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Ralph Prather Parker "51"

Glenn-SC

By Glenn-SC
in Fountain Pen Reviews

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Glenn-SC Donor Pen

Glenn-SC

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

 

I've had Custom pens made for me before and I know how the process works.

Working with a custom pen builder has you imputing and seeing the pen all through its life cycle.

So it is difficult to be "surprised" by a First Impression, but this pen did that.

The material has a depth and variation of color that is astounding and the camera (or in my case the photographer) just can't seem to catch it.

 

Ralph sent me photos of the completed pen, and I was awestruck.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/glenn-sc/PratherGarnetFireMatchedJewels.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/glenn-sc/PratherGarnetFireMatchedJewels2.jpg

 

The box was stuffed with goodies, and opening it was more like getting a gift from an old friend.

There was the pen (in a pen sleeve and in a plastic tube and in bubble wrap!), a filler unit tool (if I ever need to have the filler serviced), a Local Newspaper with an article on Ralph,

and a sample of the cuttings of the material all in a heavy duty cardboard shipping box.

 

APPEARANCE AND FINISH

 

The hood and barrel are made of material obtained from Andy Lamrou of Classic Pens. It is called Garnet Fire. Classic Pens described the material as;

"...they are made of a brilliant cast acrylic resin that rivals the flare and depth of a fire opal - but in richly saturated colors of unparalleled distinction. Because the material is cast, not extruded, it brilliance and depth shift as you turn the pen in your hand."

The fit and finish of the pen itself is perfect. No flaws or nicks or off-lines anywhere.

The threads are tight and smooth.

 

I originally was thinking of a smooth sterling silver cap but decided on a Parker 1/10th 16k gold filled. It and the clip are vermeil.

The jewel are (at Ralph's insistence - and I fully agreed) of the same acrylic material.

 

I love red pens! And my thought was that the Garnet Fire would be similar to the Crimson Glow of the Sheaffer Balance II. I was wrong.

The Garnet is much brighter and has a better depth to it.

 

Here are some of my photos:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/glenn-sc/GarnetFire51andCrimsonGlowBalanc-2.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/glenn-sc/GarnetFire51andCrimsonGlowBalanc-1.jpg

 

SIZE AND WEIGHT

 

The Prather "51" in acrylic is a standard "51" in size and weight, so no surprises here.

If you are a fan of the Vac version of the Parker "51" (which I am) you will be thrilled.

 

NIB DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE

 

I wanted a Fine gold nib with gold ink flow.

Even as a Fine this nib is incredibly smooth.

The line is fine and the flow is immediate and consistent.

 

FILLING SYSTEM

 

Ralph makes his own filler units and includes the before mentioned maintenance tool (since he uses a finer thread than Parker did).

My filler has a "Posting Ring" which the original did not. I don't post, but think it adds an interesting visual element to that end of the pen.

I have already filled it and the mechanism works smoothly and fills as it should.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/glenn-sc/Prather51AllMetalPumpFiller.jpg

 

COST/VALUE

 

The pen was not "inexpensive", and I'll leave it at that.

(I did sell two of my other pens (including another Custom made pen) to buy this one.)

When you get a "perfect pen" it is hard to remember or consider the price.

As Ralph said, this pen is "1 of 1". You can't get more exclusive than that.

 

CONCLUSION

 

I now have two Prather "51"s; the Garnet Fire and a "DuoVac" I got from Joel Hamilton which he built with Prather parts.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/glenn-sc/GarnetFireandDuofoldOrange51s-open.jpg

 

I must add that Mr Prather is a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with.

Except for the waiting part, the entire experience was very enjoyable.

 

BTW, getting a "Tracking Number" and watching snail mail move your pen slooooooowly across the country is a unique form of torture.

The pen was two hours away from my house at one point (36 hours before it was delivered by the way - not that I was counting) and I thought "I could drive over there and get it myself!!!!

 

I don't know how much more of this my heart (or my band account) can stand!

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hari317 Museum Piece

hari317

Posted
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Very Nice review! I recently got a Torelli 51 and would like to explore the possibility of a Prather 51 too. Can you share his contact information if he has permitted that.

 

Thanks!

Hari

In case you wish to write to me, pls use ONLY email by clicking here. I do not check PMs. Thank you.

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FooWriter Rare

FooWriter

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Simply beautiful. I know I'll never own a pen so fine - at least, not while I have a mortgage to pay and a family to support - but it was a joy experiencing the thrill and the wonder through your review. Thanks so much for the words and pictures.

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/148/mikesignh6.gif

 

"A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral." –Antoine de Saint Exupéry

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Ed Ronax Collectors Item

Ed Ronax

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What a stunning pen and thanks for sharing the experience.

And how can this be, because he is the Kwisatz Haderach.

 

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Hetty Rare

Hetty

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Wow! How exciting, and what a stunningly beautiful pen. Enjoy it! Thank you for showing it to us.

 

Hetty

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pmsalty Vintage

pmsalty

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Wow! Beautiful pen!

PMS

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty -Thomas Jefferson

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Rena Vintage

Rena

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What a gorgeous pen, Glenn! Everything I've seen and heard about Ralph Prather pens is A+++ and this stunner is no exception. Ooooh, I know that Garnet Fire material well, and although nothing matches seeing it in hand, you did a great job capturing the flames within. Beautiful cap too! Love the every attention to detail on all parts, including the filler. Congratulations!

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J English Smith Collectors Item

J English Smith

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Really beautiful, Glenn. A work of art. I know how much you love 51s and this is a truly lovely thing from the modern guru of 51s...

<i>"Most people go through life using up half their energy trying to protect a dignity they never had."</i><br>-Marlowe, in <i>The Long Goodbye</i>

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georges zaslavsky Museum Piece

georges zaslavsky

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this is one killer 51 :thumbup: :clap1: congrats and enjoy :clap1:

Pens are like watches , once you start a collection, you can hardly go back. And pens like all fine luxury items do improve with time

 

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PenFan95 Extremely Rare

PenFan95

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Let me get an increased budget, and Mr. Ralph can expect another customer...that pen is :puddle:

I'm not your 'friend', bud
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whichwatch Collectors Item

whichwatch

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Truly gorgeous pen and an enjoyable, well told narrative. Thanks!

Edited by whichwatch
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greencobra Collectors Item

greencobra

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I'm glad someone dusted this off and brought it up to the top, never saw it originaly. A stunning pen for sure, happy to have seen it.

JELL-O, IT'S WHATS FOR DINNER!

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Aysedasi Donor Pen

Aysedasi

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I'm glad someone dusted this off and brought it up to the top, never saw it originaly. A stunning pen for sure, happy to have seen it.

 

 

Likewise here!

 

Stupendous - quite beautiful :)

http://www.aysedasi.co.uk

 

 

 

 

She turned me into a newt.......

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