1950s Made in USA PARKER 51 Aerometric MKII-B 1/10 12K Gold Filled Cap & Black Body Hooded Nib Fountain Pen Item ID: PAR-059

Parker 51 MKII-B

Manufacturer/Model: Parker/51/USA
Year of production: Early 1950s
Filling system: Aerometric bladder
Nib: Steel, thick gold plated, RU Marking for Ruthenium tip, EF Extra Fine size
Material: High grade plastic body, Gold filled Cap  
Length (pen closed): 137mm

Condition and information:
The Parker 51 pen is probably The most successful pen in the fountain pen history. One of the most sold pens ever, long running pen as well as most reliable. The pen was decades in development, and the results were simply astonishing. The first fully hooded nib, which makes ink drying on the nib more difficult, i.e. it could even be left open (uncapped) for a longer period and still write when needed. This also provided a protection to the nib. The pen design embodies everything we love about the 60s "jet and space" era inspired design. Looking it from the side the pen looks like a streamlined jet airplane, simply beautiful and elegant writing instrument that captured the hearts and souls of the people. The 51 had number of designs, colors, variations; hence it is one of the most collected pen in the world today.

From the design features of the pen, we can date it to be made approximately in the early 50s. It is considered the second generation Parker 51, Aerometric MKII-B. The features dating it are the shape of the cap and clip, Mother of Pearl like crown, the rounded end of the barrel, and more importantly the rubber O-ring on the section as well as "To fill press ribbed bar firmly 4 times holding pen point down, wipe with soft tissue" on the filling bar. The pen also features a heavy 1/10 12K gold filled cap with a long engraved guilloche lines, and fine "Made in USA" imprint. The nib is superb, tubular/cylindrical EF size, gold plated and smooth on the paper. Its great pen to use for small typeface letters, such as writing in pockets notebooks and similar activities. It is very clean pen with steady ink flow, no ink mess, and also a very easy pen to clean and maintain. The feed is ebonite with a long tube extending far into the bladder sac, making the pen easy to fill to the top each time. Also the unique Parker radiator around feed is perfectly clean, providing smooth and constant ink-flow. The entire front section, the nib and feed are easily removable by unscrewing action. The pen has a great grip posted or not posted due to its weight, and great balance and feel in the hand. It is one of the most comfortable pens one can use, it is ergonomic, and it does not tire the hand or fingers. The Parker 51, hardly any pen had or ever will surpass the stunning looks, build quality, performance, ease of use and many more factors which make for a remarkable pen. The pen is in mint condition with minimal signs of use.