
The pen has been fully serviced and tested. The nib assembly was disassembled for a thorough clean, as shown in the photographs. The 51 features an ink collector comprising an array of fine fins which can become clogged with dried ink, affecting performance so a deep clean is particularly important on a vintage 51.
The Aerometric, press bar, filling system is easy to use and works well. The 14 Ct. Gold, has a medium to broad point and writes with a very smooth, wettish line. Parker used the same process and machinery for making all 51 nibs but, as most of the work, including slitting the nib, was done by hand there is some variation between individual nibs. This one writes with no pressure, it would be well suited to someone with a larger 'hand'.
The ballpoint is cap activated, the writing point is extended and retracted by 'clicking' the cap. The old refill had dried with age so a new one has been fitted.
The set is presented in a new, high quality case which will serve well for transportation, protection, and display.
The Parker 51 is, without doubt, the most successful pen ever made, it does, for once, really deserve the epithet 'iconic'. Although this is clearly of collectable quality, perhaps such a handsome and high performing set should be used and shown off!