The Parker 51 Custom, this set, differed from the 51 Classic in that it has a 1/10 rolled Gold cap whilst the Classic cap is 'Lustralloy'.

This set, made in the second quarter of 1955, comprises a fountain pen and matching pencil. 

The set is in first class condition and has been fully serviced and tested, a particularly important consideration for a Paker 51.  The pen and pencil bodies, 'Lucite', the American name for Perspex, have a showroom finish and the rolled gold caps are bright and ding free.  The pen cassies a ' .5.' date code, it was made, in England, in the second quarter of 1955.

The pencil is a 'continuous feed' mechanism which operates by depressing the cap to release the lead.   The grooves on the cone are gold infilled, consistent with a Custom pencil.

The aerometric filling system fills well and the 14 Ct. Gold nib writes with a super smooth, medium line.  The hooded design precludes any flex in the  51 but Parker still managed to give the nib a very pleasing 'soft' feel.

The Parker presentation case is very clean and solid.  The satin lined interior is free of any stains or age marks and the hinges are sound and well sprung.

The Parker 51 is the most successful pen ever made and has a great deal of prestige.  It is the first choice of many pen enthusiasts as a daily writer, a testament to it's reliability and iconic status.