Search the Community

I have a desk pen with a badly aligned nib and feed. It has a flat nib under that good. Is there any good way to do this externally or will I need to remove the sac and knock it out? The pen writes well but the alignment makes it all sorts of tricky as the pen needs to be rolled slightly from center. My brain hurts to use it! Pictures say a lot I'd appreciate any advice

Hello, Sorry if this has been asked before but I can't seem to find much on it. I have a Parker 21 Super in need of a new hood. This came to me in a lot purchase so it was a "bonus" pen but then I noticed a crack in the hood -which I suspect itself was a replacement - black hood on grey body. Anyone know where to source Parker 21 Super hoods?? Failing that maybe I'll keep my eyes open for a 21 Super parts pen but with a good hood!

I recently acquired a Parker 21 that, from the photos, gave me the impression that it might actually be a Parker 51 with a '21 cap. I made that initial judgement via photos over the Internet, not by personal inspection. What caused me to think it might be a Parker 51 was the clutch ring. In the photos it looks much like a '51 clutch ring. The other two 21s that I own both have the clutch spring in the clutch ring itself with no "fingers" or other form of clutch inside the cap other than the inner cap. This pen's cap has a three fingered "clutch" of some sort and the clutch ring on the barrel is actually below the surfaces of the barrel and shell so the friction to hold the cap in place is between the fingers in the cap and the plastic of the shell. This pen is obviously un-inked but it has the scratches that would indicate a life getting bumped around in a drawer. The barrel has no imprint anywhere but the base of the cap shows it being a Parker 21. While I have not inked the pen, I did "write" with it dry on paper and was impressed with the nib's smoothness. The cap looks as though it must have had a jewel at some point. Does anyone have any information about this version of the '21? If it is, indeed, missing a jewel on the cap, does anyone have an idea where I could find one? Thanks, Cliff

I'm sorry if this is a common almost silly question. I used the google search and found lots of entries about removing the nibs on a Parker 21, some things on disassembly of of the actual aerometric filling mechanism. Question #1: But I didn't see anything on the removal of the filling mechanism from the body of the pen. In looking around at pictures, I think it is threaded, so should unscrew. Is this correct? Question #2: Also, again just to make sure, does it follow the "lefty loosy" rule? If if the nib points to my left, and the top of the pen to my right, I'd turn the filling mechanism away from me. Is that correct? I've cleaned most of the ink out of the pen, but I do notice when the pen is water, I see a little bit of ink coming from where the filling mechanism attaches to the pen body (just above the barrel threads). I'd guess that I may need to replace the sac as perhaps the fix there is not as good as it should be. Question #3: What size sac for the Parker 21 aerometric filling system? Is is the same as the Parker 51? I see old threads and I'm unsure whether a straight sac is needed or a tapered sac. The current sac on the pen is black (not from ink, but it's rubber). The chart at Pendemonium for a Parker 51 says a 17 ½ tapered. As an aside of that, David Nishimura's site Vintage Pens does have new "Pil-Glass" sacs for Parker 51's aerometrics. My other Parker 21 does have that kind of sac. So maybe on that I've answered my own question. But I want to be certain. Thanks in advance! Cheryl, pen surgeon novice-in-training

I recently acquired a Parker 21 that is missing its sac. The metal aerometric shell is in place, just no sac. I would like to replace it myself but can't find any info here or on YouTube about putting in a replacement sac for a Parker 21. My experience level-I have extensive knowledge of 45s but little on older pens with sacs. I have replaced the cracked hood on another 21 I bought. I have watched Danny Fudge replace several sacs on Esterbrook Js. My questions: 1) Are there any videos or guides for replacing the sac on a Parker 21? 2) Will I need to remove the hood to remove the aerometric filler? 3) Do 21s have a breather tube? (I don't see one on mine) Thanks for any suggestions and advice.

So i bought this parker (and a pilot short pen 2) on a whim because it was so inexpensive about $17 for the both of them. Now when i got the pen i was puzzled with the parker because in the cap it stated that it was a parker 21 but when i unscrewed the body i was shocked to see that it came with the standard 51 aerometric sac. The body didnt have any indication that it was a 51... I havent been able to take it apart since i left it at my dorm and im currently out of town, can anyone help me identify it?

What inks do you use in your Parker 51 or 21? I recently had my P51 re-sac'ed and they recommended Parker, Waterman, and Sheaffer inks only. I agree these are appropriate. But what about Pelikan or Lamy or Noodler's inks? What do inks do you guys use?

Hello everyone, This is the pen I'm using today. It's a very special pen for me, because it belonged to my grandfather. It has an aerometric filler system and works perfectly. The only shortcoming is that the iridium point is extremely worn out. The consequences of many years of handwriting. Here you have some pics. http://fotos.miarroba.es/fo/b29c/1F5969DBCB2758EBFE7D3258EBFD17.jpg http://fotos.miarroba.es/fo/ddfd/1C5969DBFE2E58EBFEB12658EBFD4A.jpg http://fotos.miarroba.es/fo/be59/215969DC272258EBFEDB2B58EBFD73.jpg A close up of the iridium point. http://fotos.miarroba.es/fo/59af/1C5969DC582758EBFF0D2658EBFDA4.jpg http://fotos.miarroba.es/fo/e191/255969DC852858EBFF3B2F58EBFDD1.jpg http://fotos.miarroba.es/fo/9e28/0B5969DCC52A58EBFF7C2758EBFE11.jpg http://fotos.miarroba.es/fo/055d/195969DE8C3058EC01442C58EBFFD8.jpg I hope you like it as I do. Please feel free to comment or ask any question. Greetings from Spain.

I recently bought a lot of pens on ebay that includes a nice never-inked Parker 21 pen/pencil set. What I find unusual is that the clip has a big (1/2 inch diameter), round logo where the feathers should be. The clip does end in an arrow point. The emblem is marked "birks ster" on the reverse side. I've seen many Cross pens with an emblem on the clip, but this is the only time I've seen it on a Parker. I browsed ebay and can't find any P21's with an emblem. It looks authentic otherwise. Is this unusual? I'm not a big Parker person, but my google skills are usually good, and I can't find anything like this.

Hello, I am new to the forum, and am hoping this is the right section to post this in. I found this Parker 21 for $40.00 at a local antique shop. I noticed that the pen cap can rotate around the metal band of the mid section freely. The cap stays on securely, but this rotating situation makes the over all feel of the pen... I hate to say it...cheap? Otherwise I love this pen dearly. Is the cap suppose to do this? I let it soak for a few days in water, and a bit soap. This has gotten the pen to a poor working condition. I still can't remove the filler from the rest of the body to gain access to the nib for cleaning. I have even taken a blow drier to it, and it still won't budge. Any suggestions for my dilemma? - Bearded Pens

Hello, I'm relatively new to fountain pens, I've used Lamy Safaris for years when I was in school, but didn't know that much about fountain pens. Recently I've become more interested in them. Several months ago I was gifted a Waterman Hemisphere and am quite happy with it. Of course it's not the best Pen out there and it's somewhat small for me. Enough introduction for now. I like the design of Parker 51, 21 and those pens which look very similar. The hooded nib, the relatively unpretentious design. I would like to get a similar pen. It doesn't need to have a gold nib, actually a steel nib is what I would prefer die to the affordability. Of course you can get vintage Parker pens on eBay but I'm not really experienced with buying vintage pens. I can't assess how well their conditions is. Another option are pens like the Hero 616, which design-wise are copies but many people complain about their quality. Caps that cratch the barrel each time you use the cap, leaking bladders and so on. To get to the point: I' like to have a Pen like the Parker 21. Could you more experienced fountain pen users give me some advice? Is it possible to get a Parker 21 on eBay for a reasonable price? I mean I don't want to pay as much as I would pay for a really decent new pen. Are there copies of the Parker 21 or 51 whose quality is good enough to be used for some time without having ink all over your desk? Or are there maybe other modern pens with a hooded nib (not the Lamy 2000, Vanishing Point or something in this price range)? I'm looking forward for some tips. Thank you!

I've seen a couple of pens on ebay in a box labeled "Parker "51" -- Super "21". They're advertised as 21s. Does anyone know if that's what's likely to be in the box? Thanks!

I have just found my grandfather's blue Parker 21 with its "domed" (?) chrome cap and concave (trough) clip. His first initials and last name are engraved in this pen, and I remember this and/or a similar fountain pen always being clipped in his left shirt pocket. Grandpa was one of the very finest men I ever knew, a true gentleman. When I found this pen while going through a box that had been stored since his death, I found a wonderful treasure. The lagniappe is that it's been at least 4 decades since its last use, and with only a dip in a glass of warm water and a squeeze of the aerometric filler, it's been writing like a champ all day! When I discovered it at the very bottom of the box - the bottom is where pens go, right? - I was excited just to have the pen, my expectations for its working condition were low, particularly without a lot of cleaning and work or sending it off (I would have for this one). I unscrewed the barrel - that's when I first learned which Parker the pen is. Engraved on the aerometric filler: TO FILL PRESS RIBBED BAR THREE TIMES...... USE SUPERCHROME INK THE PARKER PEN CO. JANESVILLE, WIS. U.S.A. PARKER "21" The sac had stuck to the plastic inside of the barrel, and was rather twisted around the the aero filler. I put the nib in warm water, and squeezed the filler a couple of times - a familiar, inky black swirl filled the glass! I dried the nib. Would the sac hold? Had I damaged it removing the barrel, they'd obviously become "glued" together over the decades of storage. I've done nothing else to the pen, and it's been writing beautifully! Can one of you Parker experts please help to date this pen for me? In addition to the trough (concave) clip, the clip is not one with a ball on the underside. I've read as much as I can find here and at the provided link for Parker pen info & dating Parkers. The only markings I've found are on the cap and aerometric filler. I am so excited about this pen, and knowing the the year of manufacture would be another bonus, but not a loss to not know. Thank you in advance if you are able to provide solid guidance in dating this for me. My day, week, and month have been made! Probably my year. Edit to note the white balance in the attached photos is off, and the pen is not nearly as navy as it appears. The pics were taken with my iPad and incandescent lamp light. If it's helpful for color reference, the dot grid paper is a Leuchtturm 1917. Thanks again. Sign me, "Happy, Happy"

Hello all. I recently purchased what I thought to be a NOS Parker 21 on eBay for $20. After receiving it I believe that it may be an areometric Parker 51 demi. The pen came with a Parker 21 cap and a barrel that seems a bit to big for the pen. The picture below shows a Parker 51 at the bottom, a Parker 21 Mark II in the middle, and the pen in question at the top. As a side note the barrel that came with the pen does not fit on the Parker 21 Mark II. It it definitely smaller than both the full sized Parker 51 and the Parker 21 and has the same clutch ring as the Parker 51. On the filler it is just stamped Parker whereas the Parker 51 and 21 both have stamps that say, Parker 51 and Parker 21 respectively. I have since used the pen, it writes very well. Any thoughts as to what it could be? Thanks http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah48/Davide_Borrelli/20150925_130646_zpsnuwpiyfp.jpg

Greeting y'all. I purchased a Parker 21 yesterday - and I cannot get it to write. If I write R--E--A--L--L--Y slow, a faint line goes down. If I lightly tap the point on paper, puddles of ink slop onto the paper. The pen looks pretty much like new - but does not write. I am thinking to let the ink set in the pen, and maybe the ink will start dissolving blockage. Is this likely to work? What should be my next step? Thanks - Jody

A friend of mine gave me her Parker 21 to try and revive. Someone else gave it to her, all clogged up, and she thinks that person might have used india ink in it. However, I started soaking it first in water (because I have some, and I don't have any pen cleaner), and there is black ink coming out. I am thinking that indicates it is Not india ink, but rather something more conventional, as I wouldn't think water would affect dried india ink. Is that correct? Second question about this. The feed is currently so clogged that it is impossible to draw water up into the sac, which is happily in good shape. I am thinking I will probably need to take the section off to get the feed clean. Does the section come apart similar to a P51? From parkerpens.net this seems to be a mark II version. Thanks for any advice. John Edited for grammar, posting from a smart phone, sorry.

Hi guys, I have a Parker 21 I want to replace the sac in and have some questions. First off is which sac? My searching online has yeilded only results suggesting that sac replacement might be similar the aerometric Parker 51. However when ever such a thing is referenced there is always mention of a pliglass sac which, clearly, my pen does not have. As might be visible in the picture the filler is a three push aerometric with a, broken, latex(?) sac. Secondly there is the issue of removing the sac guard where I can't seem to find consistent information. From what I have gathered, it seems that I can use water for heat on this particular pen but some seem to say never ever use hot water. What is the correct answer? Lastly I have some questions about the integrity, of the "stainless" steel used in the pen. The pressure bar has black gunk on it and I can't quite make certain of whether it has anything to do with corrosion of the stainless steel. The reason I question the stainlessness of the stainless steel is because there also appear to be rust, the red kind, on the inside of the cap. I still don't think it is likely that there is a serious steel corrosion problem but I'm curious of other peoples' opinions on it.

So I found this parker 21 desk set at an antique shop, and picked it up for $12. It had a lot of dried up blue ink (guessing it's parker superchrome) which I have been cleaning. I am wondering if there is any information about the desk set itself. The lady at the antique store dated it back to the 1940s which seems plausible. The rotary drum clock has a us patent no of 2335863. After looking that up it shows that the clock was invented by Edward Kottle in 1943, but there is no mention of it being licensed to be used for a desk pen set. If anyone has any information about this please share. Any information will be appreciated.

I'd been cleaning out a Parker 21 Super and noticed the hood started to unscrew. I'm thinking "Oh, I didn't know that". Seeing inky gunk I run some water over the threads. "Let's unscrew it all the way". OK, so it comes off easily. The collector unit with feed and nib seem relatively clean, so I rinse off the rest of any old inky residue from the threads. Of course now when I screw the hood back on, to get it snug up against the clutch ring it turns too far so the hood tip overshoots the nib so they're not aligned. If I leave them aligned, the hood isn't on tight enough to not turn when you grip it. So what's the correct solution here? Can the nib be turned so it'll line up with the tip of the hood? Or is there something else? Thanks gang!

I've tried everything from the hairdryer to warm water to get this pen apart, but it still somehow stays together. So, now I'm pretty sure it's NOT shellac holding it together... could it be glue??? If so, how should I proceed?

eBay has been kind to me; I picked up a lovely desk set, a Parker Model 110 which came with a Parker "21", thusly: Let me start with these impressions: I really like this desk set. I like the size of it, the weight of it, and the look of it. I like the magnetic holder, the color of the stone, everything -- the camera doesn't pick up the subtle greens and browns in the base. And this is before writing with the pen! I suspect that this piece lived in a smoker's house, because there was a light brown film on both the pen and the base, but it wiped off without having to resort to anything more than warmish water and a little elbow grease. First order of business was to see if the bladder would draw, so into the water it went; no leaks, filled nicely... of course, there was residual dried ink in there, a really remarkable shade of blue that I'd like to find. Rinsing out the holder itself revealed a mish-mash of inks that had evolved into a purply-black. So it had seen some use, although I wouldn't care to guess how recently. I filled and emptied it of water a few times, then left it to soak while I went to work. Upon my return, it was clean enough for me, so I fed it some Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black and took it for a test run. There was no hesitation in the ink flow; I am really pleased with the line it lays down, and I think I'm going to really love it with a good blue-black, or maybe even just a rich blue. I have a large hand and like a longer pen, so it felt quite comfortable to hold. The nib glided quite smoothly over the paper (the sample above is on some plain white from the printer). This is going to be a really good stay-at-home pen, and inspires me to clean off my desk in the living room just so I can both display and use it there. This is my first Parker; my previous was an Esterbrook J that I miss bitterly. It's hard to say how much of this is the pen itself, and how much is the pleasure of finally having another working FP in hand again... first time since last June, when the Esterbrook went walkabout during a move. If nothing else, I can see my penmanship needs a little work! Even taking that into account, though, this is definitely a pen I already like and expect to use frequently.

Which one of these sets are real and which are counterfeit (or are they all the same)? What are your experiences with them if you have bought them in the past? Anyone here who can read Chinese? What do the packs say on the front?

Hello denizens of Parker-world! I recently developed an acute form of Parker fever and went on a bidding spree on the E-nabler-bay. Rather than blow all my money on a single new (Pilot) pen, I decided to try my hand at buying vintage and fixing up pens myself. No pics yet but here are the 5 pens slowly winging their way to my door: Parker 45 Flighter, Parker 51 x 2, Parker 21 Super x 2, and Parker 21 Non-Super. I'll have to be careful with the 21's since I already cracked the section of my Parker 45, which I only received this month! I plan to carry the 45 and 51's around as part of my fountain pen EDC. The 21's will stay on my desk to minimize cracking. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get them! (I credit Penkino1 and his Parker 51 videos for starting my Parker fever)