Hi All,

I recently received a Parker 21 with a bent nib but in otherwise good shape. I want to remove the shell, but my modest heat and counter-clockwise unscrewing has not produced any results. According to Richard Binder's site, I've identified this as a Mark II where he says:

"In 1951 Parker released a revised version, the Mark II, whose nib and feed are held tightly in the bore of a redesigned shell, now an integral part of the ink delivery system. The feed still fits into the bore of the connector, but it is no longer a press fit."

I must confess, I don't understand this. Should this shell screw off like the Mark I?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

The shell should unscrew in the same manner as a Mark I shell. Do not use excessive force, as the plastic is quite brittle and prone to crack. If the pen doesn't want to come apart, try soaking it. Make a solution of 1 tablespoon clear household ammonia in 2/3 cup of water, fill the pen with this solution, and then let the pen stand nib downward in the solution for a few hours. Empty the pen, shake the pen down to expel as much of the remaining liquid as will come, then try heat ah unscrewing again.

Thank you once again for your generous help. I take it the ammonia is to dissolve ink in that area. I've not yet opened a Parker (my Mom's 1943 Vacumatic is waiting for more courage or fool-hardiness!)

All the best,
Steve

Hi Richard et al.,

Just a note to say that your suggestion worked and I got the shell off. There was sticky ink on the threads in addition to the resin type sealant.... Now to play with the nib!

All the best,

Steve