Parker 51 dating

How do you date a Parker 51 pen?

Dating of Parker 51 pens is easy, down to the quarter it was made; at least for the barrel. Parker used a date system of one digit, surrounded by a series of dots to signify the quarter the pen was made in. The year was started with three dots and as the year progressed, a dot was ground-off the die, as follows;

What is the difference between a Parker 51 and a Parker?

The big difference was that it sported an octanium (eight metal alloy) nib rather than one made of gold and it came with a shiny chrome cap only (the Standard Parker 51 were made in a matte chrome design).

What is a Parker 51 Signet?

Also in 1948 The Parker 51 Signet was introduced with an all GF cap and barrel with vertical lines. It changed name to Insignia in 1957 and both names are used by collectors. In 1949the Parker 51 Presidentialwas introduced in solid gold. The Demi pens were not made in this style. From 1950the single year digit on the body became 2 digits.

When did Parker start using date codes on pencils?

In mid 1934 Parker began marking most pens and pencils with a date code, both the barrel and the nibs were marked, but lacking a date code doesnt necessarily mean that the pen was made pre-1935, since many imprints have been worn off with use.

What is the date code on a Parker 51 pen?

With one exception, the system was dropped not long thereafter (the earliest US date code we have seen is 34; the latest, 56, first quarter, on a Parker 51 pencil, with the latest on a Parker 51 pen, 52).

How can I tell what year my Parker Pen was made?

Secondly an imprint can be found on the top of the barrel, just under the cap clutch ring: PARKER 51 6MADE IN U.S.A. The small digit denotes the year of making for the barrel. This digit was deleted on the US made pens in 1953 but continued until 1959 on European (and Canadian?) pens, the same for the date on the nib.

When did Parker start using date codes on pencils?

In mid 1934 Parker began marking most pens and pencils with a date code, both the barrel and the nibs were marked, but lacking a date code doesnt necessarily mean that the pen was made pre-1935, since many imprints have been worn off with use.

What do the numbers on Parker Pens mean?

Parker Date Codes From around 1934 and into the 1950s, Parker pens (and pencils, though less consistently) were marked on the barrel to indicate their date of production, with nibs marked similarly. At first the code consisted of two digits: the first indicated the quarter; the second, the year.

Why do some Parker pens have old date codes?

These seem to be the result of Parker clearing out stocks of old parts, assembling them into pens years after they were originally produced. Note that one will NOT run across pens with date codes that seem too early!

When did Parker start marking on the barrel of pencils?

Updated Oct 2011. In mid 1934 Parker began marking most pens and pencils with a date code, both the barrel and the nibs were marked, but lacking a date code doesnt necessarily mean that the pen was made pre-1935, since many imprints have been worn off with use.

What do the numbers on Parker Pens mean?

Parker Date Codes From around 1934 and into the 1950s, Parker pens (and pencils, though less consistently) were marked on the barrel to indicate their date of production, with nibs marked similarly. At first the code consisted of two digits: the first indicated the quarter; the second, the year.

When did Parker start marking their pens on the cap bands?

It has been assumed that Parker began marking some of their pens on the trim or cap bands to allow for dating in 1970. Using the words Quality pen , one letter per year, followed by a quarter marker, allowing for dating within a ten year span.