In the 1950s to 1960s Parker collaborated with the Whitefriars Glass company to produce a range of desk sets, this Parker 51 set comprising a Parker 51 pen and a Ruby Red base dates from around 1960.
The gold plated ball on the pen holder is held by a strong magnet in the base which allows the pen to be easily rotated to any position, a very practical arrangement.
The pen is in first class condition and has been fully serviced and tested. It has a showroom finish and a clear 'Parker Made in England' imprint, this is repeated on the pen holder. The original 'pli-glass' ink sac has maintained transparency, usually a good sign of lttle, careful use.
The pen fills well and the 14 Ct. Gold nib writes with a smooth, medium line with the pleasing 'soft' feel assciated with Parker 51 nibs. The extra long pen is very well balanced and comfortable in the hand.
Although it is, of course, easy to fit a 51 cap to make the pen portable, this is designed as a 'stay at home' pen. The ultimate 'writer's set', the 51 would make an ideal gift for someone who uses a pen on a daily basis.