Hi,
Is it possible to replace the nib on a Parker 21?
If so, where do I find replacement nibs?
Apologies if this is addressed before, but I'm a newbie, and can't find it on a search.
Thanks!

Yes they can be replaced. Getting them apart can be tricky.

If it is a standard 21, then I am sure you can find someone with a mangled pen that has a good nib (those hoods crack when you think about them funny after all).

If it is a 21 Super (has a small nib like a Parker 51) then try - Vintagepens.com - nibs

John

apologies for my ignorance, but didnt all parker 21's have a nib similar to the 51?
i know ive seen the 21 'normal' and 'super' differences before but i cant find the site again.

*edit*



the super has a smaller hood.

i was confused as i have a nos what i assume to be super 21 here as it has the same filler, and cap etc. but the hood appears to be of the bigger normal 21. maybe i just cant tell the different between them.

sorry for the hijak.

i too am interested in changing the nib on another 21 i have.

parker51.com also has nibs for sale.No affiliation.Parker 51 nibs that is.Reasonably priced I would say.In case they fit in a 21...
Good luck!

"The nib design of the “21” Mark I (right) is as ordinary as it could be; the nib and feed are pressed into the bore of a “section,” actually the threaded connector that holds the pen together and provides a mounting for the filler, and the loose-fitting shell screws onto the connector."
Parker 21 profile on richardspens.com

So I don't think they fit after all ,in my opinion.Here are some pics of the P21 nib-richardspens.com and one of a P51 nib-gregminuskin.com.Hope this helps.
Good luck!

Read Richard Binder's Profile of the Parker 21 it will give you more info than you probably need...

Thanks for all the helpful replies!
My mom a Parker 21 (late 40's) that she dropped in high school and I would really like to repair it. When she went to college, her parents bought her a Sheaffer snorkel pen, also in need of restoration, but writes great. It's a very nice bright red color, not the burgundy red that I see a lot on ebay.
Thanks all!

Actually, there are three nib and feed systems on a Parker 21:

The first version had, as described, a plain nib and feed inserted into the section, with the hood just screwed down over it. The hood does not touch the nib, there is a distinct gap when viewed from the side.

The second version, designed because the first version had a distressing tendency to cough up a blot of ink once in a while, especially when low on ink, has the nib inserted into a recess in the hood, with the feed a press fit into the hood. They press out from the back -- a nice design except for getting the nib and feed back in without bending the nib. Made harder now because they shrink some, and fit tighter now than when new.

Both of these use the same nib, available from Pendemonium or Paker51.com. Inexpensive when I bought one a year or so ago.

The 21 Super uses a tubular nib identical to the Parker "51" nib. This nib was also used in the "51" Special, and Hero 329 nibs will fit perfectly too if you want a very fine nib. Easy to tell them apart -- the feed is tiny, and the hole in the end of the hood is much smaller. On the eariler ones, the feed is large and exposed and you can see the sides of the nib back to the shoulder on both types.

You will have to remove the hood on any of them to replace the nib. They are held in place with shellac, so you will need heat of around 140F or so. I've found a hot air popcorn popper or hair dryer on low works well. Hot water is OK with these pens, but the dry heat is easier.

Go gently, all of them crack fairly easily.....

Peter

Peter, you did your homework very well and you are ALL correct. A very well done studies.
Like I said eariler, There were about SIX make of these Parker 21.

Again you are wrong.... have you even bothered to read Richard Binder's Profile of the Parker 21...
Parker produced 3, THREE variations of the Parker 21 NOT SIX.....
I am not discussing trim work here, but internal workings.

Like I said eariler, There were about SIX make of these Parker 21.

There were not SIX makes of the Parker 21....
There was the Mark I, Mark II and the Parker 21 Super, .... the only difference in the Deluxe to the Mark II is the gold clip... so it is only a trim variation as is the Flighter variation of the 21 Super... So I repeat there are only THREE makes of the Parker 21.... I do not consider trim to be a new make...
What are the other 3 makes of the Parker 21....

Never mind if you feel there are only three. As far as from Richard's site, I truly respect his hard work as much as from David or others. I wish I could do that. The production of the P51 book and the Vac book was a BIG lost for many informations to this made was not fully covered if only some good collectors like you be able to contribute the short fall. I strongly belived that many unknow collectors that you and I have not seem with their collections have not posted any Rare collection that they have. Honestly, I am only a little fly in Pen play, but trying hard to play around and know more. IMHO, I feel that Richard would not want to be quote of his finding should one like me want to insist there are SIX. (Sorry Richard, I do not like to pull you in.) Therefore, allowed me to accept that there only three from your side While I am holding SIX make of these Parker 21 in my collection. Happy pen hunting and playing all.

Photograph and post clear pictures of the SIX different makes of Parker 21s in your collection showing the differences between each make and I will take your statement under advisement.....

I think it depends on your definition of a "make" vs. "model" vs. "design". Parker certainly called the Deluxe and Custom different models than the Standard or Super, so according to Parker there were at least 4 models, even if three of those models were the same design (Mark II).

From Tony Fischers site:


Perhaps the better question for Fiberglassworks would be - do you have more than 3 overall nib/feed designs? Another question - if there are more than 3 overall nib-feed designs, are the other designs more than one-offs or prototypes? (If ParkerCrazy said he had some additional Parker 21 designs among the prototypes he comes up with, I would not doubt it for a minute).

A more general question - how many overall models are there when you combine the Parker-named models with the 3 different designs? I think it runs like this:
Mark I,

Standard (with 2 clip variations)
Deluxe
(Fishscale)
(Demonstrator

)
Mark II,

Standard (with 2 clip variations)
Deluxe
Custom
Flighter (did Parker call it a 21 Flighter, or was it just a 21 Standard in steel?)

Super (with 2 clip variations)

(Demonstrator)

As a final note, while Richard Binder's website is a phenomenal source of information on pens and pen material, it is important to keep in mind what he says at the end of each article.


A good approach to take to all pen references. I would say. . .

John

Good understanding John. Richard will be happy with your understanding input. I dare not say I am 100% but my research base on the years of buying and understanding from sellers.

In the past, I asked seller in the understanding that I am doing a Data collection before buying . I put it to them very easy by tell me where the pen come from. With such honest help and the judging the set, Esp pen coming in set. You are likely to get a orginal one.

The clips and the inprint on the cap said alot in the model,

There are about five made of Cilps used in SIX model
There are about two made of Tassie used in Six model
There are about four inprint on cap made used in Six model
There are about three/four in pump inprint made used in the Six model
The rest have been researched by Richard in his site.

I may be wrong again but is good to be humble like Richard said

"The information in this article is as accurate as possible, but you should not take it as absolutely authoritative."
Lastly anyone remember "How many multi colour ball point Parker made."
Some said One But I said two and recently they made another Two new ones. (Under Vector range)

Good home works everyone. We are just sharing information of our hobbies, Understanding that that will help us improved in our knowledge and collection last.