The Most Famous Fountain Pen In History: The Parker 51

As part of Kirby Allison's review of Six Of The Most Iconic Fountain Pens Of The 20th Century, one included is arguably the most famous fountain pen in history. The Parker 51, introduced in 1941, could be the best selling fountain pen of all time. It went through several iterations over the first few decades of its existence.
Parker's strong marketing campaign reinforced its renown, tying it to patriotic motifs, such as the famous P-51 fighter plane. However, perhaps the most famous moment of marketing for the pen, was the fact that it was used to sign the treaty signaling Germany's surrender at the end of World War 2.
The pen was also the pen of choice for the late Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest serving monarch.
To see the full video, click here:
• 6 Of The Most Iconic F...
For those who enjoy writing by hand, there is a particular elegance and satisfaction to be found in writing with a good fountain pen. One of the few accessories that a gentleman can collect and use daily, a great fountain pen really does enhance the pleasure of writing. Not only that, but a vintage fountain pen is also a small piece of history in your hand!
Originally developed by the Waterman company in 1884, there have been a number of incredible fountain pens through the years. Kirby talks through 6 examples that he believe are some of the most iconic fountain pens to have been made in the 20th Century.
See more of Aiden Chou's pen collection in his Instagram:
@vintagepenco_usa
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[@28pbtkh23]

I used a Parker 51 in my early school days. It belonged to my father, but since it was doing nothing in a desk drawer, I liberated it. “Dammed cheek” was his reaction, I think. It wrote beautifully.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I have a pair of P51s; a Vacumatic with a 14k nib and a ‘Special’ 51 with the aerometric filler and a steel nib. Both are very nice writers. I like them both a lot. The P51 is a true classic - and not without reason.
However, I’ve always liked the vintage Aurora 88 best.

[@RadDadisRad]

I’m so grateful for ball point pens.

[@hornetIIkite3]

Still prefer using a fountain pen for writing. Though fineliners are fine too

[@justindesrosiers3145]

I wake up at night to hate on ballpoints

[@braindecay9477]

No fancy pen can save my horrible handwriting

[@davidgobert6051]

I have a Bic. It’s a pen. Found it in the street.

[@justindesrosiers3145]

I wake up at night just to hate on Bic

[@IntravenouslyDruggedSloth]

I’ve never written with a fountain pen and I’m 33. Id like to try one

[@lanslarrazabaldemartinez6829]

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's favorite pen 😊

[@Jabberstax]

I stopped using Parker after they moved to France.

[@machtschnell7452]

I have one of my parent's. Do not fly with them filled.

[@Hkd-px4sp]

امتلك 45 f جميل جدا وكثير يسالوني عنه

[@sykes2698]

Is the Parker 51 still in production? can I buy a brand new Parker 51 today that looks/functions the same way the old Parker 51 did?

[@paulherman5822]

Not like the original ones. The modern is nothing like the original. Want the original? Find an aerometric filler one (basically 1950s on.) Good soak and flush, they're almost indestructible and should work right away. Just realise there's also the 51 Special with a steel nib.
Should run under $150 (modern equivalent to the original price of $12.50.) I got a Vacumatic version for that, but I wanted the less durable filling system (latex diaphragm instead of the PVC sac in the aerometric.)

[@l0sts0ul89]

​@@paulherman5822 I have a Space Pen, are those cool?

[@paulherman5822]

@@l0sts0ul89 Haven't used one in years, but if you don't mind ballpoint, they're okay, IMO.

[@l0sts0ul89]

@@paulherman5822 gotcha, I got one because I think they were pretty cool, and because of Seinfeld 😅

[@paulherman5822]

@@l0sts0ul89 I like they're pressurized. But ballpoint pens in general hurt me to write with.

[@upscalesale4292]

How could anyone use a ballpoint. I have used my fountain pens since I was in school. I have to have bespoke tips made, and then I use them to write to shape the tip to my style before I use it for mail or other documents.

[@tors10x42]

What a strong and noble pen. The same cannot be said of your chin, however.

[@IntravenouslyDruggedSloth]

😂😂

[@rudiausbuddeln]

parker is irrelevant here in europe, all we know and need is montblanc

[@hornetIIkite3]

When we got married we got a parker fountain pen from the municipality. Engraved with our names and wedding date. I've never seen a Montblanc in the wild here in the Netherlands.

[@hornetIIkite3]

Also used parker was the most common "fancy" pen used in my highschool. Peasants used a BIC

[@andresbueno9675]

Para nada es eso cierto. Parker se ha fabricado y usado en Europa bastante más que Montblanc.

[@justindesrosiers3145]

So you guys use a cheaply made overrated copycat of different designs that costs 4 digit prices when I can get a Sailor which is objectively better in every way for half the price? Okeh

[@cheradordecalcinhaoficial]

Mount Blanc pain

[@Justsomething91]

I was thinking that the whole time, I currently own a Montblanc and it’s the best pen I’ve ever owned

[@dibyochowdhury4514]

​@Justsomething91 which one?

[@moseisly7432]

It is great, but not such a high craftsmanship as a montblanc

[@tehjamerz]

Thanks for the WW2 connection. I now hate that pen

[@sharonsharon2604]

WWII ended with the Japanese surrender.... not with the german's one....