Can someone tell me the difference between the "21", "51" and "75"?

Thanks,

Todd

Can I suggest you look at the 'Reference Info' of Richard Binder's site http://www.richardspens.com/ for the P21 & P51, it's a lot more compehensive than I can summarise adequately.

In a nutshell: The P51 was a radical new pen when first released, wrote beautifully & lots of people wanted one. Unfortunately they were very expensive, so other companies copied the look and made cheaper pens. Eventually Parker Joined in the P51 look-alike business and made the P21. Finally, after a few iterations, Parker came up with a P21 Super, which was functionally identical (even to the point of using the same stainless steel nib) to the P51 Special. However they were still not as expensive due to material & workmanship savings.

The P75 is a different ancestry altogether, with its open nib - and to be honest, I know next to nothing about it.

Regards

Richard.

See the following links from Richard Binder's site
Profile of the Parker 21
Profile of the Parker 51
and also look at the Parker 75 website

Thanks guys for helping a new guy out. I saw a couple in a Antique shop for around $20. each in fair condition and passed. What is the going price for a used "21"? I understand it is subjective I am just looking for what ballpark to be in.

Todd

Here is a listing of the Parker 21s that I have restored to good writing condition... Parker 21s
I think these are fair asking prices for pens that have been totally cleaned and are ready to go....

I am not a fan of the 21 because of the cheaper plastic used in its manufacture which was prone to cracking.
I won't pay over $10 for one.

That being said I have a 21 with a rolled gold cap that I paid $45 that writes fairly well, but has a tendency for the nib to run dry between uses.

I thought the 21 was quite a durable pen - after all it put up with me in primary school.
It was quite the thang if you couldn't afford a 51.

Tom,

Based on what 21s bring on e-bay, your prices are more than fair!

If someone wants or needs a Parker 21--grab one of these and avoid e-bay unknowns.

FarmBoy (Todd)