The Parker 51 Aerometric Mk. II was made from 1948 to 1969, this pen carries a nib code for 1959.
The pen, finished in Navy Grey, has been fully serviced and tested and is in first class condition throughout. The barrel and hood are in showroom condition and the ding free Lustralloy cap, which carries a chromed 'arrow' clip and pearl end stud, has retained the original frosting.
The pen was completely disassembled and each component checked and cleaned. The 14 Ct. Gold nib is clearly stamped as such and has a '59', date code referring to 1959. the photograph shows the pen prior to reassembly.
The 'Aeromeric', press bar, filler works well and takes up a good volume of ink, instructions are stamped on the filler sleeve. Parker 51s generally write very well but, as the nibs were individually hand finished, there is some variation in performance. This one is exceptional, it writes with a beautifully smooth fine line with a little 'softness', rare in fine nibs.
The Parker 51 is often referred to as 'the best pen ever made', it is certainly the most successful. The superlative condition of this example and the particularly attractive colour qualify the pen as highly collectable but it would also make a first class every day writer.