Parker 51 Flighter, Yay Or Nay?

[Nihontochicken]

For a newbie, targeting a 51 Flighter is like diving off the deep end of the pool. Yes, as others have mentioned, a 45 Flighter will be a lot less expensive and will actually write just about as well, perhaps even better (seems that found in the wild 45 nibs aren't generally as knackered as are 51 nibs). But the dollar diff between the two is up to an order of magnitude, base ten. The 45 Flighter is a much better cost effective buy, for both looks and writing, when based on current market prices. But, that said, if cost is put aside, it ain't a 51. The Parker 51 Flighter (older style with the gold band cap) is just about the most restrained yet classiest pen ever made. The "precious resin" (Har!) Montblanc 149 may be Marilyn Monroe, or perhaps more closely, Sophia Loren, the Parker 51 Flighter is Audrey Hepburn. Not big and brash, rather subdued and refined, a diamond as opposed to a clunking gold bar. Every Parker connoisseur should likely obtain a 51 Flighter eventually. The key is to do so with good judgement up front not overpay for the privilege that makes it so much more expensive for those of us with the same mind set.

[Burrgundy]

Thank you everyone!! I will take the advice given to heart.

 

I had planned on buying a few 51's anyway, as I wish to give them out to family as christmas gifts and to hoard them like squirrel does acorns. I had intended to start with a standard aerometric 51, but in my research found out about the Flighter. It all went downhill from there. I will keep my eyes open and my wallet far, far away from me until I know I have "the one."

 

I will reply further tomorrow, it got late fast!

Edited September 1, 2014 by Burrgundy

[inkstainedruth]

This has been a very interesting and enlightening thread. While I absolutely love my 51s, I haven't got the slightest interest in getting a Flighter model (51 or otherwise). I just don't like the look of them as well. And now that I know that they are heavier, I'm even less interested in getting a 51 Flighter. So that's something good to know.

I do love my 45 -- but as several people have already said, a 45 is not a 51. For one thing, it is a much thinner pen -- so that may be an issue. For another, while mine has an amazingly juicy 14K medium nib, that nib is tiny and has a *very* small sweet spot (although when I hit the sweet spot, I can only describe it as dancing on ice ).

You might also have a look at the Parker 61 (although I have no idea whether or not they came in a Flighter model). I just picked up one at DCSS that has the original capillary filler. I ran some distilled water through it (as per the instructions of the guy I bought it from) until I started getting ink flow. That was around 3 weeks ago, after I got home from the show. I have been writing with the pen on and off ever since. I think it finally ran out this morning. Well, maybe -- I have to go run some more distilled water through it to see if I get more ink from it....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Lou Erickson]

I considered a 61, but enjoy changing inks too much, and that sounds like a hassle and a half. Even the 51 can be kind of a pain to change inks in.

[wspohn]

I considered a 61, but enjoy changing inks too much, and that sounds like a hassle and a half. Even the 51 can be kind of a pain to change inks in.

 

The later Mk 3 61s used a conventional filling system, but they had discontinued the Flighter version by then (1969)

[risingsun]

Love my 75 Flighter, and it 'twas quite reasonable... Keep that as an option to consider as a mid point between the 45 and 51.

[terim]

Seek out a Parker a Super 21 Flighter .....

[Sandy1]

Seek out a Parker a Super 21 Flighter .....

 

... Seek out a RED Parker Super 21 Flighter - one of my favourite casual carry pens, though a Sheaffer 444 is up there too.

 

Oh - back on Topic: I do have a 51 Flighter. Initially I thought it would be a good back-up for the rotring 600 I use in the field, but the Pelikan P99 proved to be a better choice* for that role, especially as I don't do much long-haul hand writing in the field. As I like pens with a bit of girth & heft, the 51 is very welcome, so I haven't been temped to sell it. Glad I have one, so that satisfied my perceived need aka curiosity if nothing else.

 

It seems to me that even a User Grade 'as found' 51 Flighter includes a hefty % of the price due to it being collectable/scarce, so I'd rather go for one in really good condition to avoid follow-on cost, and it would likely retain its value should it be sold.

 

Bye,

S1

 

__

* Metal section, girth suited to PPE stowage, c/c filler, very secure cap, swap-able sections for different nib widths, available in RED.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Sandy1

[Burrgundy]

I just purchased a Parker 51 from Gary Lehrer as a Christmas gift for my WWI and WWII historian/father. I am sure he will adore it! I will post pictures when it arrives either tomorrow or Friday! I love the look of the Parke Super 21 Flighter as well, what a lovely pen! How am I ever going to look at other pens when my Parker list is growing by the day!?

 

Also picked up a P21 on fleabay, for a 20. Hello, my name is Anna and I have a fountain pen problem.

Edited September 4, 2014 by Burrgundy