Parker "51" prices on ebay

In the Summer of 2006, I studied the prices of Parker "51"s that were sold on ebay, databasing over 350 sales. Here's the results. They hopefully provide an indication to what you can expect to pay, that is, what is probably the "right price" or what the pen you own is worth. Note, the data only includes pens that have Parker 51 in the listing title.

"51" Grading
Pens are graded according to five levels:

• Poor – Damaged, or serious dings etc
• Okay – Your standard, used Parker "51" shows scratches and some dents
• Good – Reasonable condition. A much cleaner example, with little or no dents
• Excellent – The kind where the cap still resembles a 'frosty' lustralloy
• Mint – Immaculate, usually unused and usually boxed

"51"s with gold-filled caps

• Poor: Average price £17, Minimum £13, Maximum £22
• Okay: Average price £22, Minimum £14, Maximum £31
• Good:Average price £33, Minimum £17, Maximum £67
• Excellent: Average price £55, Minimum £36, Maximum £86
• Mint: Average price £95, Minimum £87, Maximum £102
• Average price overall = £39

"51"s with steel caps

• Poor: Average price £16, Minimum £11, Maximum £21
• Okay: Average price £21, Minimum £13, Maximum £34
• Good: Average price £27, Minimum £16, Maximum £46
• Excellent: Average price £33, Minimum £21, Maximum £60
• Mint: Average price £64, Minimum £56, Maximum £69
• Average price overall = £28

Average prices of "51"s by colour

• Black: Gold cap £41, Steel cap £27, Average £33
• Burgundy: Gold cap £39, Steel cap £33, Average £35
• Teal: Gold cap £42, Steel cap £38, Average £35
• Grey: Gold cap £22, Steel cap £25, Average £25

Prices are generally similar across the colour ranges, but grey seems to be least popular. £25–£30 can buy a good/excellent example. It was noticable that quite a few of the more excellent/mint examples were in burgundy. I wonder if people simply didn't like this colour and consequently didn't use them much originally. Or, whether you just see a lot more of them with gold-filled caps given as special presents, and consequently not used as much as maybe a 'standard' black pen would be.

I've left out the rarer colours, as there wasn't really enough data.

A few other comments
Known traders on ebay (those who sell lots of pens and are recognised for quality) only achieved the same prices as other more casual ebayers. Except, for the higher value, excellent and mint examples. I guess these guys build trust in the quality of their product, and buyers trust that their mint pens really are mint - and will thus pay the money. They also present the product much better, further building trust in what you're purchasing.

Presenting the pen well will add 20–40% to the price.

A box can add 30–50% to the value.

The most expensive pen sold was a pretty standard black "51" from 1952 with a 1/10 12ct rolled gold cap. The key factors were it was absolutely immaculate, included the box and original instructions and was extremely well photographed from all angles. It was also from a well known pen trader on ebay.

Click here for a list of Parker 51s currently for sale over on ebay.