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Early Steel Pen Makers In America


AAAndrew

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I've finished a new post on individual pen makers. The first one was Peregrine Williamson, who've I've written about before. He was most definitely first. Charles Atwood came second-ish, but not much is known about him. The one I just finished was Josiah Hayden, maker of Hayden's Premium Pens in the early-mid 1840's.

 

fpn_1511285093__1842_hayden_j_and_p_prem

 

Hayden also made gold pens for a while before selling those works off to Dawson, Warren & Hyde who made a lot of gold pens up until the 1860's.

 

fpn_1511285059__1863_dawson_warren_hyde.

 

I find this lost history of early industry quite interesting. And Hayden was another of the early makers who were forgotten not that many years later when the first histories of the US pen industry were first jotted down. I'm trying to bring their stories back when possible.

 

I've also added a helpful Table of Contents that helps find the topics you're interested in on the blog. You can find it by clicking on the link on the left, or just go here.

 

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

Check out my Steel Pen Blog

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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Ok, the system was acting weird when I was saving this and it looks like it saved it twice. I don't think we need that much of me. :lol:

 

If someone who has the power can delete one, that would be great. Thanks!

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

Check out my Steel Pen Blog

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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I posted my other big post for the 1840's. C. C. Wright was actually a famous engraver and medalist. (made medals and medallions) He got the idea of making pens when he worked for David Felt, the stationery tycoon. His is a very interesting story and he was connected to some of the top artists in New York at the time as one of the ringleaders who helped found the National Academy of Design.

 

The stories are getting more interesting as we're able to know about the makers. Just wait until the 1850's-60's.

 

fpn_1511390213__washington_medallion_pen

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

Check out my Steel Pen Blog

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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