Opinions On The Long Lost Parker V.s

[FPK]

FPNer Rick Krantz has generously offered me a Parker v.S (a mark II I'm guessing--the mark I's didn't survive because of design defects Parker V.S history...) and a book on Vintage Pens for $25. The V.S has a body just like the '51, but with a open nib and button filler. From what I've read, it is light unposted (the cap is metal--it will probably make the pen unbalanced.....). I am a bit concerned about ink capacity (it is a sac pen--you all know what that means), but the offer is great and if I don't like it, I trust that some other FPN member might be able to trade it for a Snorkel or Vac.....(maybe I'm thinking too far ahead here..). Anyway, I just am interested to here V.S owners opinion's on most aspects of the pen --Ink capacity (IT MATTERS TO ME), nib flow, start up after time, and of course posting:)

 

Thanks in advance,

Edited April 9, 2011 by fountainpenkid

[hari317]

The VS being a button filler, it should have a better ink capacity than the Snorkel, the vac will have the max ink capacity of the three. I think the VS is a underrated pen.

[nxn96]

Speaking only for myself here, but if someone has an opportunity to get a functioning VS for $25 (with or without the book) and is questioning what to do, the poll question should be "AM I NUTS OR WHAT??".

 

That being said, I agree that they are much under-rated pens. I've had about three (down to one now); one was the first series with the aluminum button and collar and the other two were the later series with the aluminum button only. All had the Lucite feed that was still quite clear. All needed a new sac, but that was easily accomplished. The earlier models with the aluminum collar do have a reputation for "freezing up", but that was not my experience. All were very nice writers. I would guess the ink capacity on a par with the "51" Aerometrics, but that's purely a guess; all I can say in that regard is that it met my needs.

 

Just my two cents worth.

 

Hope this helps.

[OldGriz]

I have restored and sold more than my share of Parker VS pens and have to disagree with the statement that the first models with the aluminum butter were worse than the second generation models... The only real concern that Tony seems to mention is the button becoming corroded and sticking... personally, I have never had one come across by bench in that condition. The aluminum button system also can be removed from the body using a standard Vacumatic tool that would make cleaning any corrosion a lot easier. As for the clear feed becoming ink stained, that can be cleaned with Rapidoeze technical pen cleaner... no big deal... and even if it is stained, it is purely a cosmetic condition and does not affect the writing ability of the pen...

 

The pen uses the same dimension cap as a Parker 51 but with a different clip and I have not found any be in any way unbalanced when posted.

 

The VS is probably one of the most under rated pens in the vintage Parker line... unless you find one that has a bad nib, they are superb writers and fill well...

The pen has a short breather tube that gives a better fill than most button fillers..

I have a little trick I do when restoring VS pens for my customers... I replace the short breather with a longer one... the breather tube is the same diameter as a Vacumatic breather tube so they are easy to come by... with the longer breather tube the user has to push the button 3-4 times to get a complete fill of the sac, but the sac now holds a lot more ink....

 

I have 2 VS pen/pencil sets in my personal collection that regularly get inked and into the rotation... they are great writers....

[OldGriz]

thanks for the imput nxn96. I am not the one questioning the deal, it is, as always, my dad---he says that I shouldn't buy a pen i have never tried, but Rick even said that I could send the pen back if It didn't fit me. c'mon dad!!

 

So maybe my comment about the Mark 1's falling apart was inaccurate-thanks for telling me.

 

No offense to your Dad, but he needs to understand we are not talking about modern pens that can be found in just about any brick and mortar pen shop..

Rarely do you find vintage pens in most B&M pen shops.....

Rick is an honorable and well known seller and if he states you can return the pen if you are not satisfied I would go for it....

Those who are considered reputable restorers and sellers on FPN always do what is best for our customers.... Rick is definitely in that class.

[mdbrown]

I have one, rust color with plastic collar on the button. Clear lucite feed and gold filled cap. It is among the best writing Parker pen I have ever used and that includes every 51 I have encountered to date. It is a very plain pen and I think that kind of works against it. That and it was only made for a few years then canceled presumably for poor sales. Excellent pen...

[georges zaslavsky]

I own a french made vs and it is a very good pen. It is a very good daily writer.

[asiwalkhome]

Hi,

I agree with most here that these really are an undervalued pen in the vintage Parker line. As far as ink capacity goes that's not an issue - they are econimical writers. I've got about a couple dozen and almost are excellent writers. If you use them all the time there's little difference between the ones with the clear feed and the dark feed, but I've noticed that over time, especially if you let them sit for a spell, that the dark feeds are more forgiving. They really are a great pen. Enjoy it,

Tom

[Rick Krantz]

yeah, I just need to get this thing back together. I have it apart, all the parts, there, cleaned. it is just finding time. I hope to have it out Monday.

 

Today, I spoke at the Central Penn pen club meeting, and I worked this morning, after working till 23:00 last night. (back in at 7:00 am)

 

I told FPK, that I don't even care when I get paid, the book is gathering dust, I got a newer version, and the VS, has a few flaws that slightly diminish the collector appeal. I think that even if he ran into issue with dad, I wouldn't care much. Try the pen, check it out, mess around with it.

 

I encourage, that if anyone else has a similar pen out there, whether it is a snorkel, or 21, or 45, consider sending it to FPK. Get him started.

 

FWIW, if you ever get to mess around with a snorkel, there is a lot to be said about it's ability to squirt ink great distances. They are solid pens. Don't hold a candle to a 51 tho....