Parker 51 Demi - Unusual Nib Or Just Bad Wear?

[drtomprice]

Long time lurker, first time post!

 

Recently, I acquired a Parker 51 Demi aero (was a "blind guess" as to what it was) without much background information. Took a gamble, but seems to be in very good shape. However, it writes very strangely. For example, when I write loops left->right, it skips on upstrokes, unless I am careful of the angle. In this fashion it creates a fine-medium stroke.

However, when I write right -> left (Hebrew) it creates a consistent bold stroke.

 

I put pictures (tried to use iPhone through a loupe) of the profile and tip below. Is this a "Hebrew nib"? Is it original? Or does it just need a nib smith

 

[hari317]

Nice pics. Can you analyse if the faint/missing strokes happen on the push strokes instead of the pull strokes? During the pull stroke the nib slit tends to open letting out more ink. In the push stroke the opposite happens and reduces flow. If it us indeed as I suspect, then spacing the nib a little will certainly help. Btw the tipping on your nib looks good with a nice pad. Do clean the pen out thoroughly by repeated flushing with water etc.

[drtomprice]

Fainter on the push/upstroke it seems. A little better after flush and cycle with Waterman SB. Maybe try a faster ink like Kon-Peki?

[hari317]

Fainter on the push/upstroke it seems. A little better after flush and cycle with Waterman SB. Maybe try a faster ink like Kon-Peki?

no harm in trying out different inks.

[Chrissy]

I think the nib and the tipping look fairly standard, but the flat pad is previous wear and it might not be in the correct position for the way you write.

 

I agree you should give it a really good flush out, then fill it with some of your own ink and try it out again. If you use it at a different angle to where the flat pad is, you might need some slight attention to the nib by using a nib smoothing board on the smoothest side, to slightly adjust where the pad lies for you.

 

I't not an Architect grind though.

[Venemo]

The nib tipping looks good to me. It sounds like you simply have ink flow issues. There are several possible reasons for this; the most obvious is that the pen needs a thorough cleaning. I recommend flushing with warm (not hot) water until the water that comes out is clear. It might help if you then soak it in a mild ammonia solution.

 

Better yet, if you are comfortable taking it apart, I suggest to take off the hood and clean the collector, feed and nib. Do not do this unless you know what you are doing, though!

 

If, after the cleaning, it still writes badly, let us know and we'll help you figure it out.

[drtomprice]

Thanks for the advice. Im going to try another flush and soak cycle and see if there is any improvement. Otherwise might just send it out for a tune up.

[pajaro]

Flossing the nib sometimes helps. Using a little brass sheet. Before I bought the brass sheets I used to use thin paper to some effect. Sometimes ink residues get in the nib slit and slightly foul the ink flow. Flossing the nib has cured a few pens I thought were pure junk. This did include an Argentine made Parker 51 that I love the carmine color of.