PEN RESURRECTION SUNDAY: Episode 1 - 1967 Parker 45 Insignia Restoration

[@kevinlandon7578]

My 1st 2 fountain pens were Parker 45's! I own 2 Parker 45 Specials and a 45 Flighter Special today!! Great restoration and history video today!!! I use the PenBBS converters thanks to your suggestoon and they work great!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Right on! I figured since Penbbs pens take Parker cartridges, the reverse should work too!

[@kevinlandon7578]

@@InkquiringMinds works perfectly and better than the original 45 converters with a rubber sack and a squeeze bar!!

[@basta.dotto_]

Ooh, that 1954 Parker 51 ❤❤❤

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah it is a beauty and came in a set with matching pencil and Jotter ballpoint.

[@edwardstaats4935]

Love the history of these pens, thank you

[@InkquiringMinds]

My pleasure!

[@brightonbabe2139]

Thank you for the inspiration Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

No worries!

[@brightonbabe2139]

@@InkquiringMinds Are you an Aussie?

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@brightonbabe2139 Not bloody likely! ;)

[@brightonbabe2139]

@@InkquiringMinds When I was working in the US, I used to slip across the border into Canada (BC) for a humour injection and a reality check. The guys in BC kept me sane. That was a long time ago. I don't know what I would do today to keep sane if I was still in the US. Probably huddle in my basement with my pens.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@brightonbabe2139 Good on ya!

[@johnsomers8269]

Great restoration! I have a 45 with two nibs.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very cool!

[@charlesbrough6185]

I think you have a hit on your hands! Good, easy to understand process and presentation. Looking forward to next Sunday!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome, thank you!

[@themoonwalkpen1466]

I've only ever had one Parker 45, but as you said, it is an excellent design. It is simple, rugged, and easily repaired. Thanks for the walk-through.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, John!

[@McAmeron089III]

TLC,indeed;but,with a deft "thundering velvet hand". Beautiful pen and even more beautifuller after your resuscitative actions. Well done, sir. You make it look easy. Guitar players have really strong hands combined with the fine motor skills needed for work like this. I was so lucky to find a Parker 51 and a Shaeffers Imperial Touchdown at the same junk-store the same day. Got them both for about $50. The filling system on the Shaeffers needs some attention;the slightly upturned and inlaid nib is so pretty. The Parker 51 didn't really need anything to write and fill well; but,I am going to send it to a nibmeister for checkup. Hoping beyond hope I can find a PFM someday(my grail). Looking forward to more Resurrection Sundays. Bravo! PS:Watching an old military documentary; saw an American officer sign a peace document of some sort using a Parker 51. President "Ike" Eisenhower used Parker 51s almost exclusively;given to him by Kenneth Parker. When signing Germany's Surrender to the Allies,Ike didn't want to be in the same room with the Germans;he gave his staff several Parker 51s to sign the surrender documents. It is said Ike gave those pens to Pres.Harry Truman,Winston Churchill,and Kenneth Parker. Also,Queen Elizabeth II RIP used the Parker 51 for almost 60 years.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I did a special video on the two pens used for signing the end of WWII in Germany (Ike's Parker 51) and in Japan (McArthur's Parker Duofold Big Red).

[@McAmeron089III]

@@InkquiringMinds I need to ketchup.

[@williamcatalano1762]

Keep these coming Doug. Love them.

[@Lowkster]

Love the way it writes hate it when the cap comes loose

[@InkquiringMinds]

I agree.

[@Plhmel561]

Great video, Doug. I paused the video to go and look for one for myself, and I now have a stainless steel Parker 45 Flighter fountain pen and ballpoint set on the way. Then, after I finished the video I started wondering if I want the gold filled version. I will be good and enjoy my Flighter set. I have known about the Parker 45 for a long time, but your video gave me a much better apreciation for these pens.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That is awesome!

[@theProf_01]

Wow! This was excellent. I learned so much about the Parker 45 that I didn’t know. I have never owned one but I want one now. The historical background was great. I like to know as much as possible about my pens. I really enjoyed this video and I am looking forward to many more Resurrection Sundays. Thanks 👍

[@user-br3sl9go3b]

This was excellent, I agree totally! Loved it. Still, I have zero interest in restoring a Parker 45. Now ... a Colt .45, well that could be on my bucket list.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dobj319]

My Parker 45 (received as a gift in 1960 when I was 12 years old) is the same length capped and posted.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Wow. That's 10mm shorter posted than mine.

[@ibpopp]

Lovely show, Doug, on one of the classics of the pen world. It would be wonderful to watch you become the State-side version of Stef at Grandmia, since there musty be so many rarities in America that have never seen the light of day. I am looking forward to the next show (and might Look at ads for 45s....)

[@kenrapoza1]

Great video Doug - loved the historical introduction! This video makes me want to write with a Parker 45! This video series is a great idea - great for after church viewing!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you Ken. That is much appreciated!

[@oscarmedina1597]

Excellent job on those pens. Looking forward to more of these videos; the history is especially interesting. Maybe I should get a jeweler’s cloth.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They are very useful!

[@edwardwiper1323]

Very nice pen Doug & even better when resurrected.I have 3 45s & use them on a regular basis,at the moment I’m watching a Harlequin.Bit of information if you did not know on the back of the feed you screw into the section is stamped the nib size.You should have fun with the sheaffer.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Ed! Not all 45s are marked on the back of the nib collar. The Sheaffer snorkel has a LOT of parts!

[@edwardwiper1323]

@@InkquiringMinds You can buy kits to repair them.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@edwardwiper1323 yeah I’ve seen those. Not necessary for this one.

[@edwardwiper1323]

@@InkquiringMinds Nice, you’ve got to have luck at some time😀.

[@paulmchugh1430]

This is a very good examination of a pen that I was unaware of. It seems that the pen was made to be easily maintained. I will certainly be looking for one. Thank you for the presentation.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You're very welcome!

[@superalbertos550]

Dear Doug, my pen and ink Guru and friend. Want to share a great discovery, Diamine Taj Mahal ink, its a beautiful blue. Warm regards.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jkatkat7950]

I've kind of gone Parker 45 crazy...for vintage pens with gold or steel nibs with plenty of colours and finishes a half dozen or more...not including the exact duplicates that the Moonman/Majohn 80 s are...

[@alohm]

I picked up an old, real old, Sheaffer set with three italic nibs(*in inch sizes, not metric) for the no nonsense pen. I had to revive the ink - the unopened ink cartridges were almost empty. Adding water was interesting. I had a pink and a red, as well as a very black blue/black? Counts are resurrection? It was fun. We made it an adventure, the wife and I. Went to a couple thrift stores. I found some bundles of old Zellers 3ring paper. It was 1.29 for 200 pages. Blast from my past. I bought the rest of them when I saw the price of paper in the stores...

[@konradyearwood5845]

I know exactly the set you are talking about. Three nib units and about six refills (originally). I have some italic No Nonsense pens somewhere in a box. They are made of plastic and I even have one with a slip cap. The person who gave it to me did not tell me where they got it from. I also have a couple of stainless steel bodied No Nonsense fountain pens (I do not think they are aluminium and also in that box) that look really good when you polish them up.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I think they still sell those No Nonsense Sheaffer calligraphy sets.

[@paulopacheco3944]

Hello, as usual your video was very informative and interesting. I do have one question. What other pens would the Parker cartridge fit into?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Other than Parkers, the only fountain pens I know that take Parker cartridges are Penbbs.

[@cmdrdarwin3682]

Impressive finds & great work! I have given up shopping local antique shops & markets. They’re trying to sell chewed up Esterbrooks for $100 US! You did good!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Cmdr Darwin!

[@archivist17]

The 45 is a brilliant design, and must have been all the more amazing at a time when stripping pens down just wasn't really a thing. I actually have three - including two Flighters. I prefer the 80s one piece barrel, so, when I got one with a 60s barrel with the black part missing, I decided to finish the end with a 'jewel' made from polished Sugru. It makes for a classier pseudo-Jotter. Not quite pocket pen size, but compact. I have two Moonman 80 Minis, which use compatible nibs, feeds and collars (though not sections or caps). I often use them for diary pens. I've never tried the 80s. Never saw the point, when a 45 is such a bargain.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Moonman 80s are awful little pens. I have replaced a ruined steel 45 nib with the Moonman nib however.

[@archivist17]

@@InkquiringMinds Well, I like the pocket ones, and we again embrace diversity😄

[@biohazardx]

These videos are Fantastic, I'm not the biggest vintage guy, but this makes me want to do a bit of looking around, at my local shops. See if I can snag a Gem.Hmm I wonder how that triumph nib is compared to the Chinese counterpart :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Oh LOL... NO comparison at all. The Chinese "triumph" style nibs are STIFF hit and miss for smoothness. The Sheaffer is incredible.

[@user-br3sl9go3b]

I would rather go to the dentist than restore a fountain pen. I would rather watch you restore a fountain pen while I enjoy a cup of coffee than dine out at a fancy restaurant. So, I'll see you next Sunday at high noon (or close to it) EDT. Thanks!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Should be a good one! The Sheaffer touchdown/snorkel has a lot of moving parts!

[@MadebyDawn23]

Thank you for your video. Is your province of Canada still a commonwealth of UK, I am living in Belize which is still member of the commonwealth. I am thinking Charles III will be visiting the commonwealth after his period of mourning is over.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes. Canada is part of the Commonwealth. QE2 said it was her favourite country in the Commonwealth and she visited here more than anywhere else in the world.

[@user-br3sl9go3b]

Charles III made history today as he was proclaimed the new [INKQUIRING MINDS' NEW] King - but viewers of the momentous occasion found themselves distracted when the new monarch suddenly gestured furiously to one of his aides. As he went to sign the historic Proclamation, the King frantically motioned to an aide to move the pen’s box from his desk, which viewers described as ‘far too small’ for the huge document and stationery. Despite the seriousness of the moment of the signing, viewers could not help but find the apparent difficulty the King had with the pen amusing. Charles asked a nearby aide to get the box off the table so he could sign the second part of the large document. The fountain pen set he used to sign the momentous document was a gift from his sons Princes Harry and William.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The King pulls a Montblanc Signature from his pocket and dipped the pen in the ink well that was a gift to him from his sons. They didn't put the ink well in the right place on the desk. He dipped the pen because it had to be document ink and he wasn't going to fill that MB with that! I'm sure he gave it to an aid afterwards to have it cleaned. It was interesting that lefty William later used a Pilot Vpen to sign his document.

[@dancheatham5106]

I am trying to figure out the parker model that was my fathers. Presuming it was gifted to him from insurance company in mid to late 1967-1972 ish based on my age as a child. It is either 24 ct gold or gold plated. Made in usa with gold nib, plastic grips, short feather with long arrow. Also has a small block for for engraving. Has not been engraved. I can send a pic to help decipher which model if you would kindly take the time to look. Probably easiest in todays world if I can send to your cell phone via txt msg. I am 62 now, just wanna know what I have. I have ordered ink and decided to take it out of retirement. Not my first fountain, just one that I cherrish. I think it is a 75 based on other tubers, but has the pattern of a ciselle nickle. It does have a band that shows graduations of where the nib should be placed if replaced. Man, thanks sooo much, looks like you are my only go-to guy!!! Thanks Dan

[@InkquiringMinds]

You can send photos of the pen to [e-mail] and I'll see if I can identify it.

[@dancheatham5106]

@@InkquiringMinds I emailed pics. then after looking under the nib on the plastic. it is a parker 65. still many types that do not look like the one i sent.

[@paulherman5822]

IMO, the 45 is great for gifting. Both those who used fountain pens in the past, and noobs. (Though I'd give a steel nib to the noob. ) The rule I first heard about the 45 was "for the majority of them, don't pay over $40 USD." The insignia one? An exception. There's plenty of them out there, so $100+ is insane, IMO, for most of them. (Current eBay insanity.) There's a collector in the section. I think glued in. So, I'd recommend a run through an ultrasonic cleaner for the section. Though, if it was just Parker Quink, should be even easier to get clean. 14 K seems to be a common nib for the 1960s 45s. Steel nibs for many thereafter, even goldtone in the 80s. (I'm not convinced that most "gold plated" after a certain point actually are.) Beyond the long run, there's history to the 45. I've read that JFK started the Presidential pen thing with a 45, and they were pretty much used for Presidential things up until AT Cross got the contract (almost towards the end of the 45 production run.) They are great. I occasionally pick up one when I get low on ones to give friends. (I'm probably going to shoot myself in the foot, but the basic plastic and steel capped ones are available for around $15 all day long from India. Copies? Nope. Just very popular in India at one point, so there's plenty. Generally burgundy and black, occasionally blue.) I kinda worry about giving away a "trade secret," but... And sometimes probably can get them for less, if you just want one and aren't picky on the colour or decade it was made in (India seems to be mainly 1970s.) I'm still in love with my beloved sac fillers, but you really can't beat the Parker 45. I'm not the only one that says that they were possibly the best pen Parker made. Fancy, flashy, flexy? Nope, nope and nope. But if you want one that is one of the nicest writers for an exceptional price (cheaper than some Chinese pens, now!), you really can't beat the Parker 45.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the info about the collector. I agree the 45 is probably the best all-around fountain pen Parker made.

[@paulherman5822]

@@InkquiringMinds I know I like my 45s better than the more iconic 51... Heresy, I know, but I'd be willing to die on that hill.