in this issue
Postal Scales
In January 1840, the Penny Post was introduced in the United Kingdom. Any number of sheets of paper, total weight less than half an ounce could be sent to anywhere in the UK for one penny. Prior to this, the charge was based on distance and the number of sheets.
The letter scale became an important tool to letter writers, enabling the calculation of how much a letter would cost to post. Many scales would show on one side the weight in ounces (OZ), and on the other the rate in pence (D). This scale helps us to date the scale with some accuracy from documented rate changes.
Postal Scales....
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| Dear ******,
We have just posted the latest update to the MVP website. Highlights this month include a rare (apparently prototype) Montegrappa Symphony, Parker Norman Rockwell, and more Pelikan Limited Editions. New pages were added for Pelikan Limited Editions and for Postal Scales.
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Parker 51 Identification
 Are you having difficulty telling the difference between Mk I, Mk II & Mk III Parker 51's? Click on the link below, and all will be revealed.
51 Identification... »
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Parker Ball Points
Do you realise how rare a Parker 51 Ball Point in "Mint" condition is, and therefore how expensive it has become? It's doubtful that many were sold other than as gift sets, which were traditionally "Pen & Pencil". Then there are the ones that suffered the "Exploding Refill" or "went out" with the disposable pens of that era. It's easy to imagine that there aren't many left!
Parker 61 and 65 Ball Point pens are also hard to find, as are some patterns of Parker 75. A week rarely passes without being asked for a Parker 75 Cisele Sterling Silver Ball Point, usually to replace a lost or beyond repair treasure.
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Pen Shows
The next round of Pen Shows starts for MVP with the Washington DC Show early next month (another opportunity to visit the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum). Bob Johnson always puts on a good show, and normally has some neat goodies for sale.
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Quotation
It must have taken a lot of courage to discover that frogs' legs are edible!
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