Parker 61 Uninked Set Part 2 (Pics) Use It Or Keep It Uninked? (Poll)

[Honeybadgers]

I got a hell of a deal on this.

 

The pencil's eraser has never touched paper. I don't think the lead has either. It's still square. The mechanism on the pencil is BUTTER and the pencil itself is FLAWLESS.

 

The box is in fantastic shape. Barely any marks, the fabric isn't stained or discolored and isn't coming up anywhere. No stains or incorrect folds in the paperwork (if you guys want me to scan the paperwork with the pen so it's out there online, just say so)

 

The section only has the barest few hints of marks from being capped a few times. But there's not a single micro scratch on the barrel from being posted. Not a scuff or tooth mark or anything (pictures show only fingerprints and little fuzzies of dust/fibers that landed on it, you would not be able to find a scratch on the pen with a loupe. I tried.)

 

Both jewels perfect. The only "thing" I can find is that there is a little, EXTREMELY hard to see bit of discoloration right under the clip on the cap (see the pictures, there's a TINY line that's almost imperceptible,) in the exact shape of the clip. I can't tell what it is, and it's impossible to see unless looking very closely under VERY bright light. There's no scratches, so it's not from being clipped to anything, particularly because it's in the exact shape of the clip itself.

 

The packing is ivory white. I'm almost certain, limited as my experience is, that it's never seen ink.

 

 

Please someone tell me that this color and model is super common and I can use it. I reeeeeeally want to use it. But I paid so little for it that I can afford to just keep it as-is (making money is not the goal here) if it's an inherently valuable piece to collectors, I wouldn't want to ruin it for my own personal gain, and I can just go out and buy another used one and keep this one in my personal collection or pass it along to someone who desperately wants it. But if it's a common color/set, I would be happy to just ink it up and use it with the same care that I give all my nicer vintage pens (no pocket use, only in a case, never left inked to dry, etc.) And I obviously won't throw out the box or paperwork or store it in a musty old shed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's that "discoloration." Look carefully, and you can see a slight different in the finish on the cap right around the shape of the clip.

 

Edited June 7, 2019 by Honeybadgers

[Dont_Flexme]

Congratulations!

 

The 61 is still high on my list to get. I love the concept of the filling system.

 

I don't have a clue as to how common the color is, but if I had it, it would already be inked.

 

You have a great set, including papers. Pictures are wonderful and than you for sharing.

 

Now I am off to see what's out there.

[FarmBoy]

Better off leaving as is and finding an inked example. Perhaps one of the Parker guys will discuss the differences between the white and red/pink inserts.

[Honeybadgers]

Better off leaving as is and finding an inked example. Perhaps one of the Parker guys will discuss the differences between the white and red/pink inserts.

 

 

Apparently, the difference is the dates of manufacture white being earlier, which makes sense, this being a 1957 (originally released in 1956)

[katerchen]

I bought a near mint 61 a couple of years ago for $40. This being an unused and a pristine set, you could probably make at least a couple hundred bucks in pure profit maybe more.

 

But I sense that you'd get more enjoyment from having, admiring and _using_ the pen instead of making some money from it.

[Honeybadgers]

According to the seller, who I have dealt with a ton in the past few years and respect tremendously for how well he's treated me, things he's outright given me, and advice he's given on restorations I've done, the color combo is quite common. But the box and paperwork are what make this kind of worth keeping perfect, in his mind.

 

HE got it for $50. I won't say what he gave it to me for (in case I do decide to pass it on) but it was an outrageous deal.

 

I really, really want to use it. I don't have a parker 51 or any parker hooded nib (I do have two stacked celluloid vacumatics that I adore) But I will give the poll through the weekend at least before I make a decision. And I would use the pen and pencil as a set, though I'd never touch the eraser, it feels okay but uncapping the eraser is annoying anyways.

 

I'd probably invest in a two pen visconti case for it, just to protect them both.

[PaulS]

sorry to be a killjoy, but really can't see why there should be this neurosis starting to grow - should I - shouldn't I, sort of dilemma.

It's a bog standard P61 - not like it's a personalized pen that belonged to George Parker or a States president - why worry so much - it's a common pen

 

If you want to use a P61 there are rivers of them out there - go and buy one with your ideal nib, and then scribble away - because obviously it's the pristine condition of this one that's causing the angst.

 

Hooded nibs are not the sort of tip that real writers clamour for anyway - they lack any sort of flex that might otherwise create some line variation.

Put this one back in the draw and go out and buy an early Duofold, with some flex in the nib, and then you will be happy.

 

Only joking of course - but we're all living on tenterhooks and getting as nervous as you over this

[Barkingpig]

ANDERSON PENS have 2 NOS 61 sets listed @ $175.00 currently, both in their boxes & one with hang tag showing the original price, if that influences your decision about the resale value of the set.

[bsenn]

An uninked 61 pen and unused pencil are common enough, the unique part of this set is that box. I wouldn't have more than a minute's hesitation about using the pen and pencil while carefully storing or displaying the box.

 

As mentioned you could sell this set and buy a pre-loved set, but that sounds like more hassle than it's worth.

 

PaulS - great use of tenterhooks! Also, I've got a pair of 61 flighters with broad obliques that show some nice line variation. Reminds me to ink one up again sometime soon...

[FarmBoy]

Apparently, the difference is the dates of manufacture white being earlier, which makes sense, this being a 1957 (originally released in 1956)

I believe I heard there was a functional reason for the change.

[Fermata]

A reducing number of new and unused pens, thousands and thousands of used and well used 61s, some may even work better than your new example and be better to use.

 

Personally and if it were mine I couldnt see that I was worthy enough to use a new 61.

 

Last week I bought a bottle of 1962 Chateau Neuf du Pape, paid $720, no issues on buying it but I am not the right person to open the bottle.

[PaulS]

how right you are - I think we should do that for you

[christof]

Better off leaving as is and finding an inked example.

+1

 

there are lots of used and still near mit examples out there.

 

c.

 

ps: I've got the same box with different fabric on top ( there is the same fabric as inside on top of the box)

 

Parker 61 von -C.M.Z-

[Honeybadgers]

man the rainbow cap models are pretty.

 

 

Interesting to see how the poll is pointing towards not using it.

Edited June 9, 2019 by Honeybadgers

[wvbeetlebug]

I voted to use it!!! I am loving that box!!!

[Glenn-SC]

man the rainbow cap models are pretty.

Did you say Rainbow?

http://i66.tinypic.com/2hcme13.jpg

[CS388]

I use all my pens - but, in this instance, if it owes you nothing, I'd be tempted to put it away and buy an everyday 61 to use.

Or maybe even a 51.

 

Nice box!

Thanks.

[crescentfiller]

 

 

Last week I bought a bottle of 1962 Chateau Neuf du Pape, paid $720, no issues on buying it but I am not the right person to open the bottle.

 

 

OK. Allow me to come to the rescue!

 

I will send you a nice Parker 61 (fully inked, I might add!), and you send me the 62 Chateau Neuf du Pape.

I promise I will open it upon receipt! In fact, I promise I will drink it for you.

 

I'm awaiting a PM with your mailing address......

[CS388]

Did you say Rainbow?

http://i66.tinypic.com/2hcme13.jpg

 

Beautiful!

[inkstainedruth]

Like I said in the other thread, I'm firmly in the "use or don't buy at all" camp. If it was one of the super rare colors, I might think differently. Of course I wouldn't have bought a set in the first place....

The box is nice. Most of my vintage pens came without boxes or papers or anything (and a couple of them that did, like a 1926 Lucky Curve ringtop, weren't even in the right BRAND box). But still....

I dunno how to vote. I can see the point of view of people who say "Put it away or sell it" but I'm still a user. And I must say I REALLY like my 61s -- I now have four: black, teal (?), burgundy (?) and grey -- because they do hold a LOT of ink in those capillary systems....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth