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 HE PARKER "51" is considered by most collectors to be the best pen ever made. Developed in 1939 and introduced in the U.S. market in 1941, it soon became widely imitated by most pen manufacturers. None were successful to any significant degree in competing against the famed Parker "51". To this day, its shape and design remain widely recognizable and it seems to never become dated. My main collecting interest is the Parker "51" and its many variations, from pre-production varieties all the way to the last U.S. models produced around 1972. My pursuit includes its history and advertising ephemera. I became fascinated with the Parker "51" in the mid-1990's. Although my collection is continually growing, I will probably never own every variation made. I use a Parker "51" every day, modified to fit my taste, such as a custom Torelli-made hand hammered copper cap with a smooth fine nib (I write a lot of numbers for a living...) or a "51 Imperial" converted from an original Parker Vacumatic, with a stub nib (for those million dollar contracts...)
This website is my attempt to help new and experienced collectors find out more about the Parker "51" in a fast and concise manner. It consists of information thought to be correct by the author through many years of collecting. As many experienced collectors know, rules are hard to make for a mass produced product that was never meant to be collected, but rather used and repaired; dealers often accomodated special requests from customers, resulting in mixed parts across the years and repairs were done to get the instrument back in writing condition, most of the time with whatever parts were on hand.
If you have any Parker "51" pens, pencils or ephemera that you think I might like to buy or would like an appraisal or opinion, please email me. I buy anything "51", including parts, at competitive prices. I can be found at most pen shows in the U.S, so please ask to see if I will be at the next show.
This website is a never-ending project and suggestions and/or corrections are always appreciated. If you have unique pieces that you think should be included in this website, please let me know. Any contibutions will be duly accredited to the source. I will be adding updates as time permits, so check back frequently.
The Parker 51 Book written by David and Mark Shepherd in collaboration with Parker is a long awaited book in the pen community. David Shepherd has compiled the first published history of the Parker 51 using privileged information available only through private resources. This hardback book features over 700 color photographs complemented by authoritative information throughout it's 176 pages. This book has been much awaited and will be an important part of any serious pen collectors' library of reference materials.
 Pendemonium
Pendemonium is the sole distributor of The Parker 51 Book worldwide, with the arrangement of author distribution in the UK. Wholesale dealer inquiries welcomed.
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