1940-60s | Parker | Parker 51 | fountain pen & pencil set |

Vintage Parker 51 Fountain Pen & Pencil Set – Black & Gold Filled Caps – Original Parker “51” Case

*** Personalised engraving: GUNNAR EKWALL on the body.

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Era and identification:

Estimated late 1940s–1960s Parker 51 set, most likely from the Aerometric period, based on the visible Parker 51 hooded nib design and squeeze-filling construction. The Parker 51 was first introduced in 1941, while the Aerometric filling system was introduced in 1948, replacing the earlier Vacumatic system.

This set includes a Parker 51 fountain pen, matching Parker mechanical pencil, and the original-style Parker “51” presentation case.

The body is engraved “GUNNAR EKWALL”.
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Material:

Black resin/acrylic-style barrel and hood with gold-tone / gold-filled style caps and trim.

The caps have vertical line engraving, classic arrow clips, and dark jewel-style cap ends. The fountain pen has the characteristic hooded nib, where most of the nib is covered by the front section.

The case has a textured gold exterior and satin-lined interior marked Parker “51”.

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Design:

The Parker 51 is one of the most recognisable fountain pens of the 20th century. Its streamlined, almost torpedo-shaped body and hooded nib made it look radically modern compared with earlier open-nib fountain pens.

The hooded nib was not only a visual design choice. It was connected to Parker’s technical development of fast-drying ink and helped keep the nib area wetter and more protected than a traditional exposed nib design.

This set has a particularly elegant appearance: black bodies, warm gold-tone caps, matching pencil, and original presentation case. The engraved owner name gives it a personal mid-century character rather than a plain unused desk set.

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Size:

Please rely on measurements shown in photos.

Approximate visible length appears around standard Parker 51 size, with the pen and pencil shown against a ruler in the photos.

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Condition and wear:

Used vintage condition with age-related wear.

Visible surface scratches, rubbing, oxidation/patina, small marks and signs of handling are present on the caps, barrel, pencil, and case.

The case shows wear, marks, staining, and age-related discolouration to both the exterior and satin lining.

The fountain pen has not been tested with ink.

The mechanical pencil works properly.

Personalised engraving: GUNNAR EKWALL on the body.

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History:

The Parker 51 was developed around Parker’s 51st anniversary period and launched in the early 1940s. The name “51” was deliberately simple and international, avoiding a word-name that would need translation across different markets.

It became one of Parker’s most successful and influential models. The clean profile, hidden nib, clutch cap system, and reliable filling mechanism made it a prestige writing instrument for business, professional, and personal use.

Earlier Parker 51 pens used the Vacumatic filling system. From 1948, Parker introduced the Aerometric system, using a pressure bar and internal sac arrangement, which became known for durability and easier maintenance.

The Parker 51 also has strong collector appeal because it represents the transition from decorative pre-war fountain pen design into the more technical, streamlined, modern design language of the mid-20th century.

A complete pen-and-pencil set in its case is more attractive than a loose single pen, especially with the original Parker “51” marked presentation case still present.

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Important vintage note:

This is a vintage second-hand item with age, use, and history. Age-related wear, imperfections, and colour variation from lighting or screen settings should be expected. These are not grounds for post-purchase discounts or claims. Please purchase only if you are comfortable with the nature of vintage items. If you are looking for a perfect, mint condition item, please avoid this.

26G6