parkerpens.net / parkercollector.com [source]
Parker · 1948-1960s
Parker 21
The budget version of the Parker 51 — same hooded nib design, same aerometric filling, but with a steel “Octanium” nib instead of gold.1
Design
The Parker 21 shares the 51’s revolutionary hooded nib and finned ink collector (“governor”) but uses an “Octanium” steel nib instead of 14k gold, and simplified construction to hit a lower price point.2 The stylized arrow clip later appeared on the Parker 45.2
Variants
Three versions were produced: Mk. I, Mk. II, and the 21 Super (1956) which is the most collectible.2 Colors include Black, Red, Green, and Blue, with Green being the least common.2
Significance
An excellent everyday writer that proves you don’t need a gold nib for a great writing experience. The 21’s Octanium nib is durable and smooth, and the aerometric filler is nearly indestructible.2