Great pen! I recently got a Flighter with the black plastic end to the barrel (so 1960s, based on that and the top of the cap) with a medium 14K gold nib and the aerometric converter. I have another one with a steel nib, and I gotta say that they are great pens. IMO, better writer than the 51. And for some reason, the 45 keeps popping up in my feed, so this is the 3rd video today for it. 😁
In the 1960s I bought a Parker 45 to replace the Osmiroid 65 that had served me reasonably well for the previous 7 years. It leaked like a bloody sieve so I bought another, a deluxe jobbie with gold plated cap & nib. Same problem. No difference between Parker ink and Stephens. So I put it away and bought a second-hand Conway Stewart. Big improvement but still a little leaky when well warmed up. Then in 1973 came a Sheaffer 585 which I still have; brilliant, writes nicely and doesn't leak. Shortly after that, I was offered a 2nd-hand Parker 75, which became my 'go to' pen until 2018 when I finally retired for good from teaching. The 75 was used to write hundreds of school reports etc, etc, and had only one overhaul by Europens during that time. It never leaked a smidgen and with basic user care, was always ready to go. So, with the 585 charged with red ink and the 75 with dark green for general use, I felt well set up. 😊 Col, NZ
I'm sorry to hear you had to much trouble with the Parker 45. I've had good luck with the two I own. And I'm glad to hear that your 75 was your happy ending. That's a good pen as well!
Waski, after my Parker 25 which i had way back in the 1980's the "45" was my second Parker which i bought back in the same era and i have still the "45" to this day. I will have to find it and put it back into circulation. Thanks for another excellent review on an iconic pen.
Hi Jason. The way to date your Parker 45, at least to a decade, gleaned from the Internet; 60's = conical clip screw and wide converter 70's = dimpled clip screw or any other non conical one 80's onward = date coding on the cap I have a 1960s, extra fine, black barrelled 45 and was pleasantly surprised at how well it writes. Thanks for the video.Keep them coming.
great review and perfect timing seeing as i have just fixed a parker 45 this week, such a great little pen and i enjoy the design of the pen not to gaudy.
I have a 45 made in Spain and I’ve ordered an italic fine gold nib version which should arrive next week. I really enjoy the 45 I have with a steel nib and really love my Cordova brown 51 which writes like a dream;)
Great pens! I now have a collection of fountain pens, but keep going back to my Parker 45, which I was given by my parents in 1970 for passing my 11+ (those in UK of a certain age will remember that!), and I used it throughout my secondary school and university schooling, and then for professional exams as well (remembering in those days it was all handwritten essays!). In motoring terms, its been round the clock a few times!
I have an early 45 from my childhood. It has a 51 style filler. It leaked badly and I noticed it had no breather in the end of the barrel like my 51’s and 21’s. Consequently, as a child, I drilled a hole in the end. No more leaking- for 40 years. Still writes well with a broad line. Just too small for my “adult “ liking. Great review as usual. You make our lives better.
I just bought my first two vintage pens and one of them is a Parker 45! They arrive next week and I can’t wait to start using them. Thanks for the video.
Originally I had the Parker 51 on my purchase list, but so many people said the new version was crud. Then I discovered this one, and I preferred the nib to the hooded 51 version. It’s supposed to be X fine, but of course writes like a M/F, but I like it anyway. It has a classic retro look that I find a nice change from my Leonardo’s and Estie.
Nice review. It is one of my favourite pens of all times (I have more than 50 different in my collection). You just reminded me that I have to review it. And to make a comparison between the Parker 45 and the new Moonman 80, 80S and 80 Mini. Congratulations for your good work!
I'm trying out one of these that may Dad used to use in the 70s, its better than the cheap Platinum Preppy that I also have. It is made in the UK and has a gold coloured nib, quite a lot of ink flow so good for drawing with, although quite a wide line for writing it makes the writing very bold, and glides well over the paper. I'm using crabon black ink which is actually for a printer but is nice and dark compared to the ink the Preppy comes with. Amazing that its probably 45 years old and works so well. I had to soak the tip and the plunger cartridge in warm water for 30mins to clean it out of old dry ink but that worked well.
The Parker 45 was sold for many years for good reason: it truly was a good pen. And, yes, with a lot of vintage pens, soaking out the old ink is often all it takes. I'm glad you brought this pen back to life!
I love the 45s a teal body and cap version was a gift from my mum for my 10th birthday in 1965. Still going strong. Some in my collection of around 30 or so have heat or pressre damage. The grip sections are lumpy.funny enough i dont mind it fits my left hand round the corner hook hand famously jk
Sorry about the delay in answering and thanks for your reply. The 51s were made with a really durable plastic. The 21s and 61s seemed to economise on quality. The 45 was a school pen so you would expect a cheaper plastic. The shrinkage is annoying but doesn't affect the writing action. Keep up the good work great watching your videos jk
I received mine for Christmas when I was 12 yrs. old in 1960. I still have it and it still writes. The pen and I have grown vintage together. 😉 BTW did you notice the posted and capped lengths are the same?
The Parker 45 with an Accounting nib always seems to remain inked around my house. To save its life, by chances of being lost, dropped or stolen; I have elected to carry a Moonman 80s (a mini pocket sized version) with me as a cheap substitute.
About the date codes... there aren’t any letters engraved on the bottom of the cap, next to "45"? It may be just a couple of letters. Sometimes an "I" that may be hard to spot...
There wasn't even a 45 there. I have looked all around that writing and see nothing. One possibility: the person who gave me this told me that since it was picked up around Janesville, it might be a prototype. Maybe they don't code prototypes?
I just bought one, it is all stainless steel with a black finial at the bottom of the barrel but nothing at the top of the cap. It made me wonder if a black finial was missing from the cap, I am new to fountain pens, so vintage pens especially are a mystery to me. It has a gold semi hooded nib, and I have no idea what year it was made...it is aerometrric (or aeromattic) filling system. I paid only $20 for it bought from India. Made in U.S.A. stamped on pen.
It sounds like you bought a flighter version. This was a less common version. They had a black finial on the barrel, but no finial on the cap. I've purchased several vintage Parkers from India.
I guess Parker 45 has at least a dozen variants.. I came across Used "Parker 45 Flightier" Pen set and placed order for $50 here in India.. Fountain pen is 14K Fine and it looks gorgeous in Chrome/Golden trim..
I have an older Parker 45 which I believe is from the be. Instead of a regular modern Parker twist converter, it has a removable aromatic converter. Regular Parker cartridges can be used in it.
I was able to fit a modern Parker converter into my 45. I'm sure there are videos on repairing vintage converters, but I didn't mind a modern converter.
WaskiSquirrel after I commented, I looked one up eBay and found just the converter. Apparently it’s a pre 1980s model. :) will get it soon and get that one working as well.
Thanks for the update. There is also a possibility that the modern converters will fit. I know that's true with some brands, but I have not tested it with Parker.
The 45 is superior to the 51 in many ways, I have a gt model that is in constant use for years without fault. Parkers are often sought after but beware the dreaded capillary feed models,very brittle and not very relieable but still collectable.
Many thanks for the review. I am about to get inspired versions of the pen from China - Moonman 80s and 80 mini. I could make somehow a comparison on this.
Carried this pen all thru college. Then had it stolen at work. Yes, I paid $5 for it at the drug store, so that tells you my age. It is a great pen and will be replaced. It has a special place in my heart.
Blue is one of my weak colors. But, off the top of my head, Iroshizuku Asa-gao is a nice blue. I was also really impressed with Visconti Blue, to the point I'll be buying a bottle. In looking at Anderson Pens' ink comparison tool, I also noticed Private Reserve American Blue and plain old Noodler's Blue.
It was my first fountain pen. Given to me by my grandfather in 1965 when I started high school. Still have it!!
These are great pens!
Great pen! I recently got a Flighter with the black plastic end to the barrel (so 1960s, based on that and the top of the cap) with a medium 14K gold nib and the aerometric converter. I have another one with a steel nib, and I gotta say that they are great pens. IMO, better writer than the 51.
And for some reason, the 45 keeps popping up in my feed, so this is the 3rd video today for it. 😁
The Parker 45 is quite a good model! I haven't tried a Flighter, but I can guarantee that it is a god pen.
That is the best reverse writer I have seen so far. Parker is the girl that brought me to the dance.
I agree on both points!
In the 1960s I bought a Parker 45 to replace the Osmiroid 65 that had served me reasonably well for the previous 7 years. It leaked like a bloody sieve so I bought another, a deluxe jobbie with gold plated cap & nib. Same problem. No difference between Parker ink and Stephens. So I put it away and bought a second-hand Conway Stewart. Big improvement but still a little leaky when well warmed up. Then in 1973 came a Sheaffer 585 which I still have; brilliant, writes nicely and doesn't leak. Shortly after that, I was offered a 2nd-hand Parker 75, which became my 'go to' pen until 2018 when I finally retired for good from teaching. The 75 was used to write hundreds of school reports etc, etc, and had only one overhaul by Europens during that time. It never leaked a smidgen and with basic user care, was always ready to go. So, with the 585 charged with red ink and the 75 with dark green for general use, I felt well set up. 😊 Col, NZ
I'm sorry to hear you had to much trouble with the Parker 45. I've had good luck with the two I own. And I'm glad to hear that your 75 was your happy ending. That's a good pen as well!
I have several Parker 45 pens in different colors and nib sizes. I love mine. Thanks for an informative video.
Thanks for watching! The Parker 45 was a great pen, and I'm glad you found some great ones!
Waski, after my Parker 25 which i had way back in the 1980's the "45" was my second Parker which i bought back in the same era and i have still the "45" to this day. I will have to find it and put it back into circulation. Thanks for another excellent review on an iconic pen.
I'm glad you enjoyed! Yes, it's a very nice pen, and one of those you can unobtrusively use anywhere.
I was bought a Parker 45 in 1966 when I started comprehensive school. I'm still using it to the day.
They are well made, so this does not surprise me that it has lasted so long.
Got mine 1969. Still use and love it!
Hi Jason. The way to date your Parker 45, at least to a decade, gleaned from the Internet;
60's = conical clip screw and wide converter
70's = dimpled clip screw or any other non conical one
80's onward = date coding on the cap
I have a 1960s, extra fine, black barrelled 45 and was pleasantly surprised at how well it writes.
Thanks for the video.Keep them coming.
Thank you for the information on dating. Thanks to your information, I believe it to be a 1970s model
great review and perfect timing seeing as i have just fixed a parker 45 this week, such a great little pen and i enjoy the design of the pen not to gaudy.
This is exactly right. It's functional and functions well
Excellent video about a favourite pen. If the top of the cap has a dimple, then the pen was made post 1970, I once read.
It really is a good one. Mine is ready to be inked up again.
I have a 45 made in Spain and I’ve ordered an italic fine gold nib version which should arrive next week. I really enjoy the 45 I have with a steel nib and really love my Cordova brown 51 which writes like a dream;)
They really are well made pens. I have this one and a grey one with a broader steel nib.
Great pens! I now have a collection of fountain pens, but keep going back to my Parker 45, which I was given by my parents in 1970 for passing my 11+ (those in UK of a certain age will remember that!), and I used it throughout my secondary school and university schooling, and then for professional exams as well (remembering in those days it was all handwritten essays!). In motoring terms, its been round the clock a few times!
Thanks for sharing! It really is a quality pen, and the nibs I've used are quite good writers.
I have an early 45 from my childhood. It has a 51 style filler. It leaked badly and I noticed it had no breather in the end of the barrel like my 51’s and 21’s. Consequently, as a child, I drilled a hole in the end. No more leaking- for 40 years. Still writes well with a broad line. Just too small for my “adult “ liking. Great review as usual. You make our lives better.
That is very interesting! I suppose it's a pressure thing. The pen is a smaller pen, but does write very well. I haven't used a broad yet.
I just bought my first two vintage pens and one of them is a Parker 45! They arrive next week and I can’t wait to start using them. Thanks for the video.
The Parker 45 is great! And there are multiple nibs for this pen as well.
Originally I had the Parker 51 on my purchase list, but so many people said the new version was crud. Then I discovered this one, and I preferred the nib to the hooded 51 version. It’s supposed to be X fine, but of course writes like a M/F, but I like it anyway. It has a classic retro look that I find a nice change from my Leonardo’s and Estie.
I still haven't tried the new version. But old Parkers are incredible. There is a reason they're still around!
Nice review! I wish I could remember which Parker I had back in the late 1970s - I was just a kid and now I can't remember!
This is a likely candidate. The 21 was also pretty common. And there are some other models as well which I am less familiar with.
My frist fountain pen. This pen is very elegant and very beautiful. Thanks for video.
Glad you like it! It really was a great Parker design!
I picked up a 45 in M recently and it the smoothest, classic FP I have.
It was a great model. There's a reason they cold them for so long!
Nice review. It is one of my favourite pens of all times (I have more than 50 different in my collection). You just reminded me that I have to review it. And to make a comparison between the Parker 45 and the new Moonman 80, 80S and 80 Mini. Congratulations for your good work!
Thank you! I'm embarrassed by how long this pen sat before I finally inked it up. It really is a great pen!
Gift me one plz
☺
More than 50?!! Since when have started collecting pens compared to starting your CZcams channel?
I am a collector. The best of Parker in its entire history were the 51 and 45 models, in my opinion.
Greetings from Buenos Aires.
I'm quite impressed by the 45, and I think a lot of people were: this model lasted a really long time.
The popular (at the time) avocado green color they put out matched your refrigerator of the 70s
I lived in an apartment with all the appliances that color!
I'm trying out one of these that may Dad used to use in the 70s, its better than the cheap Platinum Preppy that I also have. It is made in the UK and has a gold coloured nib, quite a lot of ink flow so good for drawing with, although quite a wide line for writing it makes the writing very bold, and glides well over the paper. I'm using crabon black ink which is actually for a printer but is nice and dark compared to the ink the Preppy comes with. Amazing that its probably 45 years old and works so well. I had to soak the tip and the plunger cartridge in warm water for 30mins to clean it out of old dry ink but that worked well.
The Parker 45 was sold for many years for good reason: it truly was a good pen. And, yes, with a lot of vintage pens, soaking out the old ink is often all it takes. I'm glad you brought this pen back to life!
I love the 45s a teal body and cap version was a gift from my mum for my 10th birthday in 1965. Still going strong. Some in my collection of around 30 or so have heat or pressre damage. The grip sections are lumpy.funny enough i dont mind it fits my left hand round the corner hook hand famously jk
There is a reason this was the longest lasting pen for Parker! Wonderful and well made!
Funny about your pens with heat and pressure damage!
Sorry about the delay in answering and thanks for your reply. The 51s were made with a really durable plastic. The 21s and 61s seemed to economise on quality. The 45 was a school pen so you would expect a cheaper plastic. The shrinkage is annoying but doesn't affect the writing action. Keep up the good work great watching your videos jk
I received mine for Christmas when I was 12 yrs. old in 1960. I still have it and it still writes. The pen and I have grown vintage together. 😉 BTW did you notice the posted and capped lengths are the same?
I had not noticed that! Thank you. Now I need to run home to measure.
Congratulations on a long life with your pen!
The Parker 45 with an Accounting nib always seems to remain inked around my house. To save its life, by chances of being lost, dropped or stolen; I have elected to carry a Moonman 80s (a mini pocket sized version) with me as a cheap substitute.
I can see why you want a cheaper version for going out in public. They are great pens!
About the date codes... there aren’t any letters engraved on the bottom of the cap, next to "45"? It may be just a couple of letters. Sometimes an "I" that may be hard to spot...
There wasn't even a 45 there. I have looked all around that writing and see nothing.
One possibility: the person who gave me this told me that since it was picked up around Janesville, it might be a prototype. Maybe they don't code prototypes?
Kwz grapefruit is one of my favorite inks!!
It's a bright, happy color!
I just bought one, it is all stainless steel with a black finial at the bottom of the barrel but nothing at the top of the cap. It made me wonder if a black finial was missing from the cap, I am new to fountain pens, so vintage pens especially are a mystery to me. It has a gold semi hooded nib, and I have no idea what year it was made...it is aerometrric (or aeromattic) filling system. I paid only $20 for it bought from India. Made in U.S.A. stamped on pen.
It sounds like you bought a flighter version. This was a less common version. They had a black finial on the barrel, but no finial on the cap. I've purchased several vintage Parkers from India.
I guess Parker 45 has at least a dozen variants.. I came across Used "Parker 45 Flightier" Pen set and placed order for $50 here in India.. Fountain pen is 14K Fine and it looks gorgeous in Chrome/Golden trim..
You are right! This pen had a lot of great variants!
I have an older Parker 45 which I believe is from the be. Instead of a regular modern Parker twist converter, it has a removable aromatic converter. Regular Parker cartridges can be used in it.
I appreciate this consistent design over the years. Modern or older converters fit these pens as do the cartridges. It gives the pen a longer life.
Still have and use my red Parker 45 from the 70s! ❤️
They are a great pen!
Same pen i found from my grandfather's things its lovely
I agree: a pleasant pen to use.
Parker pen should remake this pen, this pen is the all time favorite Along with other affordable iconics like Parker 25, Frontier, vector, and jotters
It was actually discontinued only a few years ago. I agree it should be brought back. It was their longest running model.
I just purchased one. I love the 60s modern look of the pen. On one of my Parker 45 the ink sac doesn’t work. Wish someone had a repair video on that.
I was able to fit a modern Parker converter into my 45. I'm sure there are videos on repairing vintage converters, but I didn't mind a modern converter.
WaskiSquirrel after I commented, I looked one up eBay and found just the converter. Apparently it’s a pre 1980s model. :) will get it soon and get that one working as well.
Thanks for the update. There is also a possibility that the modern converters will fit. I know that's true with some brands, but I have not tested it with Parker.
WaskiSquirrel I tried fitting a jinhao converter in Parker, but it didn’t work. Anyhow, I’ve got my aerometric converter and it works beautifully.
The 45 is superior to the 51 in many ways, I have a gt model that is in constant use for years without fault. Parkers are often sought after but beware the dreaded capillary feed models,very brittle and not very relieable but still collectable.
I have heard about those feeds. I'm curious to see one, but I've heard the same thing about reliability.
Nice looking pen. Have a great week.
Thank you!
Many thanks for the review. I am about to get inspired versions of the pen from China - Moonman 80s and 80 mini. I could make somehow a comparison on this.
I hope you enjoy these pens. I haven't tried the Moonman versions.
Carried this pen all thru college. Then had it stolen at work. Yes, I paid $5 for it at the drug store, so that tells you my age. It is a great pen and will be replaced. It has a special place in my heart.
I know what you mean about sentimental pens. I replaced my lost Parker Vector because of sentimental feelings.
I have gotten an offer for the gold nib in 28$ US now. Is it a good deal?
If it's truly gold, then, yes, that's a very good price!
@@WaskiSquirrel Thank you so much for your kind response. A subscriber from India...🙏🏼
what blue rich ink that flows really nice do you recommend? similar to diamine sargasso sea colour. ty
Blue is one of my weak colors. But, off the top of my head, Iroshizuku Asa-gao is a nice blue. I was also really impressed with Visconti Blue, to the point I'll be buying a bottle. In looking at Anderson Pens' ink comparison tool, I also noticed Private Reserve American Blue and plain old Noodler's Blue.
Sir i want this pen
It's a good one. There's a reason Parker sold them for so long.
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice~!
It's a good one!
Sir how much money
Sadly, not for sale. This one was actually given to me. But, on eBay, I see them going from $15 on up. Your mileage may vary at the lower price end!