Mengoni
Although the Mengoni name is found on some Minerva models, it is not related to a brand as such but related to the production done for Virginio Mengoni, owner of one of the most important pens and writing materials shop of Milan, placed first in Corso Vittorio Emanuele and then in Via Cantu, whose activities began in 1932.[1]
In the 30s Mengoni joined Edward Russo Webber for the production of Saratoga, for which it is co-holder of the first registration trademark (Reg. Gen. N. 63047), the trademark on the shape of the arrow clip (Reg. Gen. N. 63465) used in earlier models, and the Inco brand (Reg. Gen. N. 63398) used for the Standard version of 40s and for inkwells.
The Saratoga partnership did not last long, at least judging by the subsequent re-registration of the trademark (Reg. Gen. N. 64297) by Webber exclusively in his name. Interesting then is his entry in the 1940-41 Guide to Milan (see [[:File:1940-05-GuidaMilanoSavallo-p2369.jpg|this page), which lists him as "Parker di Mengoni Virginio" although it is unclear whether this is a real indication of him being an agent. After the war Mengoni still continued his pens production, though branded Saratoga's (Reg. Gen. N. 78484). It is a of low quality production geared towards the market low end, produced presumably in the Settimo Torinese district, with desk pens and piston filler models.
In addition to the Saratoga's, is attributable to Mengoni the F.O.R.T. trademark found on some Minerva models, being the owner (Reg. Gen. N. 63662) of it. Are also attributable to Mengoni the brands: Fonteblu (Reg. Gen. N. 63376), Inch (Reg. Gen. N. 63413) and Coloniale (Reg. Gen. N. 67310). The activity continued until 1957, year of the Mengoni company business end.
Available material:
1932-AnnuarioItaliano-AgrInduComm-p0837
1933-AnnuarioGenerale-Italia-p1108
1935-AnnuarioGenerale-Italia-p1122
1935-AnnuarioPolitecnicoItaliano-p1009
1939-AnnuarioGenerale-Italia-p1198
1940-05-GuidaMilanoSavallo-p2369
1942-06-AnnuarioGenerale-Italia-p1355
