Lamy 27 and Parker 51 side-by-side

[MYU]

Here's the comparison I was promising some of you Lamy lovers. I apologize for the amateurish photos. I have to do some reading up on pen photography, makeshift light boxes, etc.

 

Dimensions:

Capped - Parker 51 is slightly longer and wider

Posted - Both pens are about the same length

 

Caps:

Both caps are 14kt gold filled with thin lines closely spaced. The Lamy does have a slight variation on line spacing. In each case, there is a jewel/accent that secures the clip (the Lamy clip penetrates the cap, but the Parker clip rests on top). Both caps are slip on, secured by a clutch ring.

 

Filler Mechanisms:

The Parker 51 features the vacumatic type with blind cap covered plunger. The Lamy 27 has an internal piston, controlled by the barrel screw tip. As you can see in the photo, the Lamy has a series of ink windows near the clutch ring, so you can easily see how much ink is left.

 

Nibs:

Unlike the Parker 51 hooded nib, the Lamy 27 nib is mostly exposed. The Lamy nib is integrated in the section--the whole piece easily unscrews from the barrel.

 

Markings:

On the 27, Lamy usually imprints the model number (27n) and nib type (OM) on the piston screw tip, as well as "Lamy 27" midway on the barrel (pens made specifically for export to the US have different markings). The early Parker 51's have the model and date code on the barrel near the clutch ring.

Edited May 8, 2007 by MYU

[MYU]

Closeups of the caps and filling mechanism controls.

Edited May 8, 2007 by MYU

[MYU]

And of course, there are other Lamy 27 variations with barrel colors similar to the Parker 51 (below is dark blue, burgundy, and black--there are other colors such as teal). Notice the cap "jewels" are color matched to the barrel.

 

With the metal caps, Lamy produced a couple of "lustralloy" styles and a chromed version with several different line patterns.

 

Edited May 8, 2007 by MYU

[JimStrutton]

The similarity is striking!

 

Except for the nib, and as I have never written with a 27 I can't comment, but seeing those pictures it does show how one follows the other IMHO.

 

Jim

[MYU]

Yes Jim - Given that the Lamy 27 came out in 1952, I have to believe it was influenced by the design of the Parker 51.

 

They write beautifully, though. The F and EF nibs feel very much like a fine 51, but with a little more flex. As far as I know, Parker never sold an oblique nib. The Lamy oblique nibs are very nice writers, laying down smooth lines with just enough ink.

[djuna]

hm. I might have to be on the lookout for one of those, loving both Lamy and my 51 as I do

[Johnson]

WTB: Lamy 27