This is a petite version of what was in essence a school pen Parker
produced through the 1960s. The insides are very similar to the "51", although the filler is more open, rather like the "51" Special
or "21". It has the same feed and a very similar point to the
"51", but lacks a collector, the vaned ink-handling gizmo that rendered
the "51" a technological marvel (from a pen perspective-- it doesn't
fly or emit death rays, after all). In theory, this should make
the "17" prone to puking ink at the slightest provocation or hesitating
to start writing after a few minutes capped.
Theory and practice once again fail to mesh. In the case of this
short version, ink flow is as one would like it-- readily available,
but not over-abundant. It is very strange to have a big wet point
like this mated to such a small pen, with incongrouous bold lines left
by a barely-perceptible instrument. I suspect this is more of a
signature-signing pen than a note-taker, becuase even with the polite
way the ink is emitted, an awful lot of it comes out and there's not a
lot of room in there for reservoir.
The real difference in quality between this particular pen (it being an
upscale example of the marque) and a "51" is the plastic, which is a
great deal softer than the lucite used for the more desireable pen.
Specifications: Broad 14K gold point. Aerometric filler. Length 11.8cm capped, 12.9cm posted.
Condition:
Light pocket-wear on the body, with scuffing on the hood from the inner
cap. The sac is slightly bluish but otherwise unstained. No
brassing.
Repairs: Cleaning was all that was required.
Location: My collection.
For sale?: No. My wife finds it delightful and will not part with it.
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