Ok, I have to admit, that I have always liked the look of P51's. They can be classy and understated or really flashy (Signet, Coronet not that I have either). However I have not always been a fan of the handling of these pens. I have only owned three of them, I know heresy, but I truely love Vacs and that is where my heart and collection lie.

I did however receive a 1st Quarter 1947 Cedar Blue Stacked Coin Cap with Nickel clip yesterday. It has been restored and is a medium nib, which writes smoothly and flows very well with Noodlers Polar Blue. I can't stop using this pen today. I love the feel of the pen, the balance posted is great. The blind cap fits so tight that you can barely tell that it is a Vac filler.

The cap finish is great but not mint, and the barrel imprint is very nice. I find it unreal how much of a difference I see and feel between this and the 1948 Cordovan I have. I love that pen as well, mostly because I got it for $5.00, but I hardly ever use it.

Now that I also have another 51 Cocoa set on the way, courtesy of this board, I might be getting the 51 bug. Now all I need is a Black DJ with a Gold cap, one of the less common cap varieties would be nice, with a juicy bold stub or CI nib. Ahhh what am I saying, I NEED one, the bug is starting to progress already.

And the best thing about this Cedar Blue, it cost less than $50 with shipping off of ebay.

My idea of a nice DJ pen,


Cheers,
Sean

"51"s MUST be the potato chip of the pen world.

That's a beauty, Sean! I must have gotten to you over the phone the other night!

Fantastic... I am glad you got one and like it...

This will obviously mean a decrease in your Vacumatic collection.... I want first dibs on them....

Like this?

Glenn, either of those would be wonderful to own. Nice examples. I have repaired a couple of DJ 51's and it gets harder and harder to return them everytime I touch them. The same could be said for the oh so close to mint Silver Pearl Maxima that I worked on for a client last night. I am not so enamored with the Dove Grey, but the black DJ's are the DB's (dogs b@lls which is a compliment in Great Britan for some strange reason).

Griz, nice try big guy. I'll give you Kudos for trying. The vacs that I have are staying put, but if you are looking for a nice Stacked Coin or Wedding band Golden Pearl, give me a shout. We might be able to work out something. I am still holding on to the Vacufold as well Heck if things work out I might even see you at Ohio, you are going right??

Rick, I think you did get to me on the phone, in a good way. I downloaded the new Damon Johnson song Last Train Running and I absolutely love it. The 51 influence is a good thing. Can't wait until my second Cocoa set gets here (evil grin). I really enjoyed out conversation, great to connect with others on the board in a more personal way than through the computer.

Cheers,
Sean

Sean glad you love your 51's, the stacked coin cap in cedar blue is a beauty. You know you can't just have a couple in your collection

How do you like the Noodlers Polar Blue?

That song is terrific, isn't it?

Let me know if/when you want some Brother Cane and I'll set up somewhere where you can download it, or I'll burn a CD or something. If you get a chance, "The Truth" is another terrific song (Johnson co-wrote it and takes lead vocals).

Uh oh...got the '51 bug. I agree - when you have the 'right' one, it just feels good. I would love to get ANY double-jewel 51 Vac!

Chris

It's just another bug, to add to my Vac addiction and camera fad of late. The scary thing is that I am appreciating Italian pens more and more these days. That could be expensive.

Still using and loving the 51 today. Might have to give the old Cordovan a sprucing up and get it running so that I have a few at my disposal to use.

Funny thing is that I never took to my Cocoa Aero like this Vac. I guess that the balance of the Vac filler fits my hand better.

Cheers,
Sean

Sean,

"51itis" is NOT "just another bug"

The WHO has recently classified it as a full blown epidemic
Enjoy it.

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

No known cure, either...except for more 51s.

Is that really a cure?

I do, however, find it a solution... and not just for 51s. Now, if the wallet would only agree with the solution I'd be cured!