Parker '51' Pen in 12ct Rolled Gold Top, Original Box

• Parker 51 - The design for the Parker 51 was completed in 1939, Parker's 51st anniversary, hence the name. There were many unique features to the 51 including the tubular hooded nib and an ink collector separate to the feed. Manufactured in a new plastic material 'Lucite', they were revolutionary. The first model was released in the USA in 1941, at a price of $12.50 and until 1948 was sold with a 'Vacumatic' filling system. In 1948 Parker introduced the 'Aerometric Filler'. This series was designated Mk 1 and was manufactured until 1972. Around 1969 a Mk II was introduced with conical ends and a slimmer cap. Later a Mk III was released, similar to the Mk II but now with a metal cap jewel and 'Injection Moulded'. Production continued until around 1980.
• Rolled Gold - A type of gold plating devloped in the early 19th century, similar to Sheffield plating of silver, where the the gold is fused under pressure and heat to a base metal, usually brass, and then rolled into sheets of the required thickness.
  
  The thickness of the gold plate can vary. In Britain the thickness of the gold is measured in microns. A micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre and 20 microns of gold is considered good quality. In the USA a differnt method is used that takes account of the total weight of the object.
  
  Also, the purity of the gold, measured in carats can vary, with 24 carat being the purest. The gold in most rolled gold objects will be between 9 and 14 carats.
  
  There are other chemical and electroplating methods of applying gold plate to a base metal, but rolled gold is considered a superior plate to a "gold plated" object.
  
  Depending on the country and date of manufacture, the object may be stamped "Rolled Gold" or similar, but if there is any doubt as to whether an object is solid gold, or some type of gold plating, it is preferable to have it tested by a jeweller.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Parker Pen Co. (United States) - fountain / ballpoint pens 93