Parker 51 - Current Stock

The Parker 51 was first released in 1941. The first pens utilised the sacless pump system, borrowed from the Vacumatic and they were immediately successful. The pens made during the First Year have a number of distinct identifying features and are now extremely collectable and rare. The Vac 51 lasted until 1947 when it was phased out in favour of the 'new' aerometric filling system.

The 51 was a unique product and shook the world on its introduction. The torpedo shaped design and the hooded nib became icons of style and were copied by virtually every other pen manufacturer. It is no exaggeration to say that the Parker 51 is the most popular, reliable and functional pen ever invented.

The history of the pen is as follows, note that there is inconsistency amongst the experts about the names of the different types of 51, some regard the Vacumatic 51 as a seperate entity and the aerometric is the Mk I, I prefer to follow David Shepherds philosophy as outlined below;

Mk I - Vacumatics (1940 - 1948)

Mk II - Aerometric (1948 - 1969)

Mk III - Aerometric, tapered 61 style cap, thin section ring (1969 - 1971)

Mk IV - Aerometric, tapered 61 style cap, thick section ring (1971 - 1975)

There were also some additional derived models and Special Editions;

First Year Pen (1940 - 1941)

Red Band Button Filler (1946 - 1947)

Vacumatic Demi (1947 - 1948)

51 Special Edition (2003)