Fountain Pen Chronology (4th)

[simp]

After more than one year from last time, I'm reposting an updated version of my fountain pen chronology taken from my wiki. It's an updated version respect the previous ones I already posted here, with more dates, mainly in Pelikan production (thanks to Dittmer and Lehemann book on Pelikan history).

 

I'm trying to summarize the informations I got about fountain pens (new models, new brands, technical innovations or production variants). The chronology is maintained as a wiki page at http://www.fountainpen.it/Chronology, were it's constantly updated, but as I got a lot of useful information here in FPN, I'm trying to giving back some of what I got it reposting this summary.

 

I'd like to stress that information on the chronology is quite essential, and some dates can be wrong. I put some notes at the end to explain at my best all uncertainties I'm aware of, but the full details about each entry can be found on the wiki pages dedicated to each brand. Unfortunately I'm not good enough to write them in english so the most of them are in italian, any help to translate them would be extremely welcome. Any help to add more info or to correct the many mistakes that I probably did will all be extremely welcome.

 

The chronology is almost empty for pens produced after the '60s because I consider them uninteresting both for me and for the fountain pen history, but I will also welcome anyone wanting to improve this section.

 

Regards

Simone

 

1761

 

* Kaspar Faber starts a pencil production in Stein, is the beginning of Faber-Castell

 

1761

 

* Joseph Hardtmuth starts a pencil production in Stein, is the beginning of Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth

 

1813

 

* Thomas De La Rue starts its activities, founding a company on his name, that will later produce the Onoto

 

1832

 

* Carl Hornemann starts a paint production factory, is the beginning of the Pelikan[2]

 

1838

 

* first catalog of the Hornemann's Paint and Ink Factory company, considered the official start of Pelikan activities

 

1842

 

* Mallat is founded by Jean Benoit Mallat

 

1845

 

* Mabie Todd is founded

 

1846

 

* Richard Cross and E. W. Bradbury begin their activities in the United States

 

1848

 

* Morton is founded

 

1852

 

* Jean Benoit Mallat patents a metallic nib pen

 

1856

 

* Esterbrook is founded as the United States Steel Pen Manufacturing Company

* Eagle is founded

 

1862

 

* Holland is founded

 

1863

 

* Gunter Wagner joins the Hornemann's Paint and Ink Factory, future Pelikan

 

1864

 

* Jean Benoit Mallat patents the Siphoïde, a fountain pen ancestor

 

1871

 

* Gunter Wagner buy the Hornemann's Paint and Ink Factory, future Pelikan when Carl Hornemann retires

 

1873

 

* Jonhatan Sprague Bard join Mabie Todd that becomes Mabie Todd & Bard

 

1875

 

* Soennecken is founded

 

1878

 

* Pelikan trademark is registered by Gunter Wagner for the Gunter Wagner Pelikan

* Johan Faber starts the Johan Faber A. G., part of what will be the Faber-Castell

* Mabie Todd & Bard starts fountain pens production

 

1879

 

* Alonso T. Cross patents the stilographic pen and a new mechanical pencil

 

1880

 

* Mabie Todd & Bard starts using the Swan trademark (or 1890?)

 

1881

 

* Cross Pen Company is founded in Boston

* De La Rue produced the Anti-Stylograph pen, a primordial fountain pen

 

1883

 

* Lewis Edson Waterman starts fountain pens production in New York

* Heidelberger Federhalterfabrik, that will become Kaweco, is founded[3]

 

1884

 

* Lewis Edson Waterman get the first patent for his feeder

* Paul E. Wirt is founded

* Mabie Todd & Bard starts exporting fountain pens in England

* Holland open a factory for fountain pen production

 

1885

 

* Cross starts fountain pen production

 

1888

 

* Waterman is incorporated as L. E. Waterman Company

 

1889

 

* George Safford Parker get his first patent (nº 293545) and starts the Parker Pen Company

* Holland is incorporated

 

1890

 

* Waterman introduces the first desk pen with conical end

* Eagle create a glass cartridge pen

 

1891

 

* Parker is incorporated as The Parker Pen Company

 

1892

 

* Waterman introduces the tapered cap models

* Heidelberger Federhalterfabrik, that will become Kaweco, begins fountain pen production

 

1894

 

* Parker patents (nº 512319) the "Lucky Curve" feeder

 

1895

 

* Siebert and Lowen is founded, it's the beginning of Matador

 

1896

 

* Mooris W. Moore patents a retractable nib filling sistem

 

1897

 

* Roy Conklin patents the crescent filler

* A. A. Waterman is founded (not sure)

 

1898

 

* Roy Conklin found the Self Fountain Pen Co. with C. B. Gundy

* Alexander Castell renames the A. W. Faber in A. W. Faber-Castell

* Parker patents the slip-on cap

* Pelikan introduces the Pelikan 4001 inks line

 

1899

 

* Waterman introduces the n.10 nib, the spoon feed and the first version of its pump filler

* Parker patents (nº 622256 and nº 635700) the Jointless Pen

* Moore is founded as American Fountain Pen Company and launch of the Moore Non-Leakable Fountain Pen

* H. Koch and R. Weber acquire the Heidelberger Federhalterfabrik, that becomes Kaweco

 

1900

 

* Parker introduces the gold filigree Lucky Curve

 

1901

 

* the Self Fountain Pen Co. is renamed as Conklin Pen Manufacturing Co

* Seth Sear Crocker patents the blow filler

 

1902

 

* Crocker is founded

* A. A. Waterman get the patent for the twist filler

 

1903

 

* Eclipse is founded

* Waterman introduces the second version of its pump filler

* Kaweco introduces the KO-MIO mechanical pencil

 

1904

 

* Waterman introduces its first overlay model

* Parker introduces a first filler system based on rubber sac squeezing

 

1905

 

* Waterman introduces the riveted Clip Cap (nº 800141)

* the De La Rue introduces the first pen with the Onoto brand name

* Frank Jarvis and Thomas H. Garner begin fountain pen production under the name Conway Stewart

* Holland introduces the sleeve filler and the Eureka model

* Parker introduces the spear-head feeder and the Black Giant

 

1906

 

* Holland introduces the pull filler

* Parker introduces the Emblem Pen

* Jonhatan Sprague Bard leaves Mabie Todd & Bard

 

1907

 

* Waterman introduces its first safety

* Parker introduces the Snake models

* Mabie Todd & Co. is incorporated

 

1908

 

* Montblanc is founded as Simplo Filler Pen Co. GmbH

* Walter A. Sheaffer get the first patent (nº 896861) for his lever filler

* Holland introduces the hatchet filler

* Kaweco patents a safety pen with threaded bottom to be turned by screwing the cap (1909?)

 

1909

 

* Montblanc introduces the Rouge et Noir model

* Conway Stewart is founded as Conway Stewart & Co. Ltd

* Mabie Todd & Co. starts fountain pen production in England

* Maurice Jandelle sell Conway Stewart pens in France under the Gold Star name

* Asashiro Hosonuma open a jewelery shop, it's the beginning of SSS Pen Company

 

1910

 

* Montblanc introduces the first model called Montblanc

* Waterman introduces the sleeve filler

* Swan Mabie Todd introduces the Safety Fountain Pen and the Inksight models (?)

* Morrison is founded

 

1911

 

* Kaweco publish the first catalog, showing their initial models and the 616, forerunner of the Sport

* Sailor is founded

* Parker patents (nº 990288) improvement on the "Lucky Curve" feeder

* first trace of Nettuno activities in an advertizement draft

* SSS Pen Company starts fountain pen production

 

1912

 

* Parker introduces the Jack Knife model

* the first fountain pens marked Sheaffer were produced

* Gold Starry becomes a registered trademark

* Manifattura Pennini Oro per Stilografiche - The Elmo Pen, becoming later Montegrappa, was founded

* Bayard was registered as trademark

 

1913

 

* Sheaffer is founded as W. A. Sheaffer Pen Company[4]

* Waterman introduces the coin filler

* Parker introduces the button filler

* Onoto introduces mottled hard rubber models (?)

 

1914

 

* Wahl Adding Machine enter the writing instrument market producing the Eversharp pencil

* Waterman retires[5] the coin filler

* Kaweco acquire Morton, taking their know how and starts its nib production in Heidelberg (1913?)

* Montblanc introduces its star logo

 

1915

 

* Waterman introduces the lever filler and retires the sleeve filler

* Holland retires the pull filler

* the English branch acquire the Mabie Todd & Co. becoming the Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd

* Onoto introduces the Valvless model

 

1916

 

* Tibaldi is founded

* Nettuno is officially founded

* Conklin introduces its spring clip

* Parker patents (nº 1197224) the washer clip

* Météore is founded as Manifacture Parisienne de P.P.R.

* Mallat starts a fountain pen production

 

1917

 

* Waterman introduces the new Waterman Standard Numbering System

* Eversharp acquire the Boston Pen Company and introduces the Tempoint model

* Parker produces the Trench Pen for the U. S. War Department, given to soldiers to write from the front line

* the American Fountain Pen Company becomes the Moore Pen Company

 

1918

 

* Pilot is founded as Namiki Manufacturing Company

* Columbus is founded

* Moore introduces the firsts lever filler models

* Franck LeBoeuf patents a pen production method from celluloid tubes

* Geha is founded

 

1919

 

* Aurora is founded

* Osmia is founded as Böhler und Cie

* Syunichi Nakata opened a shop in Okayama, it's the beginning of Platinum

* Uniq is founded

* Conway Stewart introduces the first lever filler and safety models

* Holland retires the hatchet filler

 

1920

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Lifetime warranted models

* Conway Stewart get the The Conway Stewart trademark and introduces the Duro model

* Morton ceases operations

* Giuseppe Zanini starts fountain pen production, it's the beginning of Ancora

* Holland start using the lever filler

* Tibaldi introduces the Perfecta model

 

1921

 

* Parker introduces the Duofold

* Wahl Eversharp introduces the Wahl Pen, also called Wahl All Metal Fountain Pen

* LeBoeuf is founded

* Dunn is founded

* Montblanc retires the Rouge et Noir model and introduce some lever filler models

* Conklin introduces the first lever filler models

* Astoria is founded

* Stylomine is founded

* Gold Starry starts producing fountain pens in French

* Manifacture Parisienne de P.P.R. is renamed La plume d'or

* Onoto introduces the Ink Pencil a stilographic model

* Montegrappa starts fountain pen production (guess date[6])

* Nettuno registered the Penna Nettuno Sicurezza trademark for its pens

* Kaweco introduces lever filler models

 

1922

 

* Parker adds Duofold Jr., Duofold Deluxe and Lady Duofold models to the Duofold line

* Sheaffer replaces the imprint "SHEAFFER-CLIP" on clips with "Sheaffer'S"

* Eversharp retires the Tempoint model

* Panici Freres & Co is founded, they will produce the Bayard pens

* Conway Stewart introduces Dinkie, Pixie and Universal models

* first model marked Météore, engraved on the cap

* Onoto introduces the Receder a safety model (or 1921?)

* Columbus introduced the Columbus 670 model (guess date[7])

* Edacoto starts its fountain pen production

 

1923

 

* Chilton is founded in Boston

* Conklin introduces the Duragraph model

* Waterman introduces the mottled hard rubber

* Swan introduces the Eternal (or 1924)

* Eversharp introduces the Signature model (?) and remove PAT. APPL'D FOR stamp on the Wahl Pen

* Pilot introduces the first lacquer coated models

* Theodor Kovacs patents the piston filler

 

1924

 

* Carter enters the fountain pen market

* Chilton introduces its new pneumatic filler

* Dunn get its first bankrupcy filing (?)

* Conklin introduces the Endura model, retiring the Duragraph

* Sheaffer introduces the White dot and starts converting the production of its Flattop models to celluloid,

* Conway Stewart introduces the Dandy model and colored celluloid, Dinkie and Duropoint become trademarks

* Columbus is registered as trademark

* Montblanc introduces the first Meisterstück models and a pneumatic filler

* Onoto introduces its first lever filler models (1922 or 1923?) and the Mammout 1800 model

* Pelikan introduces the stylized with a pelikan feeding four chicks logo (or 1926[8])

* Nakaya Seisakusho Pen Co., later becoming Platinum Pen Co., was founded in Tokyo

* Ancora is founded as Fabbrica di penne stilografiche e commercio, stampe in genere e riproduzioni opere d'arte

 

1925

 

* Conklin retires the crescent filler

* OMAS is founded

* Aurora introduces the Duplex model

* Wirt is sold

* Parker introduces first celluloid Black Tipped Jade models

* KWG (Badische Federhalterfabrik Knust, Woringen & Grube), that will acquire Kaweco, is founded

* Theodore Kovacs invents the piston filler

* Stylomine begins fountain pen production

* Moore introduces Red Dot warranty

* Gold Starry introduces 256 and 257 models

* Onoto introduces the Princess Mary in blue ebonite

* Pilot introduces Laccanite pens

* Luxor is founded

 

1926

 

* Parker converts all production to celluloid, starting from Duofold

* Waterman introduces the rippled hard rubber

* Chilton moves to Long Island and introduces celluloid models

* Carter starts selling its first fountain pens

* KWG introduces the Arumia pens

* Eversharp introduces the Rosewood hard rubber (???).

* Pilot introduces the Maki-e pens

* Haro is founded by

* Pelikan use a new stylized logo with a pelikan feeding four chicks

 

1927

 

* Waterman introduces the Ripple No. 7 model and the nibs color classification

* Eversharp introduces celluloid models in the Jade Green, Lapis Blue and Coral Red colours.

* Carter converts its production to celluloid

* Parker convert Duofold from raised to flush band

* Chilton introduces the second version of its pneumatic filler

* OMAS patents the Penna del dottore

* Pilot starts producing mechanical pencils

* Moore introduces its first celluloid models

* Bayard introduces its first lever filler models

* the Alfredo Verga dei Fratelli Verga is closed, Eugenio Verga continue Columbus production alone

* Conway Stewart patents its button filler

* KWG introduces the Arumia Original and the Colleg line

* Dunn ceases operations

* Swan introduces celluloid on the production line

* Parker introduces the Pastel models

* Gold Starry introduces a lever filler model

* Onoto productions is transferred to Strathendry in the Fifeshire, Scotland

* Soennecken introduces lever filler models

* Ancora starts the Rapid sub-brand (guess date[9])

* Nettuno introduces its flat top model (guess date[10])

* Pelikan acquire the piston filler patent and starts the 100 development

 

1928

 

* Parker introduces the True Blue model and two rings on Duofold cap (three for the the De Luxe); acquire Osmia for the european production

* Eversharp introduces the Gold Seal, the Personal Point nibs and the Deco Band model

* KWG introduces the "U" line for the Arumia Original and Arumia Meisterklasse

* Montblanc introduces celluloid models

* Waterman introduces the No. 5 Ripplesize, the borded color band and the 94 models in colored hard rubber

* Onoto introduces celluloid on the production lines (or 1926?)

* Rotring is founded as Tiku GmbH

 

1929

 

* Pelikan introduces 100, the first piston filler

* Waterman introduces the celluloid 94 and the Patrician model in Onyx, Turquoise, Jet, Emerald and Nacre colors

* Sheaffer introduces the Balance

* Parker introduces the streamlined version of the Duofold and retires the True Blue

* Eversharp introduces the Equipoised model and retires the Wahl Engine Turned pens

* Aurora starts the Olo and Asco sub-brands

* Conklin introduces the Streamlined Symetric (or 1930?) model and retire the Flattop Endura

* Carter introduces its Pearltex models

* Columbus patents its spoon filler, starts celluloid production and introduce the Columbus Extra line

* first Kaweco bankrupt, KWG acquire the trademark and the Kaweco Badische Füllhalterfabrik is born

* Montblanc retires lever filler and pneumatic filler and introduces button filler and the push-knob system

* Moore retires Red Dot warranty

* Gold Starry retires previous models and convert all production to celluloid

 

1930

 

* Lamy is founded

* LeBoeuf introduces its sleeve filler (or 1931?)

* Aurora introduces the Superba, Internazionale, and Novum models (or 1933[11] for Novum)

* Cross introduces an enamelled bands fountain pen pairing with pencils

* Parker introduces the vest pocket Duofold; retires from Osmia and the Osmia GmbH is founded

* Eversharp introduces the Brasilian Green celluloid

* Montblanc starts engraving "4810" on nibs, restyling Meisterstück line with 20, 25, 30 and 40 models

* Parker introduces the Vest Pocket Duette model

* Dunhill become the world distributor of Dunhill-Namiki Maki-e pens

* Soennecken introduces the button filler and the Rheingold models

* Waterman introduces the Lady Patricia model in Onyx, Jet and Persian colors

* Ancora introduces celluloid models (guess date[9])

* Montegrappa introduces celluloid models (guess date[6])

* Mallat introduces the 120 and 130 models

* Pelikan introduces two rings on the 100 and the 111 model

 

1931

 

* Conklin introduces the Nozac model

* Parker introduces the Quink ink and the Burgundy Black Duofold

* Eversharp introduces the Doric model and the Oxford sub-brand

* Sheaffer introduces the Feathertouch nib and starts production of the blue Balance model

* Aurora and Edacoto join in the French market with the Duo Moderne (or 1931?)

* Columbus introduces the streamlined version of the Columbus Extra line

* A. W. Faber-Castell and Johan Faber A. G. start to join

* Pelikan restyles the 100 and introduces the 110, 112 and T111 models

* Gold Starry introduces the Rapex model

 

1932

 

* Parker test the Golden Arrow, the Vacumatic forerunner and introduces the Thrift Time models

* OMAS introduces the Extra model

* Eversharp introduces the Bantham model, the Adjustable Point nibs and retires the Equipoised and Deco Band models

* Sheaffer stops production of the blue Balance model

* Waterman introduces the Moss Agathe Patrician

* Bayard introduces the Special 8 and Superluxe models

* Carter retires from fountain pen market

* Astoria is sold to Montblanc

* Montblanc introduces the III line

* Swan introduces the leverless filler

* Pelikan introduces the Rappen model

* Ancora introduces the Duplex model (guess date[9])

* Aurora introduces the ML line (guess date[12])

* Zerollo is founded

* Edacoto introduces its own Duofold-style models

* Météore introduces the Pullman model and other new lever filler models

* Uniq introduces the Duocolor model

 

1933

 

* Parker introduces the Vacumatic model and retires Thrift Time

* Eversharp produce some Bantham with the Century of Progress Exhibition mark

* LeBoeuf ceases operations

* Aurora introduces the Superna model (or 1937?)

* Conway Stewart introduces the Scribe and International models

* Bayard introduces the Luxe and Superluxe Grosse Containance models

* Waterman introduces the No. 7 and No. 5 and 32 (?) models in celluloid

* Gold Starry introduce small pen in preciuos metal from Viala Lilliput

* Edacoto introduces streamlined models with up to five cap-rings

* Pelikan introduces the single vent hole on the cap and a curved section on the 100

* Sheaffer patents (nº 1926405) its plunger filler system named Vacuum-Fil

 

1934

 

* Montblanc is renamed in Montblanc-Simplo GmbH, piston filler is introduced

* Parker introduces the economic line Parkette

* Conklin introduces the Word gauge

* Sheaffer introduces the economic brand Wasp and the Vacuum-Fil brand and filling system

* Aurora introduces the Asterope model

* Panici Freres & Co is renamed Stylo Bayard and the name "Bayard" is engraved on clips

* Conway Stewart introduces the Cracked Ice celluloid

* Waterman reduces Patrician colours to Onyx, Moss Agate and Jet only

* Kaweco introduces the Dia and Kaweco Colleg models

* Pelikan modifies Rappen nib imprint, retires yellow color for the 100 and introduces the Auch Pelikan pencil

* OMAS introduces the Minerva Classica model

* Columbus introduces the Columbus 30 line (guess date[7])

* Edacoto introduces "Edacoto" marked clips

 

1935

 

* Chilton introduces the Wing-flow model

* Esterbrook introduces the Dollar Pen model

* Parker retires the Duofold (or 1936?)

* Sheaffer introduces the Vacuum-Fil on the Balance

* Aurora introduces the Etiopia model

* Waterman introduces the Ink-Vue model

* Conway Stewart become a public company, and introduces the diamond clip

* Faber-Castell begins Osmia acquisition

* Osmia introduces the Supra Luxus, Supra, Osmia, Osmia Brilliant, Supra Progress, Progress and Brilliant models

* Bayard introduces a decorated band on Superluxe model

* Kaweco introduces the Sport model

* Montblanc introduces the telescopic piston filler and reorganize models in a three digit numbering system

* Onoto introduces the visible ink models

* Platinum starts a Maki-e production, introducing new Kanshitsu and pearl inlay styles

* Swan introduces the Visofil model, "V" series

* Columbus introduces the faceted version of its Extra line

* Montegrappa introduces faceted models and (guess date[6]) the Montegrappa Extra brand

* Rotring change name in Riepe Werk

* Pelikan introduces the 101 model, the brown and tortoise color; Portuguese production take the Emegè imprint

 

1936

 

* OMAS introduces the Lucens and Extra Lucens models and the stantuffo tuffante filling system

* Waterman retires the Patrician model, introduce the double lever and De Luxe version on Ink-Vue

* Parker introduces the Challenger model (or 1935?) and the Vacumatic Golden Web

* Wahl Eversharp introduces the Coronet model and the Ink Shut-off

* Sheaffer introduces the radius clip on the Balance

* Jif-Waterman launch some cartridge filler models

* Faber-Castell introduces a Faber-Castell model

* Montblanc stops production of Astoria marked pens

* Pelikan replace the Rappen with the Ibis model and introduce the 100C

* Columbus moved into the new headquarters of Via Lamarmora in Milan and introduces the Columbus 55 model

* Nettuno introduces the Nettuno Superba

* Mallat introduces the Integral and 150 models

 

1937

 

* Sheaffer introduces the 57 model, that will be named Crest

* Parker introduces the Speedline Vacumatic

* Wahl Eversharp introduces the plunger filler Doric

* Bayard rename the Luxe line ad Special Luxe

* Kaweco introduces the Elite model

* Pelikan introduces the 100N model (foreing market) and retires the T111 and 100 coloured version and use the "Pd" nib on Ibis

* japanese brands are forced to use steel nibs, called shiro nib

* Onoto introduces the Magna, Minor and Dainty models

* Swan introduces the "VT" series Visofil model

* Aurora introduces the Optima model

* Ancora introduces the Dama and Maxima models (guess date[9])

* Columbus introduces the Columbus 112 (guess date[7])

* Conklin introduces the One Shot model

* Edacoto introduces stepped shaped clips with arrow point (or 1935?)

 

1938

 

* Conklin introduces the Glider model and retire the Endura Symetric and Nozac

* Conklin is sold to a Chicago investor group

* Wahl Eversharp introduces the Pacemaker and Airlite models

* Parker introduces the Shadow Wave version of Vacumatic

* Pelikan starts using the logo with two chicks, introduces the 100N in the german market and the luxury versions, retires 101, 110, 111, 112, starts using palladium (Pd) nibs

* Pilot is renamed as Pilot Pen Co., Ltd. and the logo take the "P" letter instead of "N"

* Bayard introduces another band in the Special Luxe

* Montblanc starts producing piston filler only

* OMAS introduces an arrow clip on the Extra Lucens model

* Aurora introduces the Selene model, and the Platiridio nibs

* Columbus introduces the 100 line and the piston filler loading system

* Edacoto introduces the Super Edacoto 200 also called Visible

 

1939

 

* Chilton introduces the Golden Quill model

* Parker introduces the Duofold Geometric retires Parkette and Challenger, the 51 development is completed

* Conklin production is transferred to Chicago

* Waterman introduces the Hundred Year model and retires 94 and No. 3 models

* Bayard introduces the Niveauclair model, with visible ink level

* Pelikan replace gold and Pd (palladium) nibs with CN (chromiun-nichel) for war restrictions on all models

* Pilot introduces the R model

* Montegrappa introduces the piston filler (guess date[6])

* Sheaffer introduce the Carmine Red color for the striped Balance

 

1940

 

* Sheaffer introduces th Tuckaway model and the Balance Defender

* Parker introduces the Blue Diamond life warranty (or 1939?)

* Parker introduces the Laidtone Duofold and retires the Duofold Geometric and the Shadow Wave Vacumatic

* the Wahl Company Co. and Eversharp Inc. are fused into Eversharp, the Bantham is retired

* Esterbrook introduces the 9000 line

* Bayard introduces the Superstyl model

* OMAS introduces Permanio nibs and three rings on Extra cap

* Columbus introduces the Columbus 25 (some reports second half of '30s)

 

1941

 

* Parker introduces the 51 on the global market

* Chilton ceases operations

* Eversharp introduces the Skyline model and retires the Doric, Coronet, Airlite and Pacemaker models and the Oxford line

* Bayard introduces the Super Luxe model

* Columbus introduces the Columbus 29

* Nettuno introduces the Nettuno Docet model (guess date[13])

* Itala is founded

* Edacoto introduces lever filler models

* Météore introduces the Prior, Selection and Record streamlined models

 

1942

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Triumph line and retires some Balance models

* Morrison introduces the Patriot model

* Pelikan stop production for the Ibis, the luxury version of 100N, and produce war version for 100 and 100N without metal rings

* Swan stop production of the Visofil model

* Columbus Milan headquarters destroyed by bombing, production moved to Lesa

* Waterman replace the Hundred Year with the Emblem

* Météore introduces the steel Vaedium nibs

 

1943

 

* Eversharp introduces the Fifth Avenue model

* Waterman introduces the Commando (or 1942?) and 1003 models

* Esterbrook begin using the twist filler

* Bayard introduces the Excelsior model with changeable nib

* Mallat introduces the Plexigraf model

* Edacoto introduces the Edacoto 87, Le stylo de France

 

1944

 

* Esterbrook introduces the Model J line converting the twist filler to the lever filler

* Pelikan retires the 100 model

* Montblanc plant is destroyed by a bombing

* Mallat introduces the Junior Plexigraf model

* Pelikan totally stops production

 

1945

 

* Eversharp introduces the CA, ballpoint pens starts appearing

* Waterman introduces the Taperite model

* Sheaffer introduces the Craftsman model, and the short nib on the Tuckaway

* Soennecken restart production with 504, 506, 507 and 510 models

* Ancora introduces the Lusso model (guess date[9])

 

1946

 

* Parker introduces the Red band filler on the 51

* Sheaffer retires all Balance models

* Moore introduces the Fingertip model

* Eversharp retires the Fifth Avenue model

* Waterman retires the Commando model

* Mallat introduces the Plexicolor model

* Columbus restarts production in Milan, and introduces the 130 line

* Montegrappa introduces the 200 and 300 series (guess date[6])

* OMAS renew the Extra model introducing the new piston filler models 555, 556 and 557

* Mallat introduces the Plexicolor model

 

1947

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Fineline model

* Parker introduces the VS, the 51 Demi, the new 51 clip and retire the Red band filler

* Aurora introduces the 88 model, designed by Marcello Nizzoli

* Bayard introduces new version of Special 8, Special Luxe and 4 models

* Montblanc starts Danmark production

* Pelikan restart production with a new (?) 100N version with a single nib band

* Soennecken introduces 110, 112, 116 and 120 models

* Columbus introduces the Columbus 50 line (guess date[7])

* Montegrappa was re-established as "Elmo - Montegrappa s.n.c." (guess date[6])

 

1948

 

* Conklin ceases operations

* Eversharp introduces the Symphony model, designed by Raymond Loewy and retires the Skyline

* OMAS introduces the 361 model

* Parker introduces the 21, turns the 51 to the aerometric filler and retires Vacumatic and Laidtone Duofold models

* Bayard retires the Excelsior

* Montblanc introduces 14x, 24x and 34x line

* Platinum introduces ballpoint with water based ink, forerunner of the roller pens

* Edacoto introduces the Pointor, a button filler ball pen

 

1949

 

* Parker introduces the 51 Flighter and retires the VS

* Sheaffer introduces the Touchdown filler

* Conway Stewart introduces the 58

* Bayard introduces a new version of Superstyl, the Capostil and the Special 8 economic version

* la Soennecken introduces 410, 414 and 420 models with its special piston filler

* Ancora introduces the Calamus model (guess date[9])

* Columbus introduces the Columbus 40 (guess date[7])

* Matador introduces the Matador-Click with snap cap

* Pelikan restart production of the Ibis model as IBIS 130 and removes the edge on the 100N section

 

1950

 

* Pelikan introduces the 400 model and gold nibs on Ibis also for internal market

* Parker introduces the 41 and the 51 Special and reintroduces the Parkette

* Sheaffer introduces the TM - Thin Model and retires the Tuckaway

* Waterman introduces the Skywriter

* Bayard introduces the Super Bayard

* Faber-Castell introduces the Gentleman

* Kaweco introduces the Carat

* Holland ceases operations

* Montblanc introduces the spaden clip for the 24x line

* Pilot introduces the Super line

* Geha starts a fountain pen production

* OMAS introduces the 351 and 352 models

 

1951

 

* Parker retires the 41, and stops imprinting date code on USA produced 51

* Moore retires the Fingertip

* Faber-Castell complete Osmia acquisition

* Columbus introduces the Columbus 90 line

* Montegrappa was re-established as "Fabbrica Penne Stilografiche Elmo Montegrappa s.r.l." (guess date[6])

* Météore introduces the Pulseur model

 

1952

 

* Sheaffer introduces the snorkel

* Lamy introduces the Lamy 27

* Montblanc retires the 139 model and introduces the 149 and the 64x and 74x lines

* Platinum is the first Japanese producer creating injection molding plastic pens

* (guess date[7]) Columbus introduces the Columbus 70

 

1953

 

* Waterman introduces the CF model

* Eversharp introduces the Ventura and retires the Symphony

* Parker retires the Parkette and stops imprinting date code on outside USA produced 51

* Sheaffer introduces the TIPdip and retires the Fineline

* Pelikan introduces the 140 model

* Rotring introduces the Rapidograph

 

1954

 

* Waterman USA ceases production, but Jif-Waterman is still active

* Conway Stewart introduces the 100 model

* Pelikan retires IBIS 130 and 100N models, introduces nibs with its logo and starts engraving cap band on 400

* Montblanc retires the 24x line and introduces the 25x and 26x line

* Parker introduces the Made in USA imprint on 51 cap

* japanese nibs aht the JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) mark inprinted

 

1955

 

* Conway Stewart introduces the 22 Floral

* Pelikan introduces the 400N and 120 models and retires the 400

* Montblanc do a restyling of the 34x serie

* Onoto introduces the Onoto K model

* Columbus production is totally converted to plastic models (guess date[7])

* Edacoto introduces hooded nib models

 

1956

 

* Parker introduces the 61 and retires the Superchrome Ink

* Moore ceases operations

* Bayard use the accordion filler for the Souverain de Luxe

* the Pulsapen is produced by Stylomine, Météore, Paillard and Uniq

* Montblanc remove the Montblanc engraving on caps

* Pelikan introduces the 400NN, the IBIS 130 E Elektrographik and retires the 400N

 

1957

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Skripsert using cartridge filler

* Waterman USA completely ceases operation, but Jif-Waterman continues introducing the X-Pen

* the Eversharp writing instrument division is sold to Parker

* Aurora introduces the Duo Cart

* Conway Stewart introduces ballpoint and turns production to plastic

* Parker introduces the 61 Jet Flighter

* Pelikan introduces the P1 model and white trimmings on the 140 with CN nibs

* Platinum introduces cartridge filler pens

 

1958

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Lady Sheaffer as a Skripsert model

* Onoto ceases operations in England, activities are selled to Australian reseller

* Bayard introduces the Souverain de Luxe line

* Montblanc introduces wing nib on 64x and 74x series, produces 25x and 34x in green, red and gray, and with clear window

* Edacoto introduces cartridge filler models

 

1959

 

* Sheaffer introduces the PFM and retires other snorkel models

* Montblanc retires all models except 149, ceased Danmark production and introduces 1x, 2x, 3x, 7x, 8x and 9x series

* the Visor Pen is produced by Edacoto, Evergood, Mallat, Gold Starry, WalkOver and Soma

 

1960

 

* Parker introduces the 45

* Pelikan introduces the Pelikano model

 

1961

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Imperial similar to PFM

* Pilot starts producing ballpoint

 

1962

 

* Parker introduces the VP

* Kaweco introduces hooded nib models

* Onoto ceases operations also in Australia

 

1963

 

* Sheaffer retires the TIPdip, dismiss the "Sheaffer'S" logo and reduce PFM production to III and V models

* Aurora introduces the 98

* Pilot introduces the Capless model

 

1964

 

* Parker introduces the 75

* Kaweco introduces the VP

* Pilot introduces the Elite model

 

1965

 

* Parker retires VP and 21, use a section with plastic threads on the 75

* Pelikan introduces the 30 model and retires 400NN and 140

* Pilot review the Capless model

 

1966

 

* Lamy introduces the Lamy 2000

 

1967

 

* Soennecken ceases operations

* Esterbrook merged becoming Venus-Esterbrook

 

1968

 

* Sheaffer retires the PFM

* Parker remove the 0 central mark on the 75 ring

* Pilot introduces the telescopic model ?

 

1970

 

* Parker introduces the T1

* Aurora introduces the Hastil, designed by Marco Zanuso

* Pelikan introduces the gold nibs on the 30 model

 

1971

 

* Parker retires the T1

* Esterbrook ceases operations

* Jif-Waterman acquire the Waterman trademark and become Waterman S.A.

* Esterbrook ceased operations

* Pilot introduces the MYU 701 Murex model

 

1972

 

* Parker introduces dished ends on the 75

 

1975

 

* Parker retires the 51

* Conway Stewart ceases operations

* Ancora ceases operations

* Faber-Castell retires from fountain pen market

 

1981

 

* Kaweco ceases operations

 

Notes

 

1. ↑ dates reported here are sometime controversial, when we are aware of this we summarize the uncertainty reporting the alternatives, but you can find the details of the controversies only looking at the detailed pages for brands and models, unfortunately just a few of them have been translated from italian.

2. ↑ the most part of the Pelikan chronology take as reference the book Pelikan Schreibgeräte 1929-2004, by Jürghen Dittmer and Martin Lehmann, we used their indications also when other articles (also those referenced in this site) are reporting discordant dates.

3. ↑ the most part of the Kaweco chronology is obtained form the information that were published by the company itself (no more on-line) and from the new company history published here

4. ↑ the most part of the Sheaffer chronology take as reference the article: A HISTORY OF SHEAFFER PEN AND WALTER A. SHEAFFER ITS FOUNDER, published by the company itself; until noted otherwise this should be considered the source of the info

5. ↑ information about dismission of models and features are always approximate, because sometime model or feature were ceased from production or from catalogs, but the pens were still sold or produced for still some time

6. ↑ 6,0 6,1 6,2 6,3 6,4 6,5 6,6 as for most of the italian manufacturers many dates are just guessed, referring more to a period than to a specific year, like the first or second half of a decade, or its mid the beginning or end; for more detail just look at chronology on the Montegrappa page

7. ↑ 7,0 7,1 7,2 7,3 7,4 7,5 7,6 as the archive of the company was destroyed in 1942 after the bombing of their headquarters, many Columbus date are just guessed, referring more to a period than to a specific year, like the first or second half of a decade, or its mid the beginning or end; for more detail just look at chronology on the Columbus page

8. ↑ a Pelikan brochure refers to 1926 while Werner Rüttinger talks about 1924, but the brochure refers to 1957 for the two chicks logo, so probably (see also this thread) the brochure refers to a generic year of use and not to the introduction, therefore we choose to use the Werner Rüttinger year.

9. ↑ 9,0 9,1 9,2 9,3 9,4 9,5 all dates referring to features or models introduction for the Ancora pens are guessed and marked as such, because there are no catalogs or listings with clear data; so the cited year is always an approximation, referring to a wider time period (with two year less or more than the used value).

10. ↑ referring to second half of '20s.

11. ↑ Lambrou and others report this date, Jacopini reports around 1933.

12. ↑ referring to the beginning of '30s; L. Jacopini in La storia della stilografica in Italia talks about 1938 c.a, but G. Fichera notes that the advertizements talks about the Regno d'Italia, so they must be before 1936.

13. ↑ referring to beginning of '40s.

Edited June 27, 2010 by simp