Pen Review - Parker 45

[Vercin]

Parker 45
(1960-2007)



"This pen, subsequently known as the Parker 45 (actually named after the western revolver) was aimed to shoot into and make a kill on the economy market. And you even loaded it with cartridges! It was introduced in 1960."
The Parker 45 was designed by Don Doman (who also designed the Jotter, Parker 61, Parker VP, Parker 75, Parker T1 and Liquid Lead).
- parkerpens.net


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comes in several types:

• Classic (plastic body, metal cap)
• CT (aka Arrow , all plastic)
• special CT (with rolled gold filled trimmings)
• Flighter (all metal)
• Insignia (gold(silver)filled cap/body)

Here today will meat up with one that has, plastic burgundy colored body, brushed metal cap with rolled gold trimmings and gold 14K nib that is "M" sized.

Appearance and Design

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This pen has the overall concept of design as the Parker 51 with the visual difference being in the tapered ends and a new half-hooded nib section. At the beginning meant as an economy class pen, its offered with plastic body, steel cap and steel nib, with a choice of several colors for the body (Black, Burgundy, Grey, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Green). Later on as the pen took to the masses it got several upgrades like the all metal flighter version, rolled gold trimmings and some more unique (rare) designs like the harlequin for example.

The cap features the arrow shaped Parker clip that has quite nice spring and flex. Will open up nicely and keeps the pen secure when placed in pocket etc.

Weight and Dimensions

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Length:

• 13.6 cm - closed
• 12.6 cm - opened
• 14.6 cm - posted

Decent in size for use even not posted, tapered smooth grip that can be easily and comfortably held at various lengths. On the light side when not posted.

Filling System and Maintenance

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The pen features the cartridge/converter system and can fit the standard Parker cartridge or one of the several Parker converters types. Also features an easy to remove nib, as seen on the picture bellow, that is made of three parts - feed, nib and colar - that screw in into the body of the pen. Thanks to this cleaning the pen is an easy task and also gives the freedom of swapping and using different sizes of nibs, they are all interchangeable. The nibs come in steel, gold plated steel or solid gold (14K 585) in different sizes.

Nib Performance

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This pen here comes with an 14K gold nib, bearing the markings Parker and made in USA. Size is M. Tested with Pelikan 4001 royal blue washable, the pen performed quite nice, it lays a wet solid consistent line with no skipping. Turned upside down it will lay a EF line (compared to my EF pelikan nib). Has some flex but given its size and type it won't really provide a "flare" in normal writing.

View attachment 371241

Conclusion

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Nice and solid pen, good size and weight (posted, otherwise may be light for some). Smooth writer with a nice and consistent M sized line. Comfortable for long use (for me at least).

 

[BowTieGuy]

The 45 is one of my favorites. I haven't come across too many 51s out where I shop, but have been able to pick up some 45s and they haven't disappointed yet!

 

[redbike]

Great every day carry pen.

 

[syngent]

I almost bought one before I ended up with my 51

Great review on the pen though, they have made many people happy over the years

 

[celestino]

That is a great review and thanks for sharing. Enjoy the pen.