Parker 100 vs Parker 51 & Sheaffer Snorkel

[ChunLi]

Hi all!

I have some birthday money and I was wondering what you all suggest I
should get. Either a Parker 100 or a Parker 51 and Sheaffer Snorkel?
I think a fully restored Parker 51 and Sheaffer Snorkel combined will
be almost the same as a Parker 100.

I am very new to fountain pens. I only own a Phileas and a few cheapy
Pelikans. Not to mention I am on a student budget. Any suggestions
are appreciated.

Anyone know where I can get a good prices for these pens?

Thanks!

[kg]

Post by ChunLi
Hi all!
I have some birthday money and I was wondering what you all suggest I
should get. Either a Parker 100 or a Parker 51 and Sheaffer Snorkel?
I think a fully restored Parker 51 and Sheaffer Snorkel combined will
be almost the same as a Parker 100.
I am very new to fountain pens. I only own a Phileas and a few cheapy
Pelikans. Not to mention I am on a student budget. Any suggestions
are appreciated.
Anyone know where I can get a good prices for these pens?
Thanks!

I've never owned or used a Parker 100, but I don't think you can go wrong
with a Parker 51 and a Snorkel, but I lean more toward vintage pens as I
think you get more for your money with quality vintage pens. There are
several sources for vintage pens, including ebay, but you take your chances
there, plus you will likely have to have the pens restored if you buy them
on ebay, unless it's explicitly stated they are restored. One source for
vintage pens would be the Green Board (sales board) on Pentrace:
http://www.pentrace.net/PenMarket.htm You can do a WTB (want to buy) or
just look around. There is always a good variety for sale and you can trust
these folks, at least for the most part. Another source of dealers would
be: www.penhero.com go to the bookmarks section and there are links to
all kinds of dealers in vintage pens. There are always a bunch of pens for
sale on the Zoss list. (zoss.com to subscribe, free). One seller who has an
excellent reputation and always a number of pens for sale is William Melvin
(on Zoss). I understand he does excellent work, although I've never
purchased any from him. That's a few options.

kg

[Allen]

I second the recommendation of kg. I have both a 51 and more snorkels than
I can use and both of them are excellent fountain pens. Personally I
prefer the snorkel and the ones I have I purchased on e-bay or from the
pentrace green board. If you get one from ebay in the $15-30 range it might
have to be repaired. Of course sometime you get lucky and it won't need
anything but flushing with cold water.
I sent the ones I needed repaired to Danny Fudge who will fix them for $20
and does excellent work. You can contact Danny at Danny Fudge
E-mail Address(es):
***@thewritepen.net

Notes:
Pen repairman

If you get a 51 that is aerometric, chances are very good that it won't
need to have anything done to it other a thorough flushing with cold water
to get it to work.
You really can't go wrong with either of these classic pens. Allen

[Virtual Gordon]

Post by Allen
If you get a 51 that is aerometric, chances are very good that it won't
need to have anything done to it other a thorough flushing with cold water
to get it to work.
You really can't go wrong with either of these classic pens. Allen

I second the motion.

Gordon

[Ed Svoboda]

The 51 is probably one of the best pens of all time. They are built
like tanks and have a great design. I would buy a 51 over anything
similar from Parker that is new. It's just a much better value.

Another alternative to the Parker 51 is the Parker 21. Nice little
pens that are not as flashy but are very reliable and cheap.

Snorkels are getting harder to find that don't need to be repaired (at
least for me) but are also excellent pens.

Ed Svoboda
www.fountainpenforum.com

[Earl Camembert]

Post by Ed Svoboda
The 51 is probably one of the best pens of all time. They are built
like tanks and have a great design. I would buy a 51 over anything
similar from Parker that is new. It's just a much better value.

The old 51 might be a better value then new Parkers but what fountain
pen form the pre-ballpoint years isn't. The Parker reintroduced
Duofold is a most excellent pen.

[Ed Svoboda]

To clarify - I am talking about vintage Parker's only. I wouldn't buy
the new 51 as it is a cheap imitation of the real thing. The re-issued
Duofold's are excellent pens and in certain ways they actually exceed
the originals. The real star of the newer Parker's is the 100.


Ed Svoboda
www.fountainpenforum.com

[Earl Camembert]

Post by Ed Svoboda
To clarify - I am talking about vintage Parker's only. I wouldn't buy
the new 51 as it is a cheap imitation of the real thing. The re-issued
Duofold's are excellent pens and in certain ways they actually exceed
the originals. The real star of the newer Parker's is the 100.

I have used a NEW 51 for several months now. The box is still the best
part but the NEW 51 has grown on me. I would buy one again at the two
hindered ten dollars I paid for mine.

[Earl Camembert]

Post by Ed Svoboda
To clarify - I am talking about vintage Parker's only. I wouldn't buy
the new 51 as it is a cheap imitation of the real thing. The re-issued
Duofold's are excellent pens and in certain ways they actually exceed
the originals. The real star of the newer Parker's is the 100.

I have a New Parker 51 and it does not suck that bad.