Parker 51 Review

[GatzBcn]

I found this fountain pen in an Antique shop that I had already visited before. Besides Parker 51, I also bought a Sheaffer Snorkel that I have already reviewed. The pen didn’t come with its original box, so I can’t comment anything about it. This is the second Parker 51 that I buy (the first one being a Parker 51 Aerometric), and, like the other, it is wonderful I every way, which confirms its place as one of the most emblematic fountain pens.

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Appearance & Design (10-10)

Similar to Sheaffer Snorkel regarding its subtle design, almost minimalist, I find in Parker 51 an elegant and discreet pen. Personally, I think it is a design one enjoys more with time. Even though in the beginning it may seem too simple, the design reveals its functional charm little by little. The body is resin and it goes with a metal cap. Again, even in this section Parker 51 is an icon.

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Construction & Quality (10-10)

I just can say one thing: Parker 51 is built in an excepcional way. Except for the minimal wear off, the pen is in excellent condition after all the years that have passed. I am sure that with an adequate maintenance, this pen will keep working as new for many more decades.

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Weight & Dimensions (9-10)

The pen has a weight and size adequate. It may be somewhat light for some, but I love it. I don’t think anyone can find it uncomfortable.

 

Nib & Performance (10-10)

The nib of both my Parker 51 is rigid. As I have said before, this doesn’t bother me and I actually prefer pens with a rigid nib because I find that they are easier to control and respond better to quick writing. Both Parker 51 have a juicy nib and require good quality paper in order to not suffer from feathering or bleed through (I like nibs this way). I have never had a problem with the nib, it writes on first trial and no problems of skipping. Two of the best nibs of my collection.

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Filling System & Maintenance (7-10)

The filling system is the famous Vacumatic. The bottom part unscrews and it shows a botton to fill the pen. It’s a funny system, but kind of uncomfortable to clean (not as much as the Aerometric, but not as easy of cleaning as a converter).

 

Cost & Value (10-10)

As most Parker 51, mine had a good price. Pens of this quality and price make me wonder if it is still worth it to keep buying modern pens when for less than half the price I can have something as a Parker 51.

 

Conclusion (Final score 9.3)

A pen worth having in any collection.

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[RyanM]

Nice review. I found the same with my Parker 51. A durable pen, but a gritty nib, and way too much ink flow. I actually sold mine recently. Enjoy your new pen.

[GatzBcn]

Nice review. I found the same with my Parker 51. A durable pen, but a gritty nib, and way too much ink flow. I actually sold mine recently. Enjoy your new pen.

 

I have been enjoying it quite much. It does have abundant ink flow, but that is how I like it.

[brownargus]

Nice review. I have a P51 in black with lustralloy cap and aerometric fill. It has a medium nib and dates from the 1950s. The nib is very smooth but the pen does tend to be a wet writer; I put this down to its having a medium nib - I usually prefer a fine nib. It's great on good paper but tends to be too wet on inferior paper. However, I recently filled it with Parker Quink blue ink and this moderates its wetness. The pen is beautifully made with a very smooth tactile feel to it - it's certainly a quality product. I also have a later Mk III 51 with aerometric fill and a fine nib. It probably dates from around the late 1960s. This pen has a more normal flow and it too has very smooth nib. However, the pen has a cheaper feel to it as if it has been built down to a price a bit. Both pens are amongst the favourites in my small collection.

[terim]

Thanks for this lovely review, it's so nice to see the Parker 51 earning new admirers for all the right reasons. Thankfully, they keep going and going, so they will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

 

TERI

[OcalaFlGuy]

A durable pen, but a gritty nib, and way too much ink flow. I actually sold mine recently.

 

Most any nibmesiter could have fixed that and set the flow to your spec for around $20.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[GatzBcn]

Thank you all for your kind words .

 

Anna