Fountain Pen Chronology (3rd)

[simp]

Hello,

 

Because nobody complained from last time, I'm reposting an updated version fountain pen chronology taken from www.fountainpen.it. It's an updated version respect the previous update I already posted here:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=64965

 

Like in the previous versions I tried to summarize all the information I got about brands, models, technical innovations and materials concerning American, European and Japanese pen producers and historical facts and models I'm interested in. The chronology can be found also in this wiki page, were it's constantly updated.

 

All the informations are obtained from books, researches on the net (FPN is a great resource for this) and from a few catalogues and ADs I own. In the mean time I got some new books, and there should be more info, mainly on european brands, but at the same time I'm sure that there are lot of errors, also considering my poor english.

 

The 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 are on the pages dedicated to each brand. Unfortunately I'm not good enough to write them in english so the most of them are in italian.

 

I'm trying to translate each italian page in a english one, but the results of automatic translators are just horrible, and it take me a lot of work to have something that is just a little bit less awful. But now some of them are translated. If someone is willing to help me on new translation or revise the already translated pages I will be very happy to give him a write access to the wiki.

 

----------------------------- FOUNTAIN PENS CHRONOLOGY ---------------------------------

 

In this page are reported the most relevant events like brands foundation or termination, introduction of new models or dismission of the old ones, creation of technical innovations, variations carried out on the characteristics of the models, realizations of new materials, etc. The events are listed year by year, trying to cover what that happened in the fountain pen history.[1]

 

This page is the English translation of the Italian page Cronologia, it's still a work in progress, and I have little knowledge of English. If you want to help just let us know, you can use the contact info in the information link that's in the bottom of all the pages.

 

1761

 

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

 

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

 

1842

 

* Mallat is founded

 

1845

 

* Mabie Todd is founded

 

1846

 

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

 

1848

 

* Morton is founded

 

1856

 

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

* Eagle is founded

 

1862

 

* Holland is founded

 

1863

 

* Gunter Wagner acquire the Carl Hornemann factory and start using the Pelikan trademark

 

1864

 

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

 

1873

 

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

 

1875

 

* Soennecken is founded

 

1878

 

* Pelikan is registered as trademark

* 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

 

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

 

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 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 models

* Heidelberger Federhalterfabrik, that will become Kaweco, begins fountain pen production[2]

 

1894

 

* Parker patents the "Lucky Curve" feeder

 

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

 

1899

 

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

* Parker patents 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

* Pelikan introduces the Pelikan 4001 inks line

* 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

 

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

* 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 for his lever filler

* Holland introduces the hatchet filler

 

1909

 

* Montblanc introduces the Rouge et Noir model

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

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

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

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

 

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 improvement on the "Lucky Curve" feeder

 

1912

 

* Waterman introduces the coin filler

* Parker introduces the Jack Knife model

* the first fountain pens marked Sheaffer were produced

* Holland retires[3] the hatchet filler

* Gold Starry becomes a registered trademark

 

1913

 

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

* Waterman introduces the coin filler

* Onoto introduces mottled hard rubber models (?)

 

1914

 

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

* Waterman retires the coin filler

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

* 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

* Conklin introduces its spring clip

* Parker introduces the button filler and patents the washer clip

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

 

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 LeBouef patents a pen production method from celluloid tubes

* Geha is founded

 

1919

 

* Aurora is founded

* Osmia is founded as Böhler und Cie

* Syunichi Nakata starts fountain pen production, 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

* Onoto introduces the Ink Pencil a stilographic model

 

1921

 

* Parker introduces the Duofold

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

* LeBouef 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 Receder a safety model (or 1921?)

 

1922

 

* Parker adds Junior and Lady models to the Duofold line

* Sheaffer replaces SHEAFFER-CLIP mark 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

* (guess date[5]) Columbus introduced the Columbus 670 model

 

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

 

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

* Nakata 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

 

* la Conklin retires the crescent filler

* OMAS is founded

* la 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

 

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

 

1927

 

* Waterman introduces the Ripple model in both number 5 and 7 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

* 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

 

1928

 

* Parker introduces the True Blue model and the De Luxe Duofold; 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 Rose Ripple, Blue-Green Ripple and Olive Ripple hard rubber colors

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

 

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

* LeBouef introduces its sleeve filler (or 1931?)

* Aurora introduces the Novum model

* Cross introduces an enamelled bands fountain pen pairing with pencils

* Parker retires from Osmia and the Osmia Gmbh is founded

* Eversharp introduces the Brasilian Green celluloid

* Montblanc starts engraving "4810" on nibs

* 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

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

 

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 Feather Touch nib

* Aurora and Edacoto join in the French market with the Duo Moderne, Aurora introduces the Internazionale model

* Columbus introduces the streamlined version of the Columbus Extra line

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

* Pelikan introduces the 111 and Rappen models, and two rings on 100 cap and a new conical cap top

* Gold Starry introduces the Rapex model

 

1932

 

* Parker test the Golden Arrow, the Vacumatic forerunner

* Parker introduces the Trift 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 produces a blue Balance model, only for this year

* 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 new colors for the 100 model, and the new 101, 110 and 112 models

* (guess date[6]) Ancora introduces the Duplex model

 

1933

 

* Parker introduces the Vacumatic model and retires Trift Time

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

* LeBouef ceases operations

* Aurora introduces the Superna model

* Conway Stewart introduces the Scribe and International models

* Bayard introduces the Luxe and Superluxe Grosse Containance models

* Waterman introduces the n.7 and n.5 plastic models

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

 

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

* 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 model

* Pelikan introduces the 111T Toledo model (or 1931?)

* (guess date[5]) Columbus introduces the Columbus 30 line

 

1935

 

* Chilton introduces the Wing-flow model

* Esterbrook introduces the Dollar Pen model

* Parker retires the Duofold

* Sheaffer introduces the Vac-Fill (or 1934?)

* Aurora introduces the Etiopia 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

 

1936

 

* OMAS introduces the Lucens model and the stantuffo tuffante filling system

* Waterman introduces the InkVue (or 1935?) model and retires Patrician

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

* Wahl Eversharp introduces the Coronet model

* Sheaffer introduces the radius clip on the Balance

* Jif-Waterman create the first cartridge filler

* Faber-Castell introduces a Faber-Castell model

* Montblanc stops production of Astoria marked pens

* Pelikan replace the Rappen with the Ibis 130 model and introduce the 100C

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

 

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)

* 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

* (guess date[6]) Ancora introduces the Dama and Maxima models

* (guess date[5]) Columbus introduces the Columbus 112

 

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

* 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

* Pelikan introduces the 100N model (german market)

* Aurora introduces the Selene model, the ML line, and Platiridio nibs

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

 

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 HundredYear model and retires 94 and 3 models

* Bayard introduces the Niveauclair model, with visible ink level

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

* Pilot introduces the Pilot R model

 

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

* 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

 

1942

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Triumph line and retires some Balance models

* Morrison introduces the Patriot model

* Pelikan stop production for the Ibis 130 model

* Swan stop production of the Visofil model

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

 

1943

 

* Eversharp introduces the Fifth Avenue model

* Waterman introduces the Commando (or 1942?) and 1003 models, and a smooth HundredYear

* Esterbrook begin using the twist filler

* Bayard introduces the Excelsior model with changeable nib

* Mallat introduces the Plexigraf model

 

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 stop production

 

1945

 

* Eversharp introduces the CA, ballpoint pens starts appearing

* Waterman introduces the Taperite model

* Sheaffer introduces the Craftsman model

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

* (guess date[6]) Ancora introduces the Lusso model

 

1946

 

* Parker introduces the VS model and the [Caricamento#aerometric|aerometric filler]] on 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

 

1947

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Fineline model

* Parker introduces the 51 Demi

* 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

* (guess date[5]) Columbus introduces the Columbus 50 line

 

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

* Pelikan restart production of the Ibis 130 model

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

 

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

* (guess date[6]) Ancora introduces the Calamus model

* (guess date[5]) Columbus introduces the Columbus 40

 

1950

 

* 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

* Pelikan introduces the 400 model (or 1951?)

* Montblanc introduces the spaden clip for the 24x line

* Pilot introduces the Super line

* Geha starts a fountain pen production

 

1951

 

* Parker retires the 41

* Moore retires the Fingertip

* Faber-Castell complete Osmia acquisition

* Pelikan introduces the 400

* Columbus introduces theColumbus 90 line

 

1952

 

* Sheaffer introduces the snorkel

* Lamy introduces the Lamy 27

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

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

* (guess date[5]) Columbus introduces the Columbus 70

 

1953

 

* Waterman introduces the CF model

* Eversharp introduces the Ventura and retires the Symphony

* Parker retires the Parkette

* Sheaffer introduces the TIPdip and retires the Fineline

* Pelikan introduces the 140 model

 

1954

 

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

* Conway Stewart introduces the Conway Stewart 100

* Pelikan introduces nibs with its logo and starts engraving cap band on 400

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

 

1955

 

* Conway Stewart introduces the Conway Stewart 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

* (guess date[5]) Columbus production is totally converted to plastic models

 

1956

 

* Parker introduces the 61

* Moore ceases operations

* Bayard use the accordion filler for the Souverain de Luxe

* the Pulsa Pen is produced by Stylomine. Meteor

* Montblanc remove Montblan engraving on caps

* Pelikan introduces the 400NN 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

* Platinum introduces cartridge filler pens

 

1958

 

* Sheaffer introduces the Lady Sheaffer as a Skripsert model

* Onoto ceases operations

* 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

 

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

 

1962

 

* Parker introduces the VP

 

1963

 

* Parker introduces the 75

* Sheaffer retires the TIPdip and reduce PFM production to III and V models

* Aurora introduces the 98

 

1964

 

* Kaweco introduces the VP

 

1965

 

* Parker retires VP and 21

 

1966

 

* Lamy introduces the Lamy 2000

 

1967

 

* Soennecken ceases operations

* Estrerbrook merged becoming Venus-Esterbrook

 

1968

 

* Sheaffer retires the PFM

 

1970

 

* Parker introduces the T1

* Aurora introduces the Hastil, designed by Marco Zanuso

 

1971

 

* Parker retires the T1

* Esterbrook ceases operations

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

* Estrerbrook ceased operations

 

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 Kaweco chronology is obtained form the information published by the company itself (no more on-line)

3. 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

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. 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

6. 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).

[darkgreen]

Like in the previous versions I tried to summarize all the information I got about brands, models, technical innovations and materials concerning American, European and Japanese pen producers and historical facts and models I'm interested in. The chronology can be found also in this wiki page, were it's constantly updated.

 

 

----------------------------- FOUNTAIN PENS CHRONOLOGY ---------------------------------

 

In this page are reported the most relevant events like brands foundation or termination, introduction of new models or dismission of the old ones, creation of technical innovations, variations carried out on the characteristics of the models, realizations of new materials, etc. The events are listed year by year, trying to cover what that happened in the fountain pen history.[1]

 

Congratulations on an excellent resource. Thank you for making it and for letting us all see it.

 

I have only a minor contribution. The Nakaya pen company was founded in Japan in 1999 by Toshiya Nakata.

 

A couple of minor alterations to the information on your chronology:

The 1919 entry describes the date that Platinum pen company was started. 1919 was the date that Syunichi Nakata opened a pen shop in Okayama.

The new company was opened in Tokyo in 1924. It was first called Nakaya Seisakusho pen company but then changed to Platinum Pen Company the same year: you have described the original name as "Nakata" rather than "Nakaya".

 

Reference: Platinum Pen History

 

I hope that this is helpful to you.

 

 

 

 

[ToasterPastry]

Always good information! If you added pictures, this would be extremely cool.

Edited May 23, 2009 by ToasterPastry

[Roger W.]

1932 - Sheaffer blue balance is not one year model only. The first documentation comes from 1931.

 

Roger W.

[simp]

I have only a minor contribution. The Nakaya pen company was founded in Japan in 1999 by Toshiya Nakata.

 

A couple of minor alterations to the information on your chronology:

The 1919 entry describes the date that Platinum pen company was started. 1919 was the date that Syunichi Nakata opened a pen shop in Okayama.

The new company was opened in Tokyo in 1924. It was first called Nakaya Seisakusho pen company but then changed to Platinum Pen Company the same year: you have described the original name as "Nakata" rather than "Nakaya".

 

Reference: Platinum Pen History

 

I hope that this is helpful to you.

Thanks, this is surely useful.

 

I'm sorry for noticing your post so late. I just put your correction on the wiki page, I will repost the whole chronology some day, but I'd like to have some more data before doing this.

 

Thank you.

Simone

 

[simp]

1932 - Sheaffer blue balance is not one year model only. The first documentation comes from 1931.

 

Roger W.

 

Thanks for the info, could you tell me something about that documentation?

 

Anyway I put also this correction on the wiki page.

 

Thank you

Simone

[simp]

Always good information! If you added pictures, this would be extremely cool.

 

I don't think I have enough pictures to put them in the chronology, most of what I have is put in the ADs page of the same site (http://www.fountainpen.it/Category:Ads), but the most part just cover the range between '20s and '40s. I have almost nothing before 1900.

 

Simone

[zabo]

To the mods:

I really think this reference should be pinned...

 

Thank you :clap1:

[diplomat]

<!--quoteo(post=1069539:date=May 23 2009, 06:16 PM:name=Roger W.)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Roger W. @ May 23 2009, 06:16 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1069539"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->1932 - Sheaffer blue balance is not one year model only. The first documentation comes from 1931.

 

Roger W.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

 

Thanks for the info, could you tell me something about that documentation?

 

Anyway I put also this correction on the wiki page.

 

Thank you

Simone

 

 

Simone, guarda qui.

 

Ciao,

[simp]

Simone, guarda qui.

 

Ciao,

Thanks for the link.

 

That's very interesting, I added it to the page on Sheffer's Balance.

 

Grazie e ciao

 

Simone