Parker 51's

At one time this was the most popular fountain pen in production and it is the pen some still consider the best engineered pen ever made. Some would even add it is probably the best styled pen of all time (there is debate here). Not too many years ago, in the late 1990's and early 20th century it was still possible to routinely be able to pick up 51's in the $20 to $30 range, that at a time when Vacumatics were still commanding $70 . That strange twist fits with John Parnell's oft stated observation that it is almost impossible to think that a company that invented the Parker 51 with its aerometric filling system wa also responsible for wasting its time on the Vacumatic (and its filling system) pen. Time to look at this iconic pen.

Some of the lesser collected of this compan's pens the numbered series were in no way less notable. The 21, for example, is oft mistaken for the venerable 51 and it's dependability is no less amazing. The 45 and 61 were also very interesting pens in their own right. The 61's filling system was, perhaps, a last gasp attempt by Parker to combat the Ball Points takeover of the writing instruments market.

Spring! Colourful! Enduring! Fun! Inexpensive! Most collectors would agree that these pens are one of the more dependable writers that exist today and their price is next to unbeatable when one couples that with their quality. It is time to enjoy the promise of spring and the lagging economy and take a look at some fun pens that reflect both of those factors.

Oft times ignored is the care of the writing instruments in one's collection. Many of these are worth a good deal of money yet we oft times ignore the basic care needed. How should they be stored. How should they be handled. What are some of the better products available to collectors for the cleaning, polishing of pens and their parts (the nib, the clip, the band etc) and what are some that should be avoided. Bring along some of the products you use, the methods you employ and lets share these concepts with each other.

Writin's Other Stuff

Oft times referred to as ephemera it appears most collectors seem to be just as fascinated in the assemblage of th blotters, and pen cases and papers, and magazine ads and .... well the list goes on and on. Time to share it. Lord knows you might just find some stuff.

Doesn't matter when that was or in point of fact what it was (could be ink, blotter, ad, ... just about anything that fits in with pens). And, eh, almost forgot ... pensnpencilsndwritinthings.

(Maja Furlong of the Vancouver Pen Club suggested this idea). Could be Ball Points, dip pens, modern pencils, vintage ball point, Vintage Pencil ... the list is endless and the suprises could be many. Whatever it (they) is (are) bring them along.

This is something too few collectors do and it is too bad. Should there ever be a break-in at your home you have no real record of your collection no matter how big or small. Likewise there is probably no record of its purchase price or its present valuation. The latter is a necessity for insurance purposes. There is an ability to do this within our own club. Good Pen Data Bases for collectors exist. (Some of the best are free). Doesn't matter we live in the 21st Centruy,use cell phones and computers, there are lots of us who would find it easier to cross the Gobi desert that set up that data base. Some good suggestions on how to do all of the above will be shared.

Yep. Every once in a while we need a break from themes. This week we will just arrive and the get together will look after itself. Keys = Coffee (or coke) breakfast and friendship AND whatever we bring.

Where do you put those pens? A shoe box has been the choice for many while expensive cases have been the choice of others. There are many alternatives in between and there are also a good number of cautions one should observe when 'storing' ones expensive and vintage pens. A time to look at another aspect of collecting.

From joining a pen club to discovering a whole raft of "pen places" on the internet.

Some shared ideas, sources and needs. Maybe someone else can help you find what you "need" in their travels.

A long overdue look at one of the great Pen Companies and some of the classics they created.

Think Pens, Monteverdes, Acmes, Bexleys .... The list keeps going but on their day of independence let's look at not the past but the present.