Following the success of the "51", Parker ran out several lines of less expensive pens with similar lines to win more of a market share. The "51" Special
was essentially the same pen with less expensive materials. The
"21" was even less expensive. Designed for students, it's very
similar to the attempts at many other makers to emulate the "51"-- an
essentially traditional point and feed hidden within a concealing hood,
the point being of "octanium", the same material as the "51" Special's.
The body was also made of much less durable materials, and is
much given to cracking and very resistant to repair-- annoying in the
extreme with the barrel, and effectively fatal in the hood.
This is a Mark I example. Unlike the Mk. II,
there are markings on the body as are found in the same era's "51", and
the clip is a much simpler keeled tang with a ball fixed to the back.
Mk. I ran from 1948 to 1951, this one having a date-code for the
third quarter of 1949.
The "21" is a source of division in those who hold opinions on Parker
pens. The somewhat feeble nature of the plastic turns many
against this pen, while the extremely regular writing performance draws
equal numbers to it. I find that I am in the latter camp-- this is a very nice writer,
which will sit capped for days and write in an instant when returned
to, and very smoothly too for such a fine point.
Specifications:
Fine Octanium steel point. Aerometric filler.
13.2cm long capped, 14.4cm
posted.
Condition: Body
plastic in indifferent shape. There are a couple of the cracks which plague the "21" at the top of the body-- they seem
stable, currently. The markings on the body are a little
indistinct as well. Cap and body are both liberally dusted with
tiny scuffs of workaday use. Sac is a little reddish, but of good
transparency.
Repairs: Dismounted
hood to clean point and re-align feed. One tine was slightly
bent, and has been returned to its appropriate shape and place.
Light polishing to give a little shine to the body-- nothing too
serious, for fear of angering the cracks and also of utterly removing
the imprints.
Location: My collection.
For sale: $10.
Yes, there's cracks, but it's functionally sound. A good
introduction to vintage pens, at any rate, without the worry of ruining
something that's come down through the decades unmarked-- this one is
marked up just fine. Contact me at:
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