Being new to the FP hobby, What resources are collectors using to determine which specific Parker 51 Vac or Aero FP have more value then others, Colors,years and such. At the moment I'm wanting to read and learn before I start to collect them. Market Values?

For instance on http://www.vacumania.com site I can see come complete sets in mint condition verse 1 Pen prices. I realize Color,condition,number of that pen made, and such all come in to play but what Book/s determine the values. BTW I love the pens on his site.

The Parker 51 book by the Shepherds http://www.swisherpens.com/catalog/miscell...rk-shepherd.htm has a complete history of 51's. Published values are generally out of date by the time they come out, though they can give you a sense of relative values. Expect to pay a premium for first years, double jewels, flighters, etc. Checking dealer sites ie http://www.wetinc.com/pens/ can give you a sense for good restored pens, while E-Bay can give you an idea of the cost of wild 51's. Happy hunting! P.S. check http://www.parker51.com/index.html

Thats what I wanted to know. There are so many books on the Parkers and I have read comments on this board about a few of them. I wasn't sure which would show values. Does the book show every Parker 51 type ever made? Like a "Bible" of Parker pens?


Also are values based on the amount of each pen,color type and such?

So I will make that my first book I purchase on the 51's.

Aside from relating the history of these great pens, it has sections showing each of the body colors and caps. Between the book and the Parker 51 website, you can get a good sense of the relative rarity of the various cap and color combos. Of course the "actual" price of any pen is what the market will bear which is why lists with fixed prices aren't particulary valuable. I can guarantee you, however, that a mustard color double jewel vac with an empire cap is going to go for much much more than a black aero with a lustraloy cap. FYI the Shepherds have an equally wonderful book on Parker Duofolds.

Yep, if you are going to collect Parker 51s I'd also highly recommend the Shepherd's Parker 51 book.

Even aside from the subject matter of the Parker 51, it is a beautiful engaging read (as is the Parker Duofold book too).

- Mark

I concur. Both are wonderful books, which also delve into the personalities and the evolution of Parker, from George, to Russell to Kenneth, and their different styles of management. Well worth the $80 for each book if you are interested in learning more about the history of these pens rather than just the comparative market collector's values.
The sales and marketing campaigns are especially fascinating.