From what I've read, Parker's competitors sought to capitalize on the popularity of the 51 by introducing "almost" pens. Apparently, almost all flopped. The exception to that (according to Binder's articles) is the Waterman Taperite, which had a similar size and shape, slip cap and a partially concealed nib. The 51 had a fully hooded nib, and the Taperite had most of the nib sunk under the section, with a small bit of the nib exposed. I overpaid for a beater version of the Taperite because it had been re-sacked, and I'd read that restoring them was difficult. I also noted that this pen succeeded because Waterman made outstanding nibs, and for some of the Taperites, they had a bit of flex to them. Anyway, today I loaded mine up with J. Herbin 1670 Bleu Ocean and did some test writing. Happily, it does have a semiflexible nib and it's pretty fun to write with.
The Competition's 51
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That is two posts that you left pictures out of today!!!!!
We should send him an Ahab as punishment.
Make him write with a TWSBI !!!
Nothing quite like the Lamy 27 (except a "51")
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Hero.... its been said
The only Lamy I own.... that has to say something
Nice info! I never knew about the Taperite or the Lamy 27. Thanks guys.
-Andy
-Andy
That says a lot. Lamy 27 is a great pen, I've got three, one is a buttery smooth semi-flexible broad stub. Here's a pic of one sold in Jan 1958, the 25 year guarantee paper is shown.
Piston filler, this one is an oblique fine 14K gold nib.
That says a lot. Lamy 27 is a great pen, I've got three, one is a buttery smooth semi-flexible broad stub. Here's a pic of one sold in Jan 1958, the 25 year guarantee paper is shown.
Piston filler, this one is an oblique fine 14K gold nib.
Nice!
How does the Aurora 88 fit into this?
it certainly has styling like a 51.
Of course I haven't found one for a decent price yet so I have no real experience with one.
it certainly has styling like a 51.
Of course I haven't found one for a decent price yet so I have no real experience with one.
Were the sheaffers and the imperial nibs copies of the 51s too?
Those fit right in -- the vintage ones, the new ones have exposed nibs. Not sure when that happened.
I think it was between the Imperial II and III there was a short run of what is nicknamed the Dolphin. It looks kind of funny...
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Then he would want to buy one!
Geez, tough room!
The NOS Taperite Crusader
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A side by side comparison of my user grade Taperite with the 51
Nice, Bob! Thanks for the pics for comparison. Everybody all of a sudden needed a hooded nib with a slip cap.
Will hooded nibs make a thunderous comeback?
