New Parker 51

[VacNut]

On a related noted, a vintage pen can be repaired. There are replacement parts and enthusiast have the skill set to repair vintage pens. The collector is at the mercy of the mfr on newer pens. Accidents happen. It would be a shame if a pen user could not get a newer pen repaired because the parts are not available.

 

The Parker 51 has been around for over 90 years. I do not see a shortage of parts for the next 50 years. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2075.

[Glenn-SC]

Interesting thought. 
“Vintage pens have replacement/spare parts but new production pens don’t.”

Of course the manufacturers of current pens have the ability to provide replacement parts.  
How about, “The new production pen has a warranty and the vintage doesn’t?”

[Estycollector]

We are fortunate to have many options. The Wing Sung 601 is close enough to the original to suit me. I like having two 1942 versions because I just prefer the clip of that era models. A double jewel earlier model would be cool. 

[VacNut]

5 hours ago, Glenn-SC said:

Interesting thought. 
“Vintage pens have replacement/spare parts but new production pens don’t.”

Of course the manufacturers of current pens have the ability to provide replacement parts.  
How about, “The new production pen has a warranty and the vintage doesn’t?”

 

5 hours ago, Glenn-SC said:

Interesting thought. 
“Vintage pens have replacement/spare parts but new production pens don’t.”

Of course the manufacturers of current pens have the ability to provide replacement parts.  
How about, “The new production pen has a warranty and the vintage doesn’t?”

I have never dealt with a repair on a new pen, but I would assume you have to send an email to a corporation; they have to confirm it is a warranty issue or that it is repairable, and then you have to send them the pen, on the chance they will restore the pen with the appropriate parts for that model of pen - not what is available in the factory warehouse.

 

There is a discussion on this forum about repairing a MB Nib for a pen from the 1950’s-60’s. MB can replace the nib but it will be a newly manufactured nib, not one that matches the original pen. In general, the enthusiasts are suggesting they search for a model correct nib, rather than the modern replacement.
 

I applaud modern mfrs who continue making pens. They make beautiful tempting pens. For me I wouldn’t buy a modern pen on the basis that it may be more reliable, dependable, or repairable. There are modern pens that just fail miserably on those three merits.
 

There are many skilled pen enthusiasts in our hobby that can bring a seemingly hopeless relic back from the grave. Besides you get to meet another pen enthusiast when you send them pictures of the damaged pen. They are really nice and knowledgeable people who warranty their work for at least a year.

Apologies for the tirade…

Go vintage!
 

[Estycollector]

Regarding repair, I used Parker51 on one of the 1942 51's. If I recall correctly, the turnaround was less than 2 weeks out and back. 

[Carguy]

On 2/8/2025 at 6:51 AM, Estycollector said:

What was the color that over time evolved into black? Perhaps one of the blue colors? 

I got the 2 Plum 51’s I have by believing both were black in pictures. I only 1 left and it is a daily writer. I LOVE that pen!

[Estycollector]

12 minutes ago, Carguy said:

I got the 2 Plum 51’s I have by believing both were black in pictures. I only 1 left and it is a daily writer. I LOVE that pen!

Thank you @Carguy.