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 II example. It can be told from the Mk. I by the
lack of impressions on the body and the shape of the clip. Like
the Mk. I, it lacks the arrow motif of the various "51"s, but rather
than having a simple ball on a flat tang, it has a triangular indent
which is wonderfully easy to run in and out of a pocket without giving
the nervous sense of being about to bound out if you need to tie your
shoes. Mk.II production ran from 1952 to 1956.
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, with this perfectly intact
example, 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:
Extra-fine Octanium steel point. Aerometric filler.
Pencil advances by twisting. 13.9cm long capped, 14.6cm
posted.
Condition: Body
plastic in excellent shape, without scuffs or scratches. The only
mark on the cap is an odd rectangular indentation on the tassie.
The only complaint with the pencil is that the eraser might as
well be made of sandstone.
Repairs:
Dismounted hood to clean point and re-align feed.
Location: My collection.
For sale: This one isn't. I've got a Mk. I in imperfect condition which the anxious might purchase..
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