The Parker 51 Mk. III was introduced in 1969, and gave way to the Mk. lV in 1971 a very short production run.  This Mk. lll Custom fountain pen, finished in red, is in first class condition throughout, and is a superb writer.

The set is finished in Red with a 12 Ct. rolled Gold cap which carry a rolled Gold 'arrow' clip and a pearl grey end stud.  This stud was replaced with an integral metal stud in 1971, apparently there was some concern about toddlers ingesting the pearl stud!  Perhaps they had no taste for the later metal ones.

The overall condition of the fountain pen suggests that it has seen very little use.  The pen body is flawless with a deep, lustrous shine, the cap shows no dings and the 'pli-glass' ink sac is unstained. 

The pen has been fully serviced and tested.  The Aerometric filling system is simple and easy to use and works well.  The 14Ct. Gold nib is exceptional, it writes with a smooth and consistent fine line, perhaps a little on the medium side. 

The Parker hard plastic presentation box is in good, solid condition. 

Despite being over fifty years old the Parker 51 Mk. III still has a modern appearance but with all the Parker 51 prestige. It would make a great vintage every day user.