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== History ==

== History ==

[[Aurora]] was founded in 1919 in Turin, as ''Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora'',<ref>meaning ''Fountain Pen Italian Factory [[Aurora]]''</ref> by ''Isaia Levi'', a wealthy financier and merchant of tissues, which after the end of the First World War decided to invest in the writing instruments production. Levi already saw the presence of many small producers in the industrial district of Settimo Torinese, but decided to give his company a precise direction towards an industrial production that should be at vanguard in both technical and qualitative terms, but also with a strong push towards the marketing of its products with large advertising and a strong support for the sales network.

[[Aurora]] was founded in 1919 in Turin, as ''Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora'',<ref>meaning ''Fountain Pen Italian Factory [[Aurora]]''</ref> by ''Isaia Levi'', a wealthy financier and merchant of tissues, which after the end of the First World War decided to invest in the writing instruments production. Levi already saw the presence of many small producers in the industrial district of Settimo Torinese, but decided to give his company a precise direction towards an industrial production that should be at vanguard in both technical and qualitative terms, but also with a strong push towards the marketing of its products with large advertising and a strong support for the sales network.

The company was born as an Italian producer, imitating the Americans pens models of the same period, but it immediately got a good success for its production quality and for the functionality of its pens.  In particular, in a period of strong nationalism and autarkic policies under the fascist regime, the company made a strong leverage in its promotional materials, that its pens were not subject to customs duties, having the advantage of a lower cost.

The company was born as an Italian producer, imitating the Americans pens models of the same period, but it immediately got a good success for its production quality and for the functionality of its pens.  In particular, in a period of strong nationalism and autarkic policies under the fascist regime, the company made a strong leverage in its promotional materials, that its pens were not subject to customs duties, having the advantage of a lower cost.

[[File:Aurora-ARA5-Duplex-Open.jpg|thumb|Aurora [[A.R.A.]] n.5 ]]

[[File:Aurora-ARA5-Duplex-Open.jpg|thumb|Aurora [[A.R.A.]] n.5 ]]

In the mid '20s also [[Aurora]] started production of [[celluloid]] pens, and in 1927 introduced the [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] series,<ref>there are some wrong references to this series as the [[Internazionale]], for example in the Enrico Castruccio book ''La Penna''.</ref> which name was chosen in the results of a competition. The pen was a [[lever filler]], proposed in four measures. I was a clear imitation of the [[Duofold]] with the cap head in black hard rubber and a ball [[washer clip]]. But unlike the [[Duofold]] the top models of [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] have a metal clip with enchased with a fine filigree decoration, which makes the [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] a real jewel of the Italian style.

In the mid '20s also [[Aurora]] started production of [[celluloid]] pens, and in 1927 introduced the [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] series,<ref>there are some wrong references to this series as the [[Internazionale]], for example in the Enrico Castruccio book ''La Penna''.</ref> which name was chosen in the results of a competition. The pen was a [[lever filler]], proposed in four measures. I was a clear imitation of the [[Duofold]] with the cap head in black hard rubber and a ball [[washer clip]]. But unlike the [[Duofold]] the top models of [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] have a metal clip with enchased with a fine filigree decoration, which makes the [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] a real jewel of the Italian style.

[[Image:Aurora-Duplex.jpg|thumb|A [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] model.]]

[[Image:Aurora-Duplex.jpg|thumb|A [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] model.]]

In 1929 the company was restructured taking a strategy of trade diversification; on that occasion were created two new sub-brands: the ''[[Olo]]'', which later become an official sub-brand, which was focused on the production of economic pens, cheaper than the [[Aurora]] branded, sold outside the stationeries, and the ''[[ASCO]]'', dedicated to the production of very economic pens for the lower end of the marked, initially aimed to produce advertising or promotion fountain pens, for the gift items market, but then expanded in the mail orders market.

In 1929 the company was restructured taking a strategy of trade diversification; on that occasion were created two new sub-brands: the ''[[Olo]]'', which later become an official sub-brand, which was focused on the production of economic pens, cheaper than the [[Aurora]] branded, sold outside the stationeries, and the ''[[ASCO]]'', dedicated to the production of very economic pens for the lower end of the marked, initially aimed to produce advertising or promotion fountain pens, for the gift items market, but then expanded in the mail orders market.

Responding to the international success of the new [[streamlined]] style, [[Aurora]] started redesigning of its own models, that saw the gradual abandonment of flat shapes. In 1930 the new [[Superba]] model was introduced, still a [[lever filler]], and clearly derived from [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]], but with tapered ends characterized by a very original style. The pen was produced only in the pearl and black, red and lapis colors, and remained in production for a very short time, which makes it very rare and highly sought.  

Responding to the international success of the new [[streamlined]] style, [[Aurora]] started redesigning of its own models, that saw the gradual abandonment of flat shapes. In 1930 the new [[Superba]] model was introduced, still a [[lever filler]], and clearly derived from [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]], but with tapered ends characterized by a very original style. The pen was produced only in the pearl and black, red and lapis colors, and remained in production for a very short time, which makes it very rare and highly sought.

[[Image:1932-03-Aurora-Edacoto-DuoModerne.jpg|thumb|A 1932 advertisement for ''Le Duo Moderne''.]]

[[Image:1932-03-Aurora-Edacoto-DuoModerne.jpg|thumb|A 1932 advertisement for ''Le Duo Moderne''.]]

In the early 30's [[Aurora]] sought to expand in the international arena and to enter the Spanish and French market. There are also [[Aurora]]'s pens found in Latin America, the result of  export policies to countries like as Argentina and Brazil. In 1930<ref>date is debated, Luca De Ponti says 1932, Letizia Jacopini says a period between 1931 and 1932, but as reported in the following the [[Internazionale]] model appears in a December 1930 french advertising, from wich we use this date.</ref> the company reached an agreement with ''Edac'', producer of [[Edacoto]], for marketing in France the ''Le duo moderne'', a set consisting by an [[Aurora]] fountain pen and an [[Edacoto]] mechanical pencil.  

In the early 30's [[Aurora]] sought to expand in the international arena and to enter the Spanish and French market. There are also [[Aurora]]'s pens found in Latin America, the result of  export policies to countries like as Argentina and Brazil. In 1930<ref>date is debated, Luca De Ponti says 1932, Letizia Jacopini says a period between 1931 and 1932, but as reported in the following the [[Internazionale]] model appears in a December 1930 french advertising, from wich we use this date.</ref> the company reached an agreement with ''Edac'', producer of [[Edacoto]], for marketing in France the ''Le duo moderne'', a set consisting by an [[Aurora]] fountain pen and an [[Edacoto]] mechanical pencil.

In December 1930 there was also the birth of the [[Internazionale]] model,<ref>according to what reported in [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/103973-aurora-international-the-perfect-mix this thread] it is shown in a December 1930 ADs in the ''L'illustration francaise'' magazine.</ref> also a [[levetta di fondo|back lever filler]], who was used also for ''[[Le Duo Moderne]]''. The pen, produced in four sizes and in a broad mix of colorful celluloid, has a wide metal band between two rings, decorated with a greek motif. In the same period several pens intended for the export market, particularly for the French market,  were made; they are in general quite similar to the [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]], both in style and for being [[lever filler]].

In December 1930 there was also the birth of the [[Internazionale]] model,<ref>according to what reported in [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/103973-aurora-international-the-perfect-mix this thread] it is shown in a December 1930 ADs in the ''L'illustration francaise'' magazine.</ref> also a [[levetta di fondo|back lever filler]], who was used also for ''[[Le Duo Moderne]]''. The pen, produced in four sizes and in a broad mix of colorful celluloid, has a wide metal band between two rings, decorated with a greek motif. In the same period several pens intended for the export market, particularly for the French market,  were made; they are in general quite similar to the [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]], both in style and for being [[lever filler]].

[[Image:Aurora-Novum-II.jpg|thumb|left|A second series [[Novum]] model.]]

[[Image:Aurora-Novum-II.jpg|thumb|left|A second series [[Novum]] model.]]

In 1933 was introduced the [[Novum]] model in two versions, with smooth or faceted body and cap, produced in a variety of different celluloid colors. The pen had a particular ''[[levetta di fondo|back lever filler]]'' system and a special security clip, present on the larger models, that at the insertion of the pen in the pocket triggered an hook that clipped the outside of the pocket fabric to prevent accidental exit, and that should be released by pulling forward the tip of the clip. With several variations the pen remained on the market until the early 40's.

In 1933 was introduced the [[Novum]] model in two versions, with smooth or faceted body and cap, produced in a variety of different celluloid colors. The pen had a particular ''[[levetta di fondo|back lever filler]]'' system and a special security clip, present on the larger models, that at the insertion of the pen in the pocket triggered an hook that clipped the outside of the pocket fabric to prevent accidental exit, and that should be released by pulling forward the tip of the clip. With several variations the pen remained on the market until the early 40's.

The [[Asterope]] model was introduced in 1934, two years after the similar design of the [[Pullman]] model by [[Météore]]. This pen can be considered an ancestor and forerunner of the [[Capless]], produced by [[Pilot]] 30 years later. The pen had no cap; the nib could be moved inside the body of the pen, through a side slider, and was protected by a closing lid that opened when the nib was extracted. The pen had some success for its characteristic of being usable with one hand alone.

The [[Asterope]] model was introduced in 1934, two years after the similar design of the [[Pullman]] model by [[Météore]]. This pen can be considered an ancestor and forerunner of the [[Capless]], produced by [[Pilot]] 30 years later. The pen had no cap; the nib could be moved inside the body of the pen, through a side slider, and was protected by a closing lid that opened when the nib was extracted. The pen had some success for its characteristic of being usable with one hand alone.

[[Image:193x-Aurora-Asterope.jpg|thumb|An [[Asterope]] advertisement.]]

[[Image:193x-Aurora-Asterope.jpg|thumb|An [[Asterope]] advertisement.]]

Another famous model, much sought by collectors, is the [[Etiopia]], that was reported to be introduced in 1935 during the Abyssinia invasion made by the fascist regime in its policy of colonial expansion. It has been told that in that occasion [[Aurora]], which was rather linked to the regime using its slogans in the advertising, launched a special pen for the soldiers sent to Africa. Because of this the pen was an [[eyedropper filler]] equipped with a reservoir on the barrel to hold dried ink tablets. The ink could be obtained dissolving the tablets in the body of the pen adding water. The pen was made of white celluloid and the cap had an incision of the roman empire eagle mark.  

Another famous model, much sought by collectors, is the [[Etiopia]], that was reported to be introduced in 1935 during the Abyssinia invasion made by the fascist regime in its policy of colonial expansion. It has been told that in that occasion [[Aurora]], which was rather linked to the regime using its slogans in the advertising, launched a special pen for the soldiers sent to Africa. Because of this the pen was an [[eyedropper filler]] equipped with a reservoir on the barrel to hold dried ink tablets. The ink could be obtained dissolving the tablets in the body of the pen adding water. The pen was made of white celluloid and the cap had an incision of the roman empire eagle mark.  

But the story of a pen made for the soldiers sent in Africa, often used to underline the importance and rarity of the model, is just a fake, because the [[Etiopia]] was introduced only in 1936, when the war was already finished. So the model was just a clever marketing move, done to take advantage of the war propaganda, and also if [[Etiopia]] in not so common, it cannot be considered between the most rare [[Aurora]] models.

But the story of a pen made for the soldiers sent in Africa, often used to underline the importance and rarity of the model, is just a fake, because the [[Etiopia]] was introduced only in 1936, when the war was already finished. So the model was just a clever marketing move, done to take advantage of the war propaganda, and also if [[Etiopia]] in not so common, it cannot be considered between the most rare [[Aurora]] models.

[[Image:Aurora-Superna-Open-Rossa.jpg|left|thumb|A [[Superna]].]]

[[Image:Aurora-Superna-Open-Rossa.jpg|left|thumb|A [[Superna]].]]

In 1937 the [[Superna]] model was introduced, with a variation of [[levetta di fondo|back lever filler]], in which the lever was equipped with a small ball on the outer extremity and mounted vertically in a semispheric alluminum structure located on the bottom of the pen. The ink loading was carried out by removing the back cover to access the the lever and operating it through the ball.  

In 1937 the [[Superna]] model was introduced, with a variation of [[levetta di fondo|back lever filler]], in which the lever was equipped with a small ball on the outer extremity and mounted vertically in a semispheric alluminum structure located on the bottom of the pen. The ink loading was carried out by removing the back cover to access the the lever and operating it through the ball.

In 1938, following the trend introduced by the [[Vacumatic]] of ''visualated pens'' showing the ink level, [[Aurora]] introduced the [[Optima]] model, a [[plunger filler]] made of transparent celluloid, which remained in production until the early '40s. Another model of the same year was the [[Topolino]], a simple [[button filler]] entitled to the Disney character, featuring a Mickey Mouse engraving, and oriented to youth people and students, soon paired with [[Topolino|Biancaneve]]. From the same period should be noted the [[Iridia]] model and the [[ML]] line introduced in 1938, produced, at least officially, for the armed forces officers.  

In 1938, following the trend introduced by the [[Vacumatic]] of ''visualated pens'' showing the ink level, [[Aurora]] introduced the [[Optima]] model, a [[plunger filler]] made of transparent celluloid, which remained in production until the early '40s. Another model of the same year was the [[Topolino]], a simple [[button filler]] entitled to the Disney character, featuring a Mickey Mouse engraving, and oriented to youth people and students, soon paired with [[Topolino|Biancaneve]]. From the same period should be noted the [[Iridia]] model and the [[ML]] line introduced in 1938, produced, at least officially, for the armed forces officers.

The Second World War was a crisis period for business: the curtailment of raw materials, and the difficulty on gold procurement, led to the creation of steel nibs.<ref>another incorrect story tells that gold was prohibited by law from 1937 because the autarkic program of the fascist regime, but no such law existed and gold nibs pen are reported to be on catalogs up 1941, along with ''[[Platiridio]]'' nibs and ordinary steel nibs (marked ''Durium'').</ref>  As it happened to other companies [[Aurora]] sought to replace the lack of material inventing precious names, and called its alloy steel ''[[Platiridio]]''. In 1938 the [[Selene]], a [[button filler]] model, was introduced; it was made in celluloid with white metal finishes and a ''[[Platiridio]]'' nib.

The Second World War was a crisis period for business: the curtailment of raw materials, and the difficulty on gold procurement, led to the creation of steel nibs.<ref>another incorrect story tells that gold was prohibited by law from 1937 because the autarkic program of the fascist regime, but no such law existed and gold nibs pen are reported to be on catalogs up 1941, along with ''[[Platiridio]]'' nibs and ordinary steel nibs (marked ''Durium'').</ref>  As it happened to other companies [[Aurora]] sought to replace the lack of material inventing precious names, and called its alloy steel ''[[Platiridio]]''. In 1938 the [[Selene]], a [[button filler]] model, was introduced; it was made in celluloid with white metal finishes and a ''[[Platiridio]]'' nib.

The company, unlike the rival [[OMAS]], suffered heavy damage from bombing, the plants were destroyed and raw materials and archives were lost. But despite this after the war there was a great effort to rebuild the business. In 1947, following the new market trends dictated by the [[Parker 51]], [[Aurora]] introduced an [[hooded nib]] model. The design of the pen was entrusted to the architect [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcello_Nizzoli Marcello Nizzoli]: the [[88]] was a masterpiece of the [[Aurora]] production, and obtained a great success.  

The company, unlike the rival [[OMAS]], suffered heavy damage from bombing, the plants were destroyed and raw materials and archives were lost. But despite this after the war there was a great effort to rebuild the business. In 1947, following the new market trends dictated by the [[Parker 51]], [[Aurora]] introduced an [[hooded nib]] model. The design of the pen was entrusted to the architect [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcello_Nizzoli Marcello Nizzoli]: the [[88]] was a masterpiece of the [[Aurora]] production, and obtained a great success.

The [[88]] model was equipped with a very advanced [[piston filler]], with differential threads. The pen was made with a metal cap in both gold-plated metal or using an alloy of nickel and silver called ''[[Nikargenta]]''. The body was in celluloid with a transparent section, while the handle of the piston was in hard rubber. The [[88]] was qualitatively and technologically far more advanced than a [[51]], the only plastic part was the sheath of the nib, and the feeder had a sophisticated supply system which allowed a regular ink flux.

The [[88]] model was equipped with a very advanced [[piston filler]], with differential threads. The pen was made with a metal cap in both gold-plated metal or using an alloy of nickel and silver called ''[[Nikargenta]]''. The body was in celluloid with a transparent section, while the handle of the piston was in hard rubber. The [[88]] was qualitatively and technologically far more advanced than a [[51]], the only plastic part was the sheath of the nib, and the feeder had a sophisticated supply system which allowed a regular ink flux.

In 1954, to counter the massive advent of the ballpoint pens, [[Aurora]] launched the [[Duocart]], a [[cartridge filler|cartridge]] version of the [[88]]. The cartridges were carried out in polyethylene, and designed by [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulio_Natta Giulio Natta], nobel prize for chemistry. The distinguishing characteristic of the pen, exposed by the name, was the ability to contain within its barrel a second cartridge, to avoid to get out of ink.

In 1954, to counter the massive advent of the ballpoint pens, [[Aurora]] launched the [[Duocart]], a [[cartridge filler|cartridge]] version of the [[88]]. The cartridges were carried out in polyethylene, and designed by [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulio_Natta Giulio Natta], nobel prize for chemistry. The distinguishing characteristic of the pen, exposed by the name, was the ability to contain within its barrel a second cartridge, to avoid to get out of ink.

In the following years the advent of the ballpoint pen affected the production in a ever more massive way. The company was sold to the family Verona in the early '60s, but always remained active in the market, starting to produce ballpoint pens. In 1963 was introduced the [[98]] model, still a [[piston filler]] equipped with an additional reserve of ink called ''[[Riserva Magica]]'' which allowed to obtain a few drops of ink when the tank was empty. In 1965 was introduced the economic line [[Auretta]] a [[cartridge filler]], produced in colorful plastic and directed especially to students.  

In the following years the advent of the ballpoint pen affected the production in a ever more massive way. The company was sold to the family Verona in the early '60s, but always remained active in the market, starting to produce ballpoint pens. In 1963 was introduced the [[98]] model, still a [[piston filler]] equipped with an additional reserve of ink called ''[[Riserva Magica]]'' which allowed to obtain a few drops of ink when the tank was empty. In 1965 was introduced the economic line [[Auretta]] a [[cartridge filler]], produced in colorful plastic and directed especially to students.

The last model of historical significance is probably the [[Hastil]], designed by the famous architect [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Zanuso Marco Zanuso] and launched in 1970. It realized an huge international success, so that a copy of this pen is permanently exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art of New York. Made with a thin cylindrical steel body, the pen is characterised by an advanced feeder (called ''[[Idrograph]]''), by a nib mounted in a central position and by a cap with a peculiar retractable clip that falls within the cap when at rest, but that can be open when the pen must be inserted into a pocket.  

The last model of historical significance is probably the [[Hastil]], designed by the famous architect [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Zanuso Marco Zanuso] and launched in 1970. It realized an huge international success, so that a copy of this pen is permanently exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art of New York. Made with a thin cylindrical steel body, the pen is characterised by an advanced feeder (called ''[[Idrograph]]''), by a nib mounted in a central position and by a cap with a peculiar retractable clip that falls within the cap when at rest, but that can be open when the pen must be inserted into a pocket.

In the following years the company has remained on the writing instrument market producing quality products, expanding its production to ballpoint and roller pens, and occasionally making new fountain pens models. To date, the [[Aurora]] remains between the major Italian pen manufacturers.  

In the following years the company has remained on the writing instrument market producing quality products, expanding its production to ballpoint and roller pens, and occasionally making new fountain pens models. To date, the [[Aurora]] remains between the major Italian pen manufacturers.