Collection: Sold - Parker 51

 

The Parker 51 was developed over an 11 year period and first released in 1939 on Parker's 51st Anniversary of its foundation. Also thought to be named "The Parker 51" as it would be easy to pronounce in all languages,

The first model was the Parker 51 Vacumatic.

All Parker 51's used the Hooded Nib Section, with a cylindrical nib. This kept the ink from drying too quickly and stopped too many inky fingers, due to encasing all but the very tip of the nib.

The Mk I was next with an Aerometric Filling System. In my humble opinion the best filling system in all Parker's Ranges. It is strong, robust and has a reasonable sized reserviour of ink.

The Mk II (often thought of as the Mk III, but The 51 Vacumatic wasn't classed as the MK I), have a squared off barrel, a thinner connector ring between section and barrel, and the little black plastic end to the Ink System was removed.

There was a Mk III which had a jeweled barrel end and a Parker 61 style cap. These are quite rare.

The Parker 51 made an excellent Desk Set Pen due to its hooded nib section stopping the ink from drying out.

With over 20 million units sold, the Parker 51 is the most successful fountain ever made.

More history & photos to follow.