The Parker 51 aerometric filling system was introduced in 1948. The clip was shortened in 1951. This pen has the shorter clip but the rolled Silver cap is inscribed 'R.Silver', later pens were inscribed 'Rolled Silver'. The pen carries a date code for 1953.
The pen is finished in grey, a shade lighter than it appears in the photographs. It has a superb finish with a deep shine.
The much sought after Rolled Silver cap has a couple of light marks at the top, as shown in the photographs and reflected in the price, it has an excellent surface.
The pen has been serviced, checked and fully tested. The aerometric filling system works well and takes up a good amount of ink.
The 14 Ct. Gold nib delivers a wonderfully smooth medium line. As the nibs were largely hand made, there is some variability between individual nibs. This one is a little on the broad side of medium. More of the nuib is showing than is usual on a 51 but it is such an excellent writer that I have left it as is.
At over seventy years old this is a remarkable top quality vintage pen, the rolled Silver cap is very hard to find. The 51 is the first choice of many collectors as a daily user, it is totally reliable, stylish and very practical with a great deal of prestige.