Hi all,

My father gave me his fountain pens the other day. Among them was a nice Parker. I cleaned it up and brought it back to life last night. It writes wonderfully, and I've filled it with Diamine Monaco Red. Can anyone tell me more about it -- particularly its age? Based on what I found on Richard Binder's site, the design and color (I assume it's Dove Gray) date it to 1941-1948. I could be wrong.

Pictures to follow.

Second photo.

Ben, very nice picture of your "51" Vacumatic.

Yes, "51" Vacumatics were made between 1941-1948, although first year models had an aluminium speedline filler and double jewels. Yours has a plastic filler which is the model most commonly found from 1942-1948.

Look at the barrel right below the clutch ring. Is the imprint visible? If it isn't clearly visible, then it'll be difficult to accurately date it. It should appear as follows:

PARKER "51"
MADE IN USA (date code)

For example, I have a dove grey "51" vac that reads:
PARKER "51"
MADE IN USA 7.

The date code 7 followed by one dot means it was made in the third quarter of 1947.

First Quarter = 3 dots
Second Quarter = 2 dots
Third Quarter = 1 dot
Fourth Quarter = no dots

Richard has an illustration of the dot patterns to show you how to date your "51."
http://www.richardspens.com/ref_info/51_profile.htm

Thanks, Apollo. Much of what was marked on the barrel was somewhat faint; however, I was able to read the following under very good light:

PARKER "51"
MADE IN THE USA

But clear and crisp was a very small 6 with a dot on either side.

.6.

I take this to mean that this "51" was made in the second quarter of 1946.

Yes, that's right. Second quarter of 1946.

Thanks so much for taking the time to help.

Anytime.