The Parker "17" was really intended as a school pen, made of cheaper but ironically more durable materials than the "21". This is a splendid example of the breed (unlike my somewhat upscale "17" Lady),
showing the kind of abuse that it can take and still keep working, as
well as the kind of abuse a cheap school pen is likely to take.
The barrel and hood are scuffed, including that diffuse ring on
the hood which I think indicates that at some point the cap was filled
with sand. The plastic (not metal, as on the Lady) friction-ring
which holds the cap on looks like a dog's chew toy, and there's a set
of tooth-marks on the tail of the barrel that could probably be used to
identify the previous owner. When I got it, it was full of the
sort of grot that doesn't just indicate ink left to dry in the pen, but
India ink left to dry in the pen.
And yet, it could be fixed. It did require reduction to its basic, component parts to get it cleaned up. You'll notice, if you pursue that last link, that the insides of this pen are very similar to those of the "51",
really only lacking a collector. The collector, though, is the
part that takes just about the most skill to machine, so not having one
makes for a much cheaper pen.. The point, which is the most
technically demanding part to make properly, is also only semi-tubular
and made of Octanium rather than gold. I don't honestly know
whether a semi-tubular point takes less effort than a tubular one to
manufacture, but a side effect is an unexpected degree of flex in the
point in this pen-- something which was probably viewed as a bit of a
liability.
Unlike a lot of school pens, there was not so much in this one (or the
"21" on consideration) to give it away as a school pen-- nothing
goonish with the clip or colour to mark it as "for kids only." It
would have been possible for someone to keep using this pen out of high
school, through university and beyond... if it hadn't been filled with
India ink. Good for you, Parker of a previous day.
Specifications: Medium steel hooded point. Aerometric filler. 13.4cm long capped, 14.4cm posted.
Condition:
"Fully functional" is the kindest thing to be said. It's in no
danger of falling to bits, but it won't ever be pretty again.
Repairs: Dismantled
to remove crispy chunks of non-soluable dried ink left within, with
complete and gratifying success. Tried polishing the barrel but
gave it up as a lost cause.
Location: My collection.
For sale?:
No. Unless you're deperate for one and can't find an example
anywhere else, I can't imagine you'd pay even the nigh-reasonably price
I did for this pen.
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