For your consideration, we are pleased to offer this beautifully preserved and professionally restored 1947 Parker 51 Vacumatic Fountain Pen in the highly attractive Cedar Blue barrel/blind cap, fitted with a 1/8 14K gold-filled cap. This is an exceptional example of Parker’s legendary postwar writing instrument, combining the timeless design that made the Parker 51 an icon with outstanding cosmetic condition and a fully serviced, and tested filling system. Its overall presentation is genuinely impressive, making it an appealing addition to a Parker collection or a wonderful vintage fountain pen to enjoy in regular use.
The Parker 51 is widely regarded as one of the most influential fountain pens ever produced, celebrated for its streamlined silhouette, distinctive hooded nib, and practical design. This full-size Vacumatic example captures that classic styling beautifully. The Cedar Blue barrel presents with excellent color and luster, while the hood and barrel have been carefully cleaned, buffed, and polished to refresh their appearance while preserving the integrity of the original materials. The cap is exceptionally clean, with its repeating line engraved finish showing no apparent gold-filled loss. The cap, barrel, and hood are in magnificent condition, with no chips, cracks, dings, dents, or repairs. There are no monograms or personalizations on either the cap or barrel.
The cap lip is clearly stamped with "PARKER" just below the Arrow Clip and on the oppisite side is “1/8 14K Gold Filled Made in U.S.A.” The barrel imprint reads “PARKER 51 Made in U.S.A.” and is accompanied by the T7 with two dot date code, indicating production in the second quarter of 1947. The “T” designation is associated with Parker’s Townsend Tractor building, which supported production during the postwar period. The cap style is appropriate for this 1947 dated Parker 51 Vacumatic. The crisp markings and attractive condition of the cap and barrel contribute to the appeal of this well-preserved vintage Parker.
This pen has received a thorough restoration to return it to dependable working condition. The nib, feed, collector, breather tube, hood, and barrel were ultrasonically cleaned to remove accumulated residue. The original diaphragm was replaced with a new, properly sized component, and the pen was reassembled and tested. The cap, arrow clip, clutch ring, and 14K gold nib were carefully hand-cleaned. The barrel and hood were then cleaned, buffed, and polished to restore their color and luster while preserving the original materials. The rebuilt Vacumatic filling system has been tested with water and operates as intended, typically drawing nearly a full fill in approximately 7–10 presses. This Parker 51 has received careful attention both mechanically and cosmetically and is ready for its next owner.
Fitted with a 14K gold Parker nib, this example offers a fine writing character suited to precise, everyday writing. The tipping measures approximately 0.48 mm when checked with digital calipers, or a Fine point nib. A writing sample made with this actual pen demonstrates a fine line, with measured variation of approximately 0.48–0.50 mm. The sample was produced by dipping the nib in Pelikan Royal Blue ink. The pen itself has not been filled with ink during testing, allowing its next owner to choose their preferred ink.
This full-size Parker 51 measures approximately 5 3/8 inches capped and 5 7/8 inches posted, with a comfortable weight of just 0.67 ounces. Its streamlined proportions, classic Cedar Blue finish, gold-filled cap, and understated profile embody the design qualities that have kept the Parker 51 in demand among fountain pen enthusiasts for generations.
This condition of this pen is early approaching Near Mint. The exceptional cosmetic presentation, clean gold-filled cap, well-preserved markings, absence of personalization, and comprehensive restoration make this a particularly attractive example of the 1947 Parker 51 Vacumatic. Whether you are adding a carefully restored postwar Parker to an established collection or seeking a classic vintage fountain pen to use and appreciate, this Cedar Blue Parker 51 offers a wonderful combination of timeless design, condition, and practical writing appeal.
