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parker 51, 61, or 21 nib size determination


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#1 ckent007

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 05:48 PM

I have been trying to tell the size of my parker 51, 61, or 21 pen nib. Is there any way you can distinguish, without dismantling the front hood section (which i have read requires heat, etc)?

 

On the parker 45, you can just look at the underside of the nib, and there is a marking M, F, X- any tips for distinguishing these hooded pens? 

Thanks!



#2 david i

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 08:32 PM

Hi,

I believe the nibs from this era lack point-grade markings.  One just draws a line, squints, and declares, "Looks like a F, XF, etc."

 

regards

 

-d


David R. Isaacson MD. Website: VACUMANIA.com for quality old pens with full warranty.
Email: isaacson@frontiernet.net

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#3 ckent007

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 09:39 PM

That is great, thanks!



#4 John Danza

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Posted 30 April 2014 - 01:45 PM

Yep, just like David said. I've never seen a point size on a 51 nib. That's pretty consistent with the models that came before it.

 

On the Parker 45, the marking you're talking about is on the collar, not the nib. There's nothing that prevents the swapping of nibs, which is a simple task, and throwing that yardstick out the window. I don't recall a marking of a nib size on the physical nib of a 45 either. I happen to have two in my pocket right now (both of which I've switched out the nibs), but they're inked so I won't be pulling them apart.



John Danza


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#5 Paul-H

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Posted 30 April 2014 - 02:51 PM

Hi

 

its a bit like Modern Pelikan and Conway Stewarts

 

You buy a pen and the nib is clearly marked M for medium and as soon as you use it you say yep a pair of double broads, and not in a good way ;) 

 

Paul



#6 Prather

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Posted 09 May 2014 - 01:03 PM

This may or may not help much but it does at least have some examples & covers the 51:

 

 

 

 

ParkerPoints_zps1d82eacf.jpg

 

 

Although Parker states it is not possible to have a flexible nib due to the construction... i have seen a few that definitely have a good bit of flex - most if not all were made in England.

 

 

Parker's marketing influenced statement about tipping material "Oil smooth Osmiridium being twice the cost of ordinary Iridium" - is amusing - there is nothing ordinary about Iridium...  which many nib experts contend wasn't used much as tipping material past about 1920 or so...  and when it was used it was used in an alloy...

 

ralph prather



#7 ckent007

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Posted 10 May 2014 - 12:10 PM

Prather, that scan of the vintage parker leaflet is amazing. Thanks for sharing!






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