I got this 51 off ebay last week for about $15 including shipping. The seller said it might be junk but I figured at that price I could use the parts. It's rough but it seems to work just fine. Have a look at the cap:



I can't tell what the metal substance is on the end but I'm thinking of buffing it off and try a more pleasing approach. If nothing else, I can look for an extra cap somewhere.

Wow! That cap has seen better days for sure! How's the nib?

Assuming everything else is working OK you should be able to pick up a cap here or on PT.
Good luck & enjoy.

The nib is wonderful actually. The sac seems sound (as I hear is often the case in 51's). After I gave it the water test and it seemed to work okay, I inked it and wrote a couple of pages worth. It is medium to fine with a nice wet flow, one of the nicest I've used thus far.

Yes, please, I would love to find another cap, I'll start another thread to see if anyone has one. Other than a few mild scratches to the barrel, which I think I can micromesh out, this is a great pen.

That is the best feature of the "51"s, they are great writers. Nice color on the "51". Give it a good cleaning, hopefully you can find a Cap, and you will be all set. The Medium/Fine nibs are perfect for everyday writing, and for $15, you definately can't beat the price.

Love them "51"


Bob

Looks like someone soldered it.....so be careful, it may contain lead.

-Bruce

Theophilus,

I think I may be able to help. PM sent.

TMann

TMann is the man! He sent me a nice cap to go on this pen. Public thanks to you Ted for helping me out. I polished the body with micromesh and it came out looking almost new except for a couple of pitted areas where the old cap met the body when closed. This is going to be my daily pen now.

I'll post a pic soon.

Way to go TMann! That cap was a true eyesore; to think it also may have contained lead, sheesh! Anyway congrats on your "51" now made whole. I am also happy for you that the Ebay experience gave you a good writer. Best regards, Amin

Congrats on your new pen - pens like this that have stories behind them will always be at the forefront of your collection.

And more impotantly, admiration for TMann and what you did. That's what makes our hobby good. People willing to share their knowledge and in this case, parts to help each other out. A tip of the cap to you.

philm

Respect TMann
That's the kind of attitude that keeps the bad guys from taking over the world

Congrats on the pen. And cheers to TMann/Ted!

Amazing thread. Congrats to Theophilus and TMann!!!!!!!!!!!

Kudos to TMann & Theophilus, bringing a Parker "51" back into use is NEVER a bad thing.

I hope the pen stays in use for another XX years.

Jim