Im planning on getting a Parker 51 fountain pen in good working order in about a month. I have been doing some research and prices are all over the place. So I want to know what I should expect to pay for one.
Parker 51
- Thread starter greenhornet7897
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we have kind of an expert on the subject around here, but i think he is currently at a mental institute being treated for his disorder, but i have noticed on the bay, that a lot i have seen have been to high for what i think i would want to spend on one,... figured i would hold off and see if they calm back down i.e. Brian stops posting pictures for a few months
To be honest, I'd check antique stores. I've now picked up three for under $10 a piece and with my old Parkers I seem to have a 50/50 chance of it working right off the shelf. If not, send it for a restore and you'll be all set.
It all depends on how nice you want it... especially for the price you're willing to pay.
That's just what I've been looking for, a $10 aerometric to use at work! I've been looking in antique/junk shops for over 3 years in three different states and have only found one. Someone took pity on me and rebuilt it as a good will gesture (it needed a new feed, nib, the whole internals (vac), cap dents removed. It's so nice with the gold filled cap and all I'm afraid to take it to the office. I've since tried to repay the gesture by purchasing a 1/2 dozen rebuilt Esterbrooks from him.
Somehow the Hero clones I have just don't satisfy, just bloop ink unexpectedly, even with the "fix".
Prices can be all over the map.
First, there are the "expensive collector" pens which, to me, look and write exactly like the normal inexpensive ones ... but they are in a special colour or have a little do-dad on the cap, or a certain production number which means they are one of only a handful made with X during year Y, yada yada ... collectors get all gooey about this stuff, but for someone wanting a writing pen, it's ...
But then someone with a decent average 51, maybe in need of a bit of work, sees a 51 (which happens to be a mint, uninked, in-box pen with all those special collector-goes-gooey factors selling for $200 or whatever, and he figures his run of the mill 51 is a $200 pen too ... or maybe $150 since he doesn't have the box.
Well, that's an extreme case, but you get the picture.
First, there are the "expensive collector" pens which, to me, look and write exactly like the normal inexpensive ones ... but they are in a special colour or have a little do-dad on the cap, or a certain production number which means they are one of only a handful made with X during year Y, yada yada ... collectors get all gooey about this stuff, but for someone wanting a writing pen, it's ...
But then someone with a decent average 51, maybe in need of a bit of work, sees a 51 (which happens to be a mint, uninked, in-box pen with all those special collector-goes-gooey factors selling for $200 or whatever, and he figures his run of the mill 51 is a $200 pen too ... or maybe $150 since he doesn't have the box.
Well, that's an extreme case, but you get the picture.
Good working examples that are in nice condition seem to be around $80-$100. They can be found cheaper, of course. If you find one in the wild, Aerometrics, more often than not, will work with nothing more than a good ammonia flush. Vacumatics will almost always need servicing to replace the diaphragm, and that is a bit tricky, and requires a couple of special tools. Pass them by, unless they are so cheap that you can happily add the service cost to the price tag and smile.
My 51 was touched by Brian....that makes it s $250 buck pen doesn;t it?
I was going to say "where is a mod to assign a new custom title when you need it", but then I saw you're a mod.
I just sold a nice one on the B/S/T forum for $75. Not a collector's item, but in very good cosmetic and working condition.
Mods are the worse....we eat our own....
Personally, I think it's high time some of the standard titles start reflecting some of the site's Nib leanings.
But then, I'm one of those people who desperately wants a custom title, but will probably never get one!
That's just what I've been looking for, a $10 aerometric to use at work! I've been looking in antique/junk shops for over 3 years in three different states and have only found one. Someone took pity on me and rebuilt it as a good will gesture (it needed a new feed, nib, the whole internals (vac), cap dents removed. It's so nice with the gold filled cap and all I'm afraid to take it to the office. I've since tried to repay the gesture by purchasing a 1/2 dozen rebuilt Esterbrooks from him.
Somehow the Hero clones I have just don't satisfy, just bloop ink unexpectedly, even with the "fix".
I hate antique shops for fountain pens. Every pen is way overpriced. And the time you spend looking is time spent without a P51.
Pony up the money and get one. They are amazing.
You will get one when you least expect it. When and if you do, be prepared to have a good humor about it.Personally, I think it's high time some of the standard titles start reflecting some of the site's Nib leanings.
But then, I'm one of those people who desperately wants a custom title, but will probably never get one!
I know. I'm scared. But having 2 older brothers teaches one that it's best to rool with the punches.
i really really envy the guy's collection.. lol
Prices can be all over the map.
First, there are the "expensive collector" pens which, to me, look and write exactly like the normal inexpensive ones ... but they are in a special colour or have a little do-dad on the cap, or a certain production number which means they are one of only a handful made with X during year Y, yada yada ... collectors get all gooey about this stuff, but for someone wanting a writing pen, it's ...
But then someone with a decent average 51, maybe in need of a bit of work, sees a 51 (which happens to be a mint, uninked, in-box pen with all those special collector-goes-gooey factors selling for $200 or whatever, and he figures his run of the mill 51 is a $200 pen too ... or maybe $150 since he doesn't have the box.
Well, that's an extreme case, but you get the picture.
Doc that pretty much sums it up. If you go to the bay watch out !!! there are many Frankenpens there. Vacumatics with Aerometric caps.... etc. A Vac is a harder buy. Most of them need to be re diaphramed . For the normal user a Aerometric is the best start. Sacs are usually pliable and no work is needed except a damn good flushing. Pearl jewel is a 51 cap, black jewel is a 51 special, and metal jewel is a 21 cap.
I have spent up to 80.00 bucks for a couple of 51's but they had a special cap or nib or such.
All I can say is if the price feels right it's good for you
Lol we now need an entire thread or wiki page just for the P51's and their many variations to help to buy with confidence should only take a month to put together that thread Brian lol
