What Parkers Have Joined Your Collection Lately?

[cat74]

Say...how do I date a Parker VS... I don't see any markings on the barrel. The only mark is on the nib but I cant figure it out

 

 

[mitto]

I am afraid you have rendered the pressure bar useless by twisting it while unscrewing the barrel.

 

You have to first pull out the aluminium button and remove the pressure bar by pullimg it out through the hole exposed after removing the button. 

Same is the way for re-installation of the pressure bar and the alluminium button after resackng the pen. 

[mitto]

27 minutes ago, cat74 said:

Say...how do I date a Parker VS... I don't see any markings on the barrel. The only mark is on the nib but I cant figure it out

 

 

Judging by the AF (alluminium filler), the year of productiin would be 1947. That is if not a Danish production. 

[cat74]

1 hour ago, mitto said:

Judging by the AF (alluminium filler), the year of productiin would be 1947. That is if not a Danish production. 

This is English - so then 1947 it is?

Hmmm...wasn't aware of the pressure bar issue - the button never depressed and returned, was maybe already toast before me? (probably not!) - this was part of a 3 pen purchase with all in states of repair - once I got in unscrewed the pressure bar was firmly stuck onto the old sac which wasn't attached to the section so wouldn't have spun while unscrewing? 

 

I think I'd need the 51 vacumatic removal tool yes? not sure if it's worth it - don't really plan to make repairs a recurring thing and those tools seem quite expensive if I'm only going to get 1 or 2 uses - might be easier to just send away for repair?

 

Sooo....pressure bar and sac and a way to remove the button...or send away

 

lol.....anyone know who repairs Parker VS's?? I was going to send a 51 to the parker51.com site - do they do other parkers? (time to send an e-mail to ask!!)

[es9]

I’m betting parker51.com would also repair a VS. They’re not particularly complicated or difficult pens to work on, though the material can be a little annoying if the section has stretched out over time. And I don’t think sourcing a replacement pressure bar is extremely difficult. 
 

You’re correct that the aluminum threads at the back are the same as used on the 51/vac with the plastic plungers. I’m pretty sure the small aluminum button still just pops out, however. 

[mitto]

6 hours ago, cat74 said:

This is English - so then 1947 it is?

Hmmm...wasn't aware of the pressure bar issue - the button never depressed and returned, was maybe already toast before me? (probably not!) - this was part of a 3 pen purchase with all in states of repair - once I got in unscrewed the pressure bar was firmly stuck onto the old sac which wasn't attached to the section so wouldn't have spun while unscrewing? 

 

I think I'd need the 51 vacumatic removal tool yes? not sure if it's worth it - don't really plan to make repairs a recurring thing and those tools seem quite expensive if I'm only going to get 1 or 2 uses - might be easier to just send away for repair?

 

Sooo....pressure bar and sac and a way to remove the button...or send away

 

lol.....anyone know who repairs Parker VS's?? I was going to send a 51 to the parker51.com site - do they do other parkers? (time to send an e-mail to ask!!)

Just pull out the button using your fingers. Using a small piece of bicycle inner tube for a firmer grip is advisable. 

[cat74]

Thanks so much everyone!!

Had no idea the button could be removed!

Seems like a limitless amount of 51 videos out there but none on the VS! 

 

Yeah...that button just pulled out..easy peasy!

[mitto]

Just finished polising away the patina. Latest acquisition. 925 sterling silver Parkers and a Sheaffer. Bought all as a lot? 

 

[Sheptonian]

My Goodness, that Shaeffer's a bit of a thorn among roses, isn't it? Or have I simply become conditioned to prefer Parkers...

[inkstainedruth]

8 hours ago, mitto said:

Just finished polising away the patina. Latest acquisition. 925 sterling silver Parkers and a Sheaffer. Bought all as a lot? 

 

Nice selection you've got there!  

What are the nibs on the 75s?  (I was just using mine earlier today -- most of the finishes don't interest me but I LOVE the Ciselé for some reason).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[cat74]

16 hours ago, es9 said:

I’m betting parker51.com would also repair a VS. They’re not particularly complicated or difficult pens to work on, though the material can be a little annoying if the section has stretched out over time. And I don’t think sourcing a replacement pressure bar is extremely difficult. 
 

You’re correct that the aluminum threads at the back are the same as used on the 51/vac with the plastic plungers. I’m pretty sure the small aluminum button still just pops out, however. 

yup! looks like pentooling has everything I need! They were quick to reply -apparently I just need a 66mm pressure bar

Thanks again all - back on track to try my first (simple) repair/restore!

The nib has some flex to it and is decent enough when dipped - can't wait to actually get it fully repaired

[es9]

Glad to hear it! One other recommendation: Don’t knock out the nib/feed unless you really have to. While this applies for all pens, it’s especially the case for VSs. Maybe my experience is idiosyncratic, I have found that the material Parker used in the VS cold flows even more than other materials. You may discover that things are too loose when you go to reinstall the nib and feed. 

[TheRedBeard]

On 4/24/2023 at 1:57 PM, mitto said:

Just finished polising away the patina. Latest acquisition. 925 sterling silver Parkers and a Sheaffer. Bought all as a lot? 

 

Nice set  

Are those BPs on the right Classic ones in Cisele pattern? I've never seen such ones in real life...

 

[mitto]

11 minutes ago, TheRedBeard said:

Nice set  

Are those BPs on the right Classic ones in Cisele pattern? I've never seen such ones in real life...

 

Yes, these two Classic GT ballpont pens are sterling silver Cisele. 

[mitto]

On 4/25/2023 at 2:04 AM, inkstainedruth said:

Nice selection you've got there!  

What are the nibs on the 75s?  (I was just using mine earlier today -- most of the finishes don't interest me but I LOVE the Ciselé for some reason).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

One (flat top.paired with a BP) has a #66 nib and the other two have B and M nibs respectively. 

[TheRedBeard]

2 hours ago, mitto said:

Yes, these two Classic GT ballpont pens are sterling silver Cisele. 

I have been using my Classic Flighter CT BP for "centuries", so it is time to find and buy Silver Cisele, too  

[shalitha33]

Received a rainbow cap parker 61 2 days ago from a local auction.  Cap is in a bit of a rough shape, but then pen is in good shape and writes with a fine line.

 

Unsure what the color is , its a slightly brownish gray. there is a coating on top of the cap that looks like a layer of lacquer.  Parts of it has pealed off discoloring the layer underneath. especially the silvery layer,



not sure if the cap is worth restoring  / even can be restored. imprint looks like they were done on top of the lacquer layer so im guessing this is how it originally was.

[CS388]

I think the cap looks fantastic!

 

(Assuming that they are not holes I can see in the final picture) I'd keep it exactly as it is.

 

Congratulations. Nice pen.

[mallymal1]

Me too. 

 

Embrace the aging.  

 

Nice addition @shalitha33

[christof]

On 5/8/2023 at 7:51 AM, shalitha33 said:

Received a rainbow cap parker 61 2 days ago from a local auction.  Cap is in a bit of a rough shape, but then pen is in good shape and writes with a fine line.

 

Unsure what the color is , its a slightly brownish gray. there is a coating on top of the cap that looks like a layer of lacquer.  Parts of it has pealed off discoloring the layer underneath. especially the silvery layer,



not sure if the cap is worth restoring  / even can be restored. imprint looks like they were done on top of the lacquer layer so im guessing this is how it originally was.

 

There were three different colors of rainbow caps:

 

Parker 61 Rainbow caps by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Heritage cap; silver and yellow gold

Legacy cap; nickel and silver

Heirloom; rose gold and yellow gold

 

Yours seems to be a Heritage, silver and yellow gold cap. The silver has not completely tarnished. (not as on my pen, where the silver got completely black)

Maybe yours did not, because of kind of a protection lacquer? The cap would be quite easy to restore. Just polish with a silver cloth and it will look like new.

 

Nice pen!