A bunch of Parker pens, and a Schaeffer

[Mysterion]

My father was a lifelong fountain pen user. He was a regular at Fahrney's, Washington, DC's well-known pen shop. Any thoughts on these pens, found among his papers, service medals, and jewelery? From cursory research, (and B&B postings,) I gather the Parkers are sought-after, though the details of the model variations make my head spin. The set on the far left has my father's name impressed in the barrel; the sterling silver pen is the one I recall him using most regularly when I was young. From what I've seen, it seems the Parker with the jewels at both top and bottom is an early variant.

Obviously, sentimental value far outweighs any collectible value, but I'd prefer to do right by these pens. Should I try to refurbish one or more of these? Am I better off leaving them original? (I should note that I'm not a fountain pen user now, and I have a notoriously heavy writing hand; I bend the nibs on fine-line pens like Pilot v5s...)

 

[RichGem]

#1 & 2 look like Parker 51s (possibly 21s). #4 is a Shaefer Snorkel w/ closed nib.

I don't recognize #4.

The 51s (or 21s) are great writers as is the Snorkel. The snork. filling mech is unique and very clean to use. These three will withstand a fairly heavy hand in use but with all fps, you do have to write more lightly than with a ball point.

If you were to think of selling, these are desirable, tho common pens. The engraving (of your father's name) does reduce value somewhat as does the black color of some of the pens as it is a very common color.

 

[withoutink]

Very nice. If you ever want to sell them, shouldn't be hard to sell - if you go that route. I'm actually looking to buy a 51 and snorkle.

Best of luck.

 

[AZShaver]

If you google Parker Pens, and Fountain pens you will find an amazing amount of info.
I forget the name of the sterling one, but you will find info and a good start at these.
Richard Binder http://www.richardspens.com/
Fountain Pen Network http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?
Parker 51 is a hooded nib pen. Ink one up and try it, probably #1. You may find it will work for you.
I have 2 51's myself in extra fine. I am now looking for a medium nib.

 

[Mysterion]

Thanks, gents. That was fast!

I was pretty sure about the 51s, though I can't quite fix the year or model variant. I suspect they're all pretty broad nibs--later in life, my father favored a very bold Mt. Blanc or Waterman (though he was perfectly happy with an inexpensive Lamy.)

Because of the sentiment attached to the pens, I've no thought of selling any of them, ever, even if I never convert to fountain pen use. But sad experience tells me it's smart to know the value of collectibles, or at least which collectibles are valuable.

 

[withoutink]

Personally, I wouldnt sell them ever either. checkout parker51.com for more info on the Parkers. Its a pretty interesting history lesson about those pens.

Enjoy your treasures.

 

[WhosYerBob]

Run - do not walk - over to the Fountain Pen Network and start searching the archives. If you have questions the kind folks there with assist any way possible. An overload of Parker 51 info is available...

 

[brianw]

2nd is a "61" has the telltale arrow

 

[norman931]

The silver one looks like a Parker 75. They bring pretty good prices. I've tried to buy a few, and am always outbid.

 

[MaxP]

Run - do not walk - over to the Fountain Pen Network and start searching the archives. If you have questions the kind folks there with assist any way possible. An overload of Parker 51 info is available...

Excellent advice!

 

[Yushiro]

2nd is a "61" has the telltale arrow

I concur. In pretty good condition too.

 

[dcampen]

The silver pen is a Parker 75 from around 1966-1971. The body and cap are solid sterling silver. The metal ring near the nib has graduation marks on it which dates it to no later than the early 70's. If the metal ring has a zero reference number as well as the graduation then it was made about 1966-1969. If the part of the barrel with threads that screws into the body is metal instead of black plastic then it is a first year of production, 1966 I think.
It should not need any refurbishing except perhaps to soak the nib in distilled water for a few days to remove any old dried ink.

These pens continued to be made after 1971 but the graduated metal ring went away. Finally in the 80's or 90's production was moved from USA to France and recently production has been discontinued.

 

[SCWilson]

The Sheaffer looks to me like a PFM (Pen For Men) though I'm not sure on the varient. It is a snorkle filler but more sought after. They are all great pens! +1 on heading over to the Fountain Pen Network. I'm a member there as well. They really know their stuff!

 

[GarageBoy]

The sheaffer is not a PFM, but it's a Crest.
Not a PFM because it's a triumph nib, not a inlaid.
The one on the left is a 51, then the 61 and finally 75. (51 came first, then the 61 then the 75)
The Sheaffer looks like a Vac Fill, but could be touchdown or snorkel (though it's a bit fat to me to be a snorkel, but I cannot tell from pics)