Parker 45

[lovemy51]

I've just started using an old "45" in full stainless finish of my Grandfathers. (U.K. Steel-nib type. The plastic is stamped "M", presumably for medium.) It writes beautifully compared to the Vectors and truly awful generic-brand fountain pens I have used previously. I bought a 5-pack of Permanent Blue Quink Cartridges in the local stationer's and on those I am likley to remain- it's almost impossible to get any other ink here in the Irish Free State! I can only read in envy of the merits of Noodler's ink...

 

 

welcome to FPN, HosYourFather! is it hard to acquire certain inks in your area? can you try neighboring countries?

[Bill Smith]

Great review, I got a teal green 45 and I recently replaced the scratchy fine nib with a medium 14k gold one from Heritage Collectibles. My 45 is a nice writer, would like to get a flighter someday.

[rahulg]

My foray into FPs started with the 45. While the Green plastic 45 writes a deliciously smooth B, my preference for finer nibs saw me digging secondhand drawers in shops to land up with a Flighter CT, marked F, which writes a strange, sweet XF. Both are from the early 80's and have the funky 'early style' squeeze converter (forgetting the name at the moment). Not a big fan of the 45 design, but love 'em both to bits.

[dogpoet]

Those "Buck Rogers" things? It's a pity Parker stopped making those, as they hold a lot more ink than the slide converters they're doing at the moment.

[rahulg]

Exactly, the Buck Rogers converter, thanks for reminding me. The very same thing.

[Federalist Pens]

I just got one of those late 70's/early 80's "Flighter" type (black/stainless cap/plated clip)

w/o the converter. Have not tried it yet- good to know carts work.

 

Is it hard to find the squeeze converters for these? (I tried using a modern Parker piston converter, but no fit).

[nsvalera]

I just got one of those late 70's/early 80's "Flighter" type (black/stainless cap/plated clip)

w/o the converter. Have not tried it yet- good to know carts work.

 

Is it hard to find the squeeze converters for these? (I tried using a modern Parker piston converter, but no fit).

 

Hi,

 

Buy the parker "slide" converters. They fit the P 45 just fine..

 

 

 

[dogpoet]

I just got one of those late 70's/early 80's "Flighter" type (black/stainless cap/plated clip)

w/o the converter. Have not tried it yet- good to know carts work.

 

Is it hard to find the squeeze converters for these? (I tried using a modern Parker piston converter, but no fit).

Tricky, but not impossible. They're discontinued, but there's still a few circulating. Pendemonium had them in stock the last time I checked.

(and, as nsvalera says, the current slide or piston converters will work just fine with them as well.)

[tawanda]

I am a HUGE fan of 45's. They were my first experience of FPs and gently led me here, where I've lived ever since! I have ten now, including a Harlequin Shield and a rare Rage Red arrow. I love them all very much.

I will not wax lyrical about their virues as there are many threads here doing just that. But suffice to say, my grandchildren will be presented with one of mine when they each get to high school. Hopefully it will start a life long passion...

[Beechwood]

Please note that there is an English ebay shop who have 10 Parker 45s, new and boxed selling for around £18.

[Underskoterskan]

Is it hard to find the squeeze converters for these? (I tried using a modern Parker piston converter, but no fit).

 

I use the Parker de-luxe piston converter currently in production and it fits perfectly. You should try it out, I believe it holds more ink than the slide-converter.

 

Regards

Undersköterskan

[dogpoet]

A shorty international cartridge holds more ink than the slide converter...

 

[DeaconKC]

2 45s here a blue and a Flighter. Love em both and think they are superior to even the vaunted 51.

[Robert Hughes]

I've got a blue plastic British 45 with a bold, stub 14k gold nib. It came to me in used and damaged condition, and I fixed it up to where it's now a nice writer. I put Lamy Blue/Black in it, as the only metal in the area is the little 14k nib.

[Federalist Pens]

Nsvalera: Thanks for the suggestion! Welcome to FPN!

I'll look out for one.

 

Dogpoet: Thanks for the Pendemonium tip. I'll check with them!

 

Frank

[Gran]

Nothing like a 45. Nice to read of others enjoying them so much. Thanks for the review!

[AndyH]

Still among my favorite pens, the only aspect that leaves a bit to be desired is the quality of the barrel and section plastic, but that's a minor quibble.

 

I only recently discovered that the nibs are interchangeable. I don't know how I missed that for the past thirty years!

 

Does anyone have a source or idea on finding nibs? Or will I have to take my tap and die set to some of my Esties?

[Gran]

Andy, pb2 has nibs for the 45.

[AndyH]

pb2? (pardon the brain cramp here...)

[Gran]

Sorry, I ought have said, FPN member: pb2. Hope this link works: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...?showuser=11005

 

His name is Pendleton Brown. He does specialty nibs, but, also has nibs for the ever-so-nifty Parker 45.

Edited March 17, 2009 by Gran