The Parker 51 Custom was an upgrade to the 51 Classic in that it had a 1/10th by weight 12 Ct. rolled gold cap, whereas the classic came with a 'Lustralloy', or steel cap.
This is a fine example of the Parker 51 Custom, made in 1965. In that year Parker changed the clutch design, added a '51' to the cap and introduced a one piece filler sleeve. This pen has the new clutch and the '51' cap imprint but the old style filler sleeve so it would have been made as these changes took effect during 1965.
The pen has been fully serviced and tested. A service is very important if a 51 has been left for a while as the fine fins that form the ink collector can easily become clogged with dry ink. The pen may still work but the ink flow and control will be impaired so it will not perform as a Parker 51 should.
The pen is finished in Teal, named after the wing flash on the duck of that name. It is a very attractive blue/ green and the 'showroom' surface of this pen shows it off well. The rolled Gold cap is also in excellent condition and is a little special in that it has a colour coded end 'jewel' rather than the standard pearl grey.
The aerometric filling system is simple and efficient, instructions for use are imprinted on the filler sleeve. The 14Ct.Gold nib is a joy, it writes with a beautifully smooth medium line and is a pleasure to use.
The 51 is the first choice of many collectors as a daily user, it is totally reliable, stylish and very practical with a great deal of prestige.