I held that pen in my hand!! I never did get to pick up my own Parker 51 at the DC show like I intended, I'm kicking myself for it now. But with the timing of my daughter's feedings, Rachel and I only ended up getting about 3.5 hours at the show, most of which was spent schmoozing...
I have a relatively large "51" collection (started after I inherited my grandfather's 1952 English broad signature '51'). So many of my '51's are mediums--I ended up personally valuing the extra-fine nib as my most practical '51' nib. I have everything from an ultra-broad, super-smooth, paintbrush like '51' stub, through to superb medium stubs and all the rest in between, down to great extra-fines. (my stubs also squeak enjoyably in use--I think that's what you referred to). I kind of became a '51' enthusiast, as there's so much variety to be had. The pens themselves cannot approach my Victorian Gillott 604EF or Principality equipped oblique dip pens for flex and calligraphic prowess--but the '51' can still do so much pleasant, astonishing writing! My favourite '51' model is definitely the Flighter--who wants Lucite construction when you can have the first ever stainless-steel pen created--and a beauty at that. After the Flighter, I also like Demonstrators. I'd always recommend Aerometric versions over the lovely older Vacumatics, because I find I'm replacing Vac rubber diaphragms every couple of years, while the Aerometric pliglass sac does last lifetimes. Wishing everyone enjoyment with their '51's--there is heaps to research and loads of fun to be had.
Just got my first "51" Boston Pen Show. Cedar Blue Vacumatic "Custom"(16k GF cap) model, with a 1.1 cursive italic grind by Pendleton. Absolutely awesome.
Nice review from 2012, Stephen. The free-flowing 'juicy' nib you loved came from that revolutionary feed, tubular nib and multi-finned collector, within an anti-drying hood. A superbly practical writer, whose snug cap also posts nicely. Rubber sac, you say? Gracious no, dear boy, it's Pli-glass, still inkproof after 60+ years in some of mine. On dismantling, I gaze in awe at a genius design introduced decades ahead of its time. It's 100% a _writing machine_ ...
Hi, I have a Parker 51 that I received from my Dad after he passed away. It is an Awesome pen. It's basically my day to day workhorse writer. I agree with you 100%. It is an unbelievable writer and this pen of mine has to be at least 50 years old. My father took good care of it as do I. No sign of age or wear. I think I use it more than he ever did anyway! Great videos. Enjoy your channel.
It was that hooded nib that attracted many of my schoolmates into using the parker fountain pen.To us, at that time,it looked so modern.The cartridges that went with the 1960's version of that pen had a little metal ball up front where you jammed the stem of the nib feed into.Of coarse, I now know that that was the agitator ball. If Parker were to reissue this line again I would snatch up a few in a heartbeat.
This was my first love affair of a pen. I was 8 and my father had one, and I would take it to school with me since I loved so much how it writes. I still have it, although I have to restore the punctured sac, and it still writes heavenly, even with just dipping.
I wasn't a big P51 fan either, but I wound up collecting P51s in the Demi size :) Thanks for the review and the writing sample. The nib is fabulous and I'm glad you found one for a good price in DC!
Enjoy the video. I have quite a few of the Parker 21's, starting in that late 1940's to the 1960's. I think the 21's are phenomenal to write with, so I can imagine what the 51's are like. Guess I am going to have to move up to the 51. :)
Serious Nibbage Indeed! Great pen. My Pen problem started with a pretty beat up 51. Later I purchased a better version but both the 51s had mean fine nibs..did I mention that I love broad stub nibs. But earlier this year I spotted on the "Bay" a 51 desk pen, without a stand, with a nib that was described as stub and look stub and when I got it home was stub. I simply swapped the nib unit out of the desk pen into the regular pen and voilà I had me a great pen and it is part of my daily carry.
I have bought P51 navy gray. What's to say? Excellent pen! The nib is between F and M and a line width changes depending on the angle of writing. I watch your reviews. Nice review of P51! Thank you!
A 1.3mm stub would be so fun on a P51. It certainly has enough inkflow to handle it. I have a 1942 P51 in extra fine, and because the fella I bought it from lovingly fine tuned it, it writes like a dream. Amazing pen. And imagine how this pen looked in 1941 -- other pens were big with large fancy exposed nibs. Someone teleported the P51 to Earth from a different planet. And I'd argue that this pen is probably the most reliable functional pen in history. Mine's been serviced once in 71 years.
Funny -- I picked up a regular 21 (i.e., not 21 Super) last winter in an antiques mall, and it wrote sufficiently nicely that I then understood the desire for a "real" 51.
Not sure how hard you looked for date codes, but sometimes they can be hard to see and take a second look! I bought one that allegedly did not have a date code that took a few second looks to find and another one where the date code was reported as a two-dotted 9 when it actually turned out to have three dots. Loupes are your friend of course :)
When I got curious about the 51, I started looking at prices and found that in the color I'd have preferred, it was more expensive than I cared to spend for an experiment. Instead I got its inferior (at least according to many FP fans) little sister, the 21 Super. I love this pen enough that I haven't felt the need to get a 51. Smooth as silk as long as you hold it correctly. The downside of the hooded nib--it's hard to see just how you're holding the pen.
I was late in loving the 51’s design and the “Johnny-one-note” line it produces, but now I believe that it is a masterpiece of design. One may not see the subtleties immediately, but they abound. One can write a sonnet about even the most common version. Once one gets into all the variations in color and cap styles you’ve got a book. But, the main thing is, for me, it is perfection of design if your need of a pen is to simply write. Calligraphy, not really, likewise with drawing...but for writing it is perfect. I try to cover some of the charms in one of my videos. You might take a look.
You are being hated by millions of fountain pen lovers right now. Just kidding. (No I'm not). Now, this is an amazing pen you've got there. Not just because it is a 51 (which is already ultra-cool by itself), but I'll agree with you all the way, the nib is just amazing. I will be just fine when I finally get one of those standard 51s with their regular nibs in my hands. I can dream about a nib like that one. This is what pleasure of writing means. Enjoy this great pen!
Mine has a fabulous gold Nib. Just amazing. I see why people buy Gold nibs. Mine also has a rolled gold cap and it's made in Britain. Is that something special? I don't think I'd ever sell it though. It's such an amazing pen, and I love writing with it! I'm sticking with it till the end!
Nice review! I've got two retipped pens I bought from mr Minuskin. A cedar blue / gold filled vacumatic 51 with a 1.4 stub and a sheaffer flat top oversize with a 1.9 signature stub. Both are amazing but the 1.9 is madness. Wet like a firehose. :)
Just got my 51 a couple days ago. The burgundy on yours, you're right, is a bit ho-hum as far as looks. I have the black with the same cap of course, and think it looks dead sexy. And no, I'm not a huge mont blanc fan. It shouts bauhaus and good mid-century design... a very nice looking pen. Mine's pretty wet, and the line is way too broad, especially on cheap "normal" paper or writing pads. Upside down seems to resolve that issue. Good upside down writer with a nice fine line. If you try and use it in a reasonable fashion like writing lists, or letters... it's just too broad. You lose the white of the paper in your O's, P's, D's etc etc etc. Just starts to blob together like trying to write small with a sharpie. Fucking great pen though. Got that along with a Parker "Duofold Jr" in burnt orange. Also a very handsome pen.
It's a little bit funny. It's like some one put a Ferrari engine into a Rolls-Royce. After a test driving, you declared that you like the Rolls-Royce, especially the engine part. I am quite interested in this atypical 51, because all my 51s are with fine to medium original nib. A broad nib may bring much fun. Maybe the hooded nib mechanism can not accommodate a flex nib. I am also thinking whether the mechanism will partially conflict with a very broad nib, restricting the writing angle :)
Watching this in 2020. To me, this, IS, your best video. Ok it reads a tad excessive... I have watched a lot of your vids but certainly not all... jada jada jada... but I’m pretty sure about it. The reason is one and only: it hit a nerve... it made me feel good... I own a Parker 51... it was passed on to me by my father... it is a damn awesome vintage item... and it is a work horse... apart from seldom flushing, no one (neither my father, nor I) has ever taken it in to any Pen-pundit-doctor for any sort of M&R... ever... It has its original nib, the suction sack is ok and it is burgundy with a golden plated (I guess) cap. Oh there is a nice touch and twist: it forms a beautiful set with its sibling mechanical pencil. Anyway, coming back to your vid, (a) this vid got to me and (b) yup, hats off to the gent; this nib of yours is smashing! Good mod and yours was a super catch. Thanks again for sharing. Cheers. George from Hellas.
I couldn't tell, did you like the nib? or not? :P . Nice review! I enjoy all of your reviews. I'm going to a pen show this weekend and hope to find a great 51.
I've had a P51, but sold it because I did not like the nib...and the Demi was a bit too small for me as well. I was kind of disappointed and disillusioned. But the stubs Greg makes just make me want to get one from him...
About the design. I think back then. When ballpoints were coming out these fountain pens began to look like them. But still be the good ol fountain pen.
"There ya bloody go" - Very Michael Caine! Not a fan of 51s myself, they are not the prettiest of vintage pens. But you seem happy with nib, so that's all good.
I really like aerometric fillers. For flushing, I just repeatedly depress the sac under water.It gets the pen ejecta clear very quickly. I don't find you need to take the nib out of the water when flushing the pen.
Stephen, Do you find the pen to run dry quickly? I have never used a p51 but if it is like other pens with a sack that I have used the capacity is not huge, and with that nib ....
Thanks for the review , the video was very helpful. This nib is a serious NIBBAGE. The line is juicy and soooooo WET. Beautifull. After i saw this review, a few months ago, i decided to buy p51 for myself. It took some time to find egzample in very good condition. Finally i found one, in near mint condition :D and just bought it. Its the early one (marking at the barrel shows T4 with 3 dots, so its first quarter of 1944) vacumatic in ceedar blue colour, with broad nib. Its great wet writer :)
Haha, no, not quite. I don't think most people in Ashland even know I'm here...or what a fountain pen is for that matter! I have been recognized twice in public though....very weird feeling!
My 51 skips something awful. It's weird. I've washed it a dozen times and tried a bunch of inks, I even sent it back to the guy who sold it to me for repair, and it still skips. Maybe I'm just bad luck.
Hi, I'd like to know where you buy your pens from (if you ever do so online) as I live in belgium and really like the Noodler's ink and pens, but would like to avoid the hefty shipping costs from the U.S if possible?
Hi Stephen, If you don't mind me asking, how much did that Parker 51 cost you? I'm interested in getting my first and I'm not sure what a good price would be. I'm looking at one in FPN classifieds. Thanks, Andre
51 doesn’t do much for me either. 61 does more. 51 has the looks of a ballpoint. Expensive though. People seem to bid it up, like a lot, atleast for NOS.
Parker 51 vs Hero 616 might be a bit unbalanced. How about a Hero 100 or 1000? Those have a better fit and finish and if I remember correctly, the 1000 has a 12kt gold nib.
I shudder every time you say re-tipped. the P51 Gold Cap came with a Ir/Os extra fine circular nib. I loved it as it was. the IrOs nib was HARD. There were so many Chinese imitations of it.
Enjoyed the review, no doubt, but could you say how Parker 51 is superior to Sheaffer Balance, or Pelikan 100N ... wenn ich nur ein feder haben könnte, welches nehme ich?
Hi Stephen what is the quality of the acrylic acetate used on noodlers pens compared to the ones used in edison and monteverde ? is noodlers inferior quality? how are they able to make pens for $40 which elsewhere cost $100+ elsewhere .
sbrebrown I know stubbish nibs will have a bigger sweet spot, generally, than true stubs like the P51 you have. would you say that the true stub is less suitable for daily writing? (not taking into account the very broad 1.3mm nib)
Did Greg Minuskin remove lots of tipping to create this gorgeous stub (though I prefer smoother edges, like a cursive)? I've just received a 616 and done lots of work on the nib. It's now a smooth broad, like me ;)
Awesome video and review! Just wondering is there a difference between the US or UK made Parker 51s? Does one have better quality or desirability when compared to the other?
+Parkin L Hi, L. My American P51 is virtually identical to my one made here (in England) except for minute design features - slightly different engraving, a small cap-base detail, etc.. Writing is very nearly identical, too. Yes, Mr Brown, that IS a brushed stainless steel cap. The sac is NOT rubber but Pli-Glass, hence practically indestructible even after decades. While I have to service my 1950's Watermans/Touchdowns/Snorkels, etc. from time to time, my two P51's from that decade just write on and on and... well, ya gotta luv 'em!
I was just gifted a Parker 51 and am planning on sending it to Mr. Minuskin for a complete cleaning and then nib work. Do you ever find that the stub on yours tends to run a little dry after a long writing session like some others or no?? I am planning on using this as my daily writer and was just curious, being a student I tend to write more then average.
I like the 61 better as a design. But i think the 51 was basically a 1950s design. Well a 1940s design to look similar to the new ballpoint pen which was only just invented. Interestingly i have 2 nos eversharp skyline ballpoints from the 40s. Butthey dont write anymore and the ink part is not made anymore. They were also one of the earliest. Anyways i believe the first successfull ballpoint was the parker one they have. Though i dont like ballpoints. You kinda have to have them straight up to write best with them. Fountain pens are best.
sbrebrown Ok Stephen. Your writing sample here with your 51 made me jealous big time... So I "ran" to Greg's website and just bought a 51. We're even on this one now ;-)
+Presenting Hilarious Thank you! Quite a few people seem to disagree with you, but I am honoured nonetheless. Maybe this video I did on handwriting and fountain pens might be of interest to you: ruclips.net/video/moSY5FAs6Wc/видео.html.
Sir, your writing sample here has me sold on the idea of a stub! What would you recommend for an entry level stub? I'm used to Western fines and mediums for daily writing, but I'd love to have a stub that writes a bit fancier/flashier for correspondence. I don't like too much feedback, but I'm not above tuning/smoothing to a small degree to get something usable.
"..The Parker 51 is a very typical design..." and "...I don't care much for the design.." Of course, all are entitled to their own opinions. Your comments, however, say everything about both your aesthetic sense and your knowledge of design. The Parker 51, in terms of both aesthetics and function, is easily one of greatest pens ever made. You should take the time to find out why.
I misused the word typical, I'm not a native speaker of English. I know the pen is a design icon and I know that it was a revolutionary design. None of that means I need to worship the pen, though.
so bad , that they've been out of production, they should be put again back on the market some day close enough same as they were just brain new fresh this tine from 2018. Writers from all over the world should make a petition about it. Seriously it is a great pen for it's simple cost. Why should I buy a Mont Blanc if I can by 5 or 6 of these brain new ones. And parker would profit a lot from them, people are historically buying used and restored ones and keeping them carefully ,such a shame they don't reproduce mew ones again. Really!
I held that pen in my hand!! I never did get to pick up my own Parker 51 at the DC show like I intended, I'm kicking myself for it now. But with the timing of my daughter's feedings, Rachel and I only ended up getting about 3.5 hours at the show, most of which was spent schmoozing...
I have a relatively large "51" collection (started after I inherited my grandfather's 1952 English broad signature '51'). So many of my '51's are mediums--I ended up personally valuing the extra-fine nib as my most practical '51' nib. I have everything from an ultra-broad, super-smooth, paintbrush like '51' stub, through to superb medium stubs and all the rest in between, down to great extra-fines. (my stubs also squeak enjoyably in use--I think that's what you referred to).
I kind of became a '51' enthusiast, as there's so much variety to be had. The pens themselves cannot approach my Victorian Gillott 604EF or Principality equipped oblique dip pens for flex and calligraphic prowess--but the '51' can still do so much pleasant, astonishing writing!
My favourite '51' model is definitely the Flighter--who wants Lucite construction when you can have the first ever stainless-steel pen created--and a beauty at that. After the Flighter, I also like Demonstrators. I'd always recommend Aerometric versions over the lovely older Vacumatics, because I find I'm replacing Vac rubber diaphragms every couple of years, while the Aerometric pliglass sac does last lifetimes. Wishing everyone enjoyment with their '51's--there is heaps to research and loads of fun to be had.
Unbelievable!! I have never seen a Parker 51 write like that! Greg Minuskin rocks! Thanks for another great reveiw sb.
Just got my first "51" Boston Pen Show. Cedar Blue Vacumatic "Custom"(16k GF cap) model, with a 1.1 cursive italic grind by Pendleton. Absolutely awesome.
Nice review from 2012, Stephen. The free-flowing 'juicy' nib you loved came from that revolutionary feed, tubular nib and multi-finned collector, within an anti-drying hood. A superbly practical writer, whose snug cap also posts nicely. Rubber sac, you say? Gracious no, dear boy, it's Pli-glass, still inkproof after 60+ years in some of mine. On dismantling, I gaze in awe at a genius design introduced decades ahead of its time. It's 100% a _writing machine_ ...
Hi, I have a Parker 51 that I received from my Dad after he passed away. It is an Awesome pen. It's basically my day to day workhorse writer. I agree with you 100%. It is an unbelievable writer and this pen of mine has to be at least 50 years old. My father took good care of it as do I. No sign of age or wear. I think I use it more than he ever did anyway! Great videos. Enjoy your channel.
Same goes for you! I saw more than a few people who wanted a picture with you!
It was that hooded nib that attracted many of my schoolmates into using the parker fountain pen.To us, at that time,it looked so modern.The cartridges that went with the 1960's version of that pen had a little metal ball up front where you jammed the stem of the nib feed into.Of coarse, I now know that that was the agitator ball. If Parker were to reissue this line again I would snatch up a few in a heartbeat.
This was my first love affair of a pen. I was 8 and my father had one, and I would take it to school with me since I loved so much how it writes. I still have it, although I have to restore the punctured sac, and it still writes heavenly, even with just dipping.
I wasn't a big P51 fan either, but I wound up collecting P51s in the Demi size :)
Thanks for the review and the writing sample. The nib is fabulous and I'm glad you found one for a good price in DC!
Enjoy the video. I have quite a few of the Parker 21's, starting in that late 1940's to the 1960's. I think the 21's are phenomenal to write with, so I can imagine what the 51's are like. Guess I am going to have to move up to the 51. :)
Serious Nibbage Indeed! Great pen. My Pen problem started with a pretty beat up 51. Later I purchased a better version but both the 51s had mean fine nibs..did I mention that I love broad stub nibs. But earlier this year I spotted on the "Bay" a 51 desk pen, without a stand, with a nib that was described as stub and look stub and when I got it home was stub. I simply swapped the nib unit out of the desk pen into the regular pen and voilà I had me a great pen and it is part of my daily carry.
I have bought P51 navy gray. What's to say? Excellent pen! The nib is between F and M and a line width changes depending on the angle of writing. I watch your reviews. Nice review of P51! Thank you!
A 1.3mm stub would be so fun on a P51. It certainly has enough inkflow to handle it. I have a 1942 P51 in extra fine, and because the fella I bought it from lovingly fine tuned it, it writes like a dream. Amazing pen. And imagine how this pen looked in 1941 -- other pens were big with large fancy exposed nibs. Someone teleported the P51 to Earth from a different planet. And I'd argue that this pen is probably the most reliable functional pen in history. Mine's been serviced once in 71 years.
Funny -- I picked up a regular 21 (i.e., not 21 Super) last winter in an antiques mall, and it wrote sufficiently nicely that I then understood the desire for a "real" 51.
Not sure how hard you looked for date codes, but sometimes they can be hard to see and take a second look! I bought one that allegedly did not have a date code that took a few second looks to find and another one where the date code was reported as a two-dotted 9 when it actually turned out to have three dots. Loupes are your friend of course :)
When I got curious about the 51, I started looking at prices and found that in the color I'd have preferred, it was more expensive than I cared to spend for an experiment. Instead I got its inferior (at least according to many FP fans) little sister, the 21 Super. I love this pen enough that I haven't felt the need to get a 51. Smooth as silk as long as you hold it correctly. The downside of the hooded nib--it's hard to see just how you're holding the pen.
Wow! I forgot how much fun can be a stub nib, that one is really making me itching for one. Thank you for the review!
This pen is, together with the Lamy 2000, probably the most comfortable, best everyday pen.
I was late in loving the 51’s design and the “Johnny-one-note” line it produces, but now I believe that it is a masterpiece of design. One may not see the subtleties immediately, but they abound. One can write a sonnet about even the most common version. Once one gets into all the variations in color and cap styles you’ve got a book. But, the main thing is, for me, it is perfection of design if your need of a pen is to simply write. Calligraphy, not really, likewise with drawing...but for writing it is perfect. I try to cover some of the charms in one of my videos. You might take a look.
You are being hated by millions of fountain pen lovers right now. Just kidding. (No I'm not). Now, this is an amazing pen you've got there. Not just because it is a 51 (which is already ultra-cool by itself), but I'll agree with you all the way, the nib is just amazing. I will be just fine when I finally get one of those standard 51s with their regular nibs in my hands. I can dream about a nib like that one. This is what pleasure of writing means. Enjoy this great pen!
Mine has a fabulous gold Nib. Just amazing. I see why people buy Gold nibs. Mine also has a rolled gold cap and it's made in Britain. Is that something special? I don't think I'd ever sell it though. It's such an amazing pen, and I love writing with it! I'm sticking with it till the end!
Nice review! I've got two retipped pens I bought from mr Minuskin. A cedar blue / gold filled vacumatic 51 with a 1.4 stub and a sheaffer flat top oversize with a 1.9 signature stub. Both are amazing but the 1.9 is madness. Wet like a firehose. :)
Your handwriting is particularly nice with this pen.
Just got my 51 a couple days ago. The burgundy on yours, you're right, is a bit ho-hum as far as looks. I have the black with the same cap of course, and think it looks dead sexy. And no, I'm not a huge mont blanc fan. It shouts bauhaus and good mid-century design... a very nice looking pen. Mine's pretty wet, and the line is way too broad, especially on cheap "normal" paper or writing pads. Upside down seems to resolve that issue. Good upside down writer with a nice fine line. If you try and use it in a reasonable fashion like writing lists, or letters... it's just too broad. You lose the white of the paper in your O's, P's, D's etc etc etc. Just starts to blob together like trying to write small with a sharpie. Fucking great pen though. Got that along with a Parker "Duofold Jr" in burnt orange. Also a very handsome pen.
It's a little bit funny. It's like some one put a Ferrari engine into a Rolls-Royce. After a test driving, you declared that you like the Rolls-Royce, especially the engine part. I am quite interested in this atypical 51, because all my 51s are with fine to medium original nib. A broad nib may bring much fun. Maybe the hooded nib mechanism can not accommodate a flex nib. I am also thinking whether the mechanism will partially conflict with a very broad nib, restricting the writing angle :)
Thank you :)
I've been viewing your vids over the last couple of days - love the subject, ADORE the accent! lol
Watching this in 2020. To me, this, IS, your best video. Ok it reads a tad excessive... I have watched a lot of your vids but certainly not all... jada jada jada... but I’m pretty sure about it. The reason is one and only: it hit a nerve... it made me feel good... I own a Parker 51... it was passed on to me by my father... it is a damn awesome vintage item... and it is a work horse... apart from seldom flushing, no one (neither my father, nor I) has ever taken it in to any Pen-pundit-doctor for any sort of M&R... ever... It has its original nib, the suction sack is ok and it is burgundy with a golden plated (I guess) cap. Oh there is a nice touch and twist: it forms a beautiful set with its sibling mechanical pencil. Anyway, coming back to your vid, (a) this vid got to me and (b) yup, hats off to the gent; this nib of yours is smashing! Good mod and yours was a super catch. Thanks again for sharing. Cheers. George from Hellas.
Nice handwriting ⚘
Parker 51 the best !
I pretty much only use black inks but this little demo makes me want to give some blue a whirl.
I couldn't tell, did you like the nib? or not? :P . Nice review! I enjoy all of your reviews. I'm going to a pen show this weekend and hope to find a great 51.
I've had a P51, but sold it because I did not like the nib...and the Demi was a bit too small for me as well. I was kind of disappointed and disillusioned.
But the stubs Greg makes just make me want to get one from him...
I had a 1941 Parker 51 , 14k gold filled alongside with the mechanical pencil
About the design. I think back then. When ballpoints were coming out these fountain pens began to look like them. But still be the good ol fountain pen.
"There ya bloody go" - Very Michael Caine!
Not a fan of 51s myself, they are not the prettiest of vintage pens. But you seem happy with nib, so that's all good.
Wow. I'm quite familiar with the 51. Thats nib looks awesome.
I have a Parker 51 that was gave to me by an uncle when I graduate. It was stored for a long time and I'm sending it to be fixed.
i've got my first p51 yesterday. it's gorgeous!
Yes, these are nice pens!
I really like aerometric fillers. For flushing, I just repeatedly depress the sac under water.It gets the pen ejecta clear very quickly. I don't find you need to take the nib out of the water when flushing the pen.
It's not easy to get the stub nib of Parker 51，awesome! I prefer the 51 with vacumatic filling system. Thanks for the wonderful review.
Stephen, Do you find the pen to run dry quickly? I have never used a p51 but if it is like other pens with a sack that I have used the capacity is not huge, and with that nib ....
I love the Parker 51 can you please tell me how much it will cost to buy one new. Euan Kerr
Parker 51=pure awesomeness
Thanks for the review , the video was very helpful.
This nib is a serious NIBBAGE. The line is juicy and soooooo WET. Beautifull.
After i saw this review, a few months ago, i decided to buy p51 for myself.
It took some time to find egzample in very good condition.
Finally i found one, in near mint condition :D and just bought it.
Its the early one (marking at the barrel shows T4 with 3 dots, so its first quarter of 1944) vacumatic in ceedar blue colour, with broad nib. Its great wet writer :)
I'm glad this was useful.
Original 51 nibs were made in fine, medium, broad, and double broad just like any other pen.
Haha, no, not quite. I don't think most people in Ashland even know I'm here...or what a fountain pen is for that matter! I have been recognized twice in public though....very weird feeling!
Amazing
I'd just received my Parker 51 back from the service. A fantastic pen!
My 51 skips something awful. It's weird. I've washed it a dozen times and tried a bunch of inks, I even sent it back to the guy who sold it to me for repair, and it still skips. Maybe I'm just bad luck.
Hi, I'd like to know where you buy your pens from (if you ever do so online) as I live in belgium and really like the Noodler's ink and pens, but would like to avoid the hefty shipping costs from the U.S if possible?
Hi Stephen,
If you don't mind me asking, how much did that Parker 51 cost you? I'm interested in getting my first and I'm not sure what a good price would be. I'm looking at one in FPN classifieds.
Thanks,
Andre
That is a pretty cool pen! Although, one thing that would make it cooler for me is an ink window!
51 doesn’t do much for me either. 61 does more. 51 has the looks of a ballpoint. Expensive though. People seem to bid it up, like a lot, atleast for NOS.
A super juicy one .. loved to see in action👍
I'm going to get a Parker 51 in Maroon but was wondering how much Greg Minuski (sorry about spelling) charged you for the nib to be 'stubbed'.
Parker 51 vs Hero 616 might be a bit unbalanced. How about a Hero 100 or 1000? Those have a better fit and finish and if I remember correctly, the 1000 has a 12kt gold nib.
I shudder every time you say re-tipped. the P51 Gold Cap came with a Ir/Os extra fine circular nib. I loved it as it was. the IrOs nib was HARD. There were so many Chinese imitations of it.
I have a Plum 51 Aero with what I think is a medium nib and it writes pretty wet untweaked. So that Miniuskin stub must *really* be something....
Hi, I have parker51,but I it doesnt write like yours,mine has same size of lines if I write with side nib or the front,,why is that??
i want a parker 51 badly but i dont have the funds right now because school is starting and i just had to buy glasses
Hi there,
Heaps of people adore this pen but I'm not quite sure why... Is it the design? Writing experience?
Enjoyed the review, no doubt, but could you say how Parker 51 is superior to Sheaffer Balance, or Pelikan 100N ... wenn ich nur ein feder haben könnte, welches nehme ich?
I'm a student and do a lot of quick writing would the stubbed nib suit me?
Dreaming about getting a Cedar Blue button fill 51 with a gold cap and a stub nib.
Did you have any startup issues with yours? Mine just got back from repairs and I cannot get it to write for the life of me.
Hi Stephen
what is the quality of the acrylic acetate used on noodlers pens compared to the ones used in edison and monteverde ? is noodlers inferior quality? how are they able to make pens for $40 which elsewhere cost $100+ elsewhere .
I have no idea, you should ask Nathan Tardif, the founder of Noodler's, this question. In my experience, the Noodler's pens are built well.
i Love the stub ❤️❤️
Is it just your camera or my laptop? The burgundy 51 becomes a black 51 in the sample...
It was designed by Lazlo Moholy Nagy of Bauhaus.
How would you compare the writing experience on this to your 149 and M1000 and M800, which have "stubbish" nibs rather than true stubs?
sbrebrown I know stubbish nibs will have a bigger sweet spot, generally, than true stubs like the P51 you have. would you say that the true stub is less suitable for daily writing? (not taking into account the very broad 1.3mm nib)
I've not had any issues in using this pen for everyday writing.
Did Greg Minuskin remove lots of tipping to create this gorgeous stub (though I prefer smoother edges, like a cursive)?
I've just received a 616 and done lots of work on the nib. It's now a smooth broad, like me ;)
I think Greg removed the original tipping and welded new, broader tipping in place. Well done on your 616!
Are you going to do a shootout with the hero 616?
Awesome video and review! Just wondering is there a difference between the US or UK made Parker 51s? Does one have better quality or desirability when compared to the other?
+Parkin L Hi, L. My American P51 is virtually identical to my one made here (in England) except for minute design features - slightly different engraving, a small cap-base detail, etc.. Writing is very nearly identical, too. Yes, Mr Brown, that IS a brushed stainless steel cap. The sac is NOT rubber but Pli-Glass, hence practically indestructible even after decades. While I have to service my 1950's Watermans/Touchdowns/Snorkels, etc. from time to time, my two P51's from that decade just write on and on and... well, ya gotta luv 'em!
I was just gifted a Parker 51 and am planning on sending it to Mr. Minuskin for a complete cleaning and then nib work. Do you ever find that the stub on yours tends to run a little dry after a long writing session like some others or no?? I am planning on using this as my daily writer and was just curious, being a student I tend to write more then average.
nice!
Haha! Yes, the one room in the world where you or I would be considered famous, most likely ;)
I like the 61 better as a design. But i think the 51 was basically a 1950s design. Well a 1940s design to look similar to the new ballpoint pen which was only just invented. Interestingly i have 2 nos eversharp skyline ballpoints from the 40s. Butthey dont write anymore and the ink part is not made anymore. They were also one of the earliest. Anyways i believe the first successfull ballpoint was the parker one they have. Though i dont like ballpoints. You kinda have to have them straight up to write best with them. Fountain pens are best.
Such a tease... Greg Minuskin indeed!
sbrebrown Without question, but this isn't an off the rack buy.
Love your story of the meet and purchase...
sbrebrown Ok Stephen. Your writing sample here with your 51 made me jealous big time... So I "ran" to Greg's website and just bought a 51. We're even on this one now ;-)
Jean-Louis Guillemot Cool!
Good God you have such beautiful penmanship. How can I learn to letter that well.
+Presenting Hilarious Thank you! Quite a few people seem to disagree with you, but I am honoured nonetheless. Maybe this video I did on handwriting and fountain pens might be of interest to you: ruclips.net/video/moSY5FAs6Wc/видео.html.
+philipm06 And another one was added to the blocked list!
sbrebrown
You're joking right?
Insert dad joke here.
Queen Elizabeth of England and the common wealth uses this pen!
Do you have a Parker 51 without the custom nib?
If so, what are your views on it?
Sir, your writing sample here has me sold on the idea of a stub!
What would you recommend for an entry level stub? I'm used to Western fines and mediums for daily writing, but I'd love to have a stub that writes a bit fancier/flashier for correspondence. I don't like too much feedback, but I'm not above tuning/smoothing to a small degree to get something usable.
I'd go for an Italix pen.
+philipm06 Italix - it's a brand.
Yes, just like in yours.
So, how ist compared to the Hero 616? I can tell that you are quite a bit more exited about this one, but how would you put the differences in words?
MÅNEMANN MÅNEMANN The 51 is a radically better pen in every way: build quality, writing quality, etc.
Hehe project runway I love that show.
How much was this?
How did the price?
I think cleaning's worse on the Vacumatic
"..The Parker 51 is a very typical design..." and "...I don't care much for the design.." Of course, all are entitled to their own opinions. Your comments, however, say everything about both your aesthetic sense and your knowledge of design. The Parker 51, in terms of both aesthetics and function, is easily one of greatest pens ever made. You should take the time to find out why.
I misused the word typical, I'm not a native speaker of English. I know the pen is a design icon and I know that it was a revolutionary design. None of that means I need to worship the pen, though.
Granted. Simply two opinions.
+jamxtube Exactly, which is what makes things fun :-).
Where can i by this pen online , I live in europe!
It's a vintage pen, it can't be bought in shops
so bad , that they've been out of production, they should be put again back on the market some day close enough same as they were just brain new fresh this tine from 2018. Writers from all over the world should make a petition about it. Seriously it is a great pen for it's simple cost. Why should I buy a Mont Blanc if I can by 5 or 6 of these brain new ones. And parker would profit a lot from them, people are historically buying used and restored ones and keeping them carefully ,such a shame they don't reproduce mew ones again. Really!
You can find a whole lot of various designs of Parker 51 on ebay. There's many local sellers here, as the pen was produced in the UK for a while.
hi, edward snowden
Serious nibage... lol