Got my first ever Parker "51" vac and replaced my second ever vac diaphragm yesterday. The hood didn't want to come off so easily. Though I would have liked to be able to inspect my work from the inside when I installed the diaphragm, I didn't have any pressing need to remove it, so I figured I'd apply patience and persistence to eventually get it off another day. My question is about how far the nib sticks out of the hood. This 51's nib doesn't extend very far out of the shell, only about 1.1mm. My 51 aeros all seem to extend about 2mm. The difference when using this pen is noticeable to me--it looks like the shell is close to the page. It's the only reason I noticed in the first place.
Now, in the aeros, I just insert the nib as far as it will go and thread on the hood all the way. Is this considered "adjustable" on the "51" vacs? If not, is it a trait of some specific vintages? This pen is from 1Q 1945.
Mike,
I have seen some variation, though it probably hasn't been as drastic as you describe. One thing I've noticed is that the "Fantasy" "51" pens have shells that are not always the proper length and the nib does look odd in them.
Also, though I haven't measured openings, etc., I suppose it's possible that someone, at one point, tried to put demi vac guts in the front of this particular pen. Demi collectors are a tad shorter then the regular ones and this would explain why the nib sits further in the pen. Now, I have to say, I've never tried to put a demi collector into a full-sized vac pen. I don't know if the tenon would match the width of the barrel opening, so, essentially, I'm musing on this. But, it would account for the difference in length.
Blessings,
Tim
Edited by TimGirdler, 24 October 2014 - 01:01 AM.
Tim Girdler Pens (Nib Tuning; Custom Nib Grinding; New & Vintage Pen Sales)
The Fountain Pen: An elegant instrument for a more civilized age
I Write With: Any one of my assortment of Parker "51"s or Vacumatics