I just acquired a Parker 17 as part of a batch of pens. It has a rather nice wet broad nib and handles rather ike a Parker 51. I haven't been able to find out much about this model. Can anyone provide any information?

TIA

The Parker 17 was manufactured in England during the mid 60's and in looking at them, they are like the offspring of a Parker 45 and Parker 51.

They have that 45 shape but when uncapped they have a hooded nib like a 51.

I have only seen these in pictures as none have come through the shop for any type of adjustment or repair so others will have to chime in with their thoughts on performance and build quality.

I have heard from many that they, like the 51 and 45, are excellent writers and they do look like they would be a nice pen in the hand.

Hi there John, just about to get a Parker 17, are you happy with yours now that I assume you have used it a little?

Thanks, Dan

Gentlemen, I recently purchased a Parker "17". It writes very nicely. No complaints whatsoever. I agree with what has been said already. I might add that the pen is a bit shorter than the "45" and "51", which makes its fit into a shirt pocket very secure. I do not find that the pen resembles a "45", really; it reminds me of the English Duofolds I've seen online. It does remind me also of a "51", with the hooded nib and all, but certainly smaller and much lighter. Where other Parkers have inset jewels, the "17" is simply molded plastic, slightly cone shaped at either end. Also, the plastic is most obviously plastic and would not in any way be mistaken for a precious resin or such. I would say that my pen is one slight step above a school pen -- a nod, certainly, to the "51", but not as explicit as, say, the "21".

I think the "17" is an attractive, very useable fountain pen. I would not pay a fortune for the pen, however, and I would bear in mind that the pen was originally marketed, I believe, as a relatively inexpensive -- not-the-end-of-the-world kind of pen if one lost it. This being said, I realize there were a few different versions of the "17", and mine is probably not the fanciest.

You will find more information at www.parker.net. Look to the left and click on Parker 17 from the scroll-down options.

The very first pen of any quality I owned was a dark blue Parker 17 "Lady" - slightly smaller than the standard 17. At the time I was still in what we here in the UK call junior school, so was about 10 - that puts it about 1965.

I lost it but recently bought another one in black. It's not a bad little pen and I do use it occassionally.