Is A Vac 51 Demi Rare?

[blINK]

Hello all. I am still on my quest to find a "regular 51." I have two Specials that are awesome, one with a gold nib. I was browsing at the antique store this afternoon while waiting for my wife and they had what I THINK was a Cedar Blue Demi pen/pencil set. It They had gold filled caps and although no loupe was available, the pen looked to have an 8 with 2 dots, though my eyes are not fantastic. I didn't have a ruler or another 51 for comparison, but the pen seemed smaller than what I was used to which is why I am thinking Demi. It was a Vac filler and actually had some ink in it from who knows how long ago. It wrote really well after a dip in some water and the pencil was great too. I would rate them 8/10. They did not have a box. I seem to remember the Vac Demi having a short production run before they went to the Aeros. The asking price is $35 for the set. They are holding it for me but I was wondering if this is a good deal or not. I know I will have to put some money in to have the diaphragm replaced and a polish.

 

Thanks in advance. I'm still learning about the famed "51."

 

ETA: I'm not necessarily looking to sell it for a profit. I was just wondering if it might be something worth adding to my meager collection. Not that I am a "collector," - I just like unique pens.

Edited August 21, 2014 by blINK

[Tylerjordan]

Good deal even if you have to get the diaphragm restored! I wish I could find deals like this!

 

Depending on to whom you send it you might only be looking at an extra $35 with shipping. Danny Fudge at The Write Pen charges $20 for vacumatics.

 

Here's a comparable set in restored condition from a trusted eBay seller / forum member. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Parker-51-Vacumatic-DEMI-Fountain-Pen-SET-GOLD-FILLED-CAPS-ORIGINAL-CASE-/311005661359?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item486961c8af&nma=true&si=VGNLHfj4ymSnQofgjZN%252FYAVouKg%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Edited August 21, 2014 by Tylerjordan

[blINK]

Thanks Tylerjordan. That is exactly what the set looks like (sans the box). Danny Fudge has done a few jobs for me and I will be happy to send him this one. Looks like I will be heading to the store tomorrow and coming home $35 lighter.

Edited August 21, 2014 by blINK

[OcalaFlGuy]

BllINK, and the reason you didn't either measure the length of the pen or snap a phone pic was??

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[perth]

$35 is a good price for any 51.

[Hooker56]

+1 Good Buy.

[blINK]

BllINK, and the reason you didn't either measure the length of the pen or snap a phone pic was??

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

Both fantastic questions Bruce from a couple hundred miles north of me. The honest truth is that I was waiting for my wife who was with her mother at an oncology consult today because the doctors suspected cancer. I was so upset and anxious that I didn't think about the ruler app in my phone or even to take a pic. The best news is that my mother in law does not have cancer. Yes I'm one of those strange guys who loves his mother in law. The second best news is that I'm going to buy another 51.

[kernando]

Neither rare nor unique, but the price is worth it.

[pen lady]

And when you buy the set, you will always remember it as the "good news day" pen!

[JotterAddict62]

+2 on a good buy. I would buy it at that price what ever model the pen is.

[ThomasB]

Definitely a good buy!

 

Thomas / tbickiii

[blINK]

Thank you to everyone for your responses. I just picked it up.

 

Pen lady - I love your idea of it being the good news pen. So it shall be.

 

Pics to follow when I have a few minutes to take them.

[pen lady]

Now THAT just made my day. You are a good son-in-law

[blINK]

Here are some pics prior to any TLC.

[Jerry Adair]

Actually a pretty good find. The vac filler was only made for a couple of years IIRC ca 1947-1948 then they transitioned to the Aerometric filling system. Get it fixed a nice pen and give it to your bride. This pen if you decide to sell it would probably bring more than a standard 51 and certainly more than an Aerometric. Remember the caps are not interchangeable with standard 51s.

Jerry

[FPFan]

What was the address of the store, again?

 

LOL

[blINK]

What was the address of the store, again?

 

LOL

Ha ha. Too late! Already in my hot little hands.

[FPFan]

Congratulations! Very good choice!

 

So, HOW DOES IT WORK?????

[blINK]

Works great with the ink that was in there. Sucks up and spits out water too. But the proprietor had no idea if it has ever been serviced, so I am going to send it off for a little refurbishing to be on the safe side.

[OcalaFlGuy]

No one has mentioned yet that the Vac Demi was its own special little bugger. A different profile altogether than an Aero Demi.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl