Buying A Parker 51" Special"?

[jack0408]

Saw one on carousel today? How much should I be paying for this fp? Great thanks

[FarmBoy]

Depends on color, nib, and cap configuration.

[jack0408]

Depends on color, nib, and cap configuration.

Well , generally how much should a normal looking one worth

[Jerome Tarshis]

Depends on color, nib, and cap configuration.

 

+1. To put it mildly. I am wrestling with this myself right now. There is also size: the Special/Standard came in full and Demi size. Markets offer a lot to entertain the mind. Not only stock markets.

[jack0408]

How much should one worth??

[Barkingpig]

I bought one from ANDERSON PENS in 2014 for $65.00; it has a broad nib & was a boring Black with original stainless cap. I have since replaced the section for a Ariel Kullock Fantasy, more preferable color but am still happily using the pen & enjoying it's broad nib. Perhaps there are better prices available, but since it was my first Parker 51 purchase I was happy to make it with an trusted seller. I have since purchased other aerometric filled 51's from Ebay & been equally happy with them, after a good cleaning.

[mitto]

Interestingly, I haven't had the opportunity to ever see the Special in this part of the world in the almost 40-45 years of my pen collecting history. On the other hand, I found a number of P21 Super pens with (P51) gold nibs. Only once a S21 came to me with a brushed stainless steel cap, 51 clip and a black cap jewel supposedly belonging to a 51 Special.

Edited February 1, 2017 by mitto

[Cryptos]

I'm a bit dumb. Well, a lot dumb ackshully. I went and bid $83 for a grey Parker 51 with a gold cap and this at the business end.

 

[jack0408]

I'm a bit dumb. Well, a lot dumb ackshully. I went and bid $83 for a grey Parker 51 with a gold cap and this at the business end.

 

Hahahaha

[catbert]

I'm a bit dumb. Well, a lot dumb ackshully. I went and bid $83 for a grey Parker 51 with a gold cap and this at the business end.

 

 

Congrats. That is a way more interesting nib than the one on my 51 Special! (Have belatedly realized how stubbish/oblique nibs help 'improve' abysmal handwriting.)

[Cryptos]

I have a horrible feeling that it is actually a damaged nib. The picture flatters to deceive.

[mitto]

I have a horrible feeling that it is actually a damaged nib. The picture flatters to deceive.

 

No. That is a very special nib. Looks to be an extra broad oblique (OBB). Congratulations.

Edited February 1, 2017 by mitto

[FarmBoy]

No. That is a very special nib. Looks to be an extra broad oblique (OBB). Congratulations.

The glass needs to be half empty but I agree on your nib diagnosis.

[Cryptos]

If it is then it will be a first for me (a reasonable win on eBay, though I guess the price wasn't that good really). Now to find a buyer!

[mitto]

That would be a perfect nib for Arabic, Persian and Urdu caligraphy. Wish I had such a nib on one of my 51s.

[mitto]

The glass needs to be half empty but I agree on your nib diagnosis.

 

FarmBoy, I am 'a glass half full' person and not a 'glass half empty' person.

[FarmBoy]

FarmBoy, I am 'a glass half full' person and not a 'glass half empty' person.

even empty our cups tend to run over when it comes to 51s.

 

You should have an OB 51.

[pajaro]

Nibs like that are not common. Properly described it should fetch a higher price.

[georgeb]

Please post a writing sample with the oblique nib.

[Runnin_Ute]

My 51 Special I paid about $40 or so shipped for mine. Looking closely at the nib, I believe it is a B. It was an ebay win and in looking at it I overpaid for shipping considering it was domestic. Because the win price was $25.99.