You've Got Your First Found In The Wild Parker 51 In Your Hand, Now What?

[niznai]

Hmmm.

If there is a possibility (which you acknowledge there is) that some pens have problems like that, maybe the quality is not what it's hyped up to be hence those people who complain have some right to do so, n'est ce pas?

[OcalaFlGuy]

Because someone makes a faulty appraisal of the pen because they are writing on one that hasn't been cleaned out in perhaps decades (and they aren't interested in cleaning it out) has Zero to do with the quality of that pen.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[Matlock]

Hmmm.

If there is a possibility (which you acknowledge there is) that some pens have problems like that, maybe the quality is not what it's hyped up to be hence those people who complain have some right to do so, n'est ce pas?

The problem is not with the pen but with the owner.

[mitto]

Hmmm.

If there is a possibility (which you acknowledge there is) that some pens have problems like that, maybe the quality is not what it's hyped up to be hence those people who complain have some right to do so, n'est ce pas?

There might be a possibility of the same only when you treat the gem like a junk. None of real pen lovers would agree with you , though.

[mitto]

Error.

Edited March 26, 2015 by mitto

[niznai]

Because someone makes a faulty appraisal of the pen because they are writing on one that hasn't been cleaned out in perhaps decades (and they aren't interested in cleaning it out) has Zero to do with the quality of that pen.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

 

I have an old Hero pen. Like about 45 years old. It has been used and abused and left lying about for decades god knows how, either full or empty and then filled up and used again and so on. Works perfectly still, I fill it up and it writes as it should. What do you think that says about its quality compared with something that needs six pages of forum literature to recommission?

 

The problem is not with the pen but with the owner.

 

See above.

 

There might be a possibility of the same only when you treat the gem like a junk. None of real pen lovers would agree with you , though.

 

Yeah, gem or not, the problem with "real pen lovers" is they might not see reality because of their passion hence I am happy to not have anyone agree. Same with classic cars. People bag Toyotas and comment watery-eyed about all sorts of supercars so fragile and finicky they dent and their engines explode if you look at them the wrong way. Personally I like my things to not forget what they are. That's their first job. They have to work, not get by on their looks or other unquantifiable subjective qualities.

[Matlock]

 

I have an old Hero pen. Like about 45 years old. It has been used and abused and left lying about for decades god knows how, either full or empty and then filled up and used again and so on. Works perfectly still, I fill it up and it writes as it should. What do you think that says about its quality compared with something that needs six pages of forum literature to recommission?

 

 

See above.

 

 

Yeah, gem or not, the problem with "real pen lovers" is they might not see reality because of their passion hence I am happy to not have anyone agree. Same with classic cars. People bag Toyotas and comment watery-eyed about all sorts of supercars so fragile and finicky they dent and their engines explode if you look at them the wrong way. Personally I like my things to not forget what they are. That's their first job. They have to work, not get by on their looks or other unquantifiable subjective qualities.

 

Most 51s are still working with no problems after something like 60 years or more. Most Toyotas will have expired in a fraction of that time. Also quite a few modern pens will not be working (except, of course, the ones still in their presentation boxes) after a few years. I have a 1947 51 that writes first time even after standing for 4 months, most modern pens will have dried out long before that (except, maybe Pelikans).

[gweimer1]

Is the soaking in vinegar vacumatic specific procedure or the same may also be applied for stubborn and unwilling to yield aero hood removal too?

 

The vinegar is supposed to help with removal of the vac pump unit as an aid to possible aluminum oxidation on the threads. I hope I remembered this correctly, but that's what I remember, and I've used it successfully on one occasion.

[Flounder]

Q:

You've Got Your First Found In The Wild Parker 51 In Your Hand, Now What?

A:

Fill it up, start using it.

 

There's something in this try-it-first approach, if we're being serious rather than trolling. It's easier to diagnose an unfamilar pen's problems when you haven't introduced any more variables yourself.

[Ana_]

I found a Parker 51 black desk pen Saturday at the monthly flea market. The pen is in fantastic aesthetic condition for its age (1960-1970). However it's sac, which appears good, does not take up liquid. Does this mean I need to replace the sac? Any advice for how if that is the case? I am including a photo of the FP: (excuse the advert)

[mitto]

I found a Parker 51 black desk pen Saturday at the monthly flea market. The pen is in fantastic aesthetic condition for its age (1960-1970). However it's sac, which appears good, does not take up liquid. Does this mean I need to replace the sac? Any advice for how if that is the case? I am including a photo of the FP: (excuse the advert)

May be the sac is punctured. Or , probably , the breather tube is clogged or even broken to pieces.

[Thier.]

I found a Parker 51 black desk pen Saturday at the monthly flea market. The pen is in fantastic aesthetic condition for its age (1960-1970). However it's sac, which appears good, does not take up liquid. Does this mean I need to replace the sac? Any advice for how if that is the case? I am including a photo of the FP: (excuse the advert)

What a nice pen ...... It shouldn't be difficult to fix the problem and to bring it back to life ....

[niznai]

 

There's something in this try-it-first approach, if we're being serious rather than trolling. It's easier to diagnose an unfamilar pen's problems when you haven't introduced any more variables yourself.

I'm not sure where the doubt comes from but now at my second 51 bought unseen off the internet my method has put me in the lead 2-0.

 

Oh, it is (or better put was) a never inked plum early 50s (USA) fine nib, by the way. Works fine. Almost as good as my old Hero.

 

Still looking for an Empire two tone gold cap, if anyone is interested to sell.

Edited April 30, 2015 by niznai

[mitto]

I'm not sure where the doubt comes from but now at my second 51 bought unseen off the internet my method has put me in the lead 2-0.

 

Oh, it is (or better put was) a never inked plum early 50s (USA) fine nib, by the way. Works fine. Almost as good as my old Hero.

 

Still looking for an Empire two tone gold cap, if anyone is interested to sell.

 

Empire two tone gold (old Hero) cap ?

Edited April 30, 2015 by mitto

[pajaro]

 

Most 51s are still working with no problems after something like 60 years or more. Most Toyotas will have expired in a fraction of that time. Also quite a few modern pens will not be working (except, of course, the ones still in their presentation boxes) after a few years. I have a 1947 51 that writes first time even after standing for 4 months, most modern pens will have dried out long before that (except, maybe Pelikans).

 

Since you have noted that most modern pens will have dried out fairly quickly (I have noted the same), does anybody have an idea why this happens?

 

I know that ink dries, but my modern pens seem to be dry next day in most cases while many of my 51s and other vintage have a moist nib much longer.

[pajaro]

I'm not sure where the doubt comes from but now at my second 51 bought unseen off the internet my method has put me in the lead 2-0.

 

Oh, it is (or better put was) a never inked plum early 50s (USA) fine nib, by the way. Works fine. Almost as good as my old Hero.

 

Still looking for an Empire two tone gold cap, if anyone is interested to sell.

 

If you don't mind revealing it, how much did you pay for an NOS Plum 51?

 

The last time I bid on an NOS plum 51 I was outbid at over $400 when the pen sold for, I think, $420. I finally ended up sniping manually a plum used set for about $209.

 

I think the plum was only made in 1948 and 1949. .

[Matlock]

 

Since you have noted that most modern pens will have dried out fairly quickly (I have noted the same), does anybody have an idea why this happens?

 

I know that ink dries, but my modern pens seem to be dry next day in most cases while many of my 51s and other vintage have a moist nib much longer.

Maybe something to do with cap seals (or lack of)? I made the mistake of buying a Cross Spire, it dries out within about a day. I never have any trouble with my 51s or my MBs or Pelikans. I remember that the Parker Sonnet had that problem untill the cap was redesigned.

[mitto]

Maybe something to do with cap seals (or lack of)? I made the mistake of buying a Cross Spire, it dries out within about a day. I never have any trouble with my 51s or my MBs or Pelikans. I remember that the Parker Sonnet had that problem untill the cap was redesigned.

 

 

Yes , the current so-called refresh version Sonnets don't have this nib quickly drying out problem.

[Timshel]

I have a 51 that is 'dry'. I've tried removing the section with a blow dryer but no luck. I don't want to risk breaking the barrel. Any suggestions?

[Flounder]

I have a 51 that is 'dry'. I've tried removing the section with a blow dryer but no luck. I don't want to risk breaking the barrel. Any suggestions?

 

Yep, firstly, ask yourself whether you need to remove the section to accomplish whatever you're wanting to do to the pen. If so, flush the pen as much as possible, as heat will not help with dried ink. After that, consider using an ultrasonic cleaner, perhaps a week or so of heat cycling if it's stubborn.

 

Is it a vacumatic or aerometric 51?