Modifiche

== History ==

== History ==

[[Conway Stewart]] was founded in 1905 in London by ''Frank Jarvis'' and ''Thomas Howard Garner'' with headquarters staff at 13 Paternoster Row. The origins of the name are not so clear, the most common version tells that it was inspired by the names of two actors that recited at the Collins Music Hall in Islington, and adopted for commercial reasons (it seems it sounds better than ''Jarvis Garner'').

[[Conway Stewart]] was founded in 1905 in London by ''Frank Jarvis'' and ''Thomas Howard Garner'' with headquarters staff at 13 Paternoster Row. The origins of the name are not so clear, the most common version tells that it was inspired by the names of two actors that recited at the Collins Music Hall in Islington, and adopted for commercial reasons (it seems it sounds better than ''Jarvis Garner'').

The company started its business marketing, in 1906, american pens named ''Self Filling'' and ''Self Cleaning Post''; the same year Stanley Jarvis, brother of Frank, joined the company. In 1909 the company was incorporated as ''Conway Stewart & Co. Ltd''. The initial production, on which there is very little information, was made by [[eyedropper filler|eyedropper]] hard rubber pens, produced in the plant site of Upper Thames Street, in London.

The company started its business marketing, in 1906, american pens named ''Self Filling'' and ''Self Cleaning Post''; the same year Stanley Jarvis, brother of Frank, joined the company. In 1909 the company was incorporated as ''Conway Stewart & Co. Ltd''. The initial production, on which there is very little information, was made by [[eyedropper filler|eyedropper]] hard rubber pens, produced in the plant site of Upper Thames Street, in London.

Despite the presence on the market of already well established companies like [[Onoto]] and [[Swan]], and in the absence of specific skills in the technological innovation field, Jarvis and Garner proved to have good business skills, and identified for the best the market positioning of their company. They concentrated into the mass production of a reliable product sold at a lower cost than competitors, in order to meet the growing demand and enlarge the market, a position that will not change in the history of [[Conway Stewart]].

Despite the presence on the market of already well established companies like [[Onoto]] and [[Swan]], and in the absence of specific skills in the technological innovation field, Jarvis and Garner proved to have good business skills, and identified for the best the market positioning of their company. They concentrated into the mass production of a reliable product sold at a lower cost than competitors, in order to meet the growing demand and enlarge the market, a position that will not change in the history of [[Conway Stewart]].

In 1919 the first [[lever filler]] and [[safety]] models were introduced, the following year the brand ''The Conway Stewart'' was officially registered (with the number 407502). In 1922 new models were introduced, including the [[Dinkie]],<ref>the date is uncertain, someone makes it go back to 1920 (see [http://www.mvburke.com/history.htm]), but this is what the company says on its website.</ref> which will become the most famous product of the company (so that the name became a registered trademark in 1924). The [[Dinkie]] was a small and functional pen, which was produced in different versions for over 40 years. In 1924 [[Conway Stewart]] was the first British company to sell celluloid pens,<ref>someone dates the use of celluloid (as the creation of [[Dinkie]]) back to 1920, challenging the primacy of [[LeBoeuf]].</ref> The use of celluloid, for the variety and richness of the colors they used, is one of the distinguishing features of this brand.  

In 1919 the first [[lever filler]] and [[safety]] models were introduced, the following year the brand ''The Conway Stewart'' was officially registered (with the number 407502). In 1922 new models were introduced, including the [[Dinkie]],<ref>the date is uncertain, someone makes it go back to 1920 (see [http://www.mvburke.com/history.htm]), but this is what the company says on its website.</ref> which will become the most famous product of the company (so that the name became a registered trademark in 1924). The [[Dinkie]] was a small and functional pen, which was produced in different versions for over 40 years. In 1924 [[Conway Stewart]] was the first British company to sell celluloid pens,<ref>someone dates the use of celluloid (as the creation of [[Dinkie]]) back to 1920, challenging the primacy of [[LeBoeuf]].</ref> The use of celluloid, for the variety and richness of the colors they used, is one of the distinguishing features of this brand.

[[Image:Conway-Istruzioni-Retro.jpg|thumb|Warranty and directions|250px|right|An original instruction sheet]]

[[Image:Conway-Istruzioni-Retro.jpg|thumb|Warranty and directions|250px|right|An original instruction sheet]]

The classification of [[Conway Stewart]] models is extremely complex, although since the '20s  the company started using names, all the pens were still identified by a number and sometimes only by that. In the '20s  the top model (which will remain so for two decades) was the [[Duro]], a large pen, then there was the small and functional [[Dinkie]], and the economic [[Universal]]. Other models made in the same period were the [[Pixie]] and the [[Dandie]].

The classification of [[Conway Stewart]] models is extremely complex, although since the '20s  the company started using names, all the pens were still identified by a number and sometimes only by that. In the '20s  the top model (which will remain so for two decades) was the [[Duro]], a large pen, then there was the small and functional [[Dinkie]], and the economic [[Universal]]. Other models made in the same period were the [[Pixie]] and the [[Dandie]].

After the first years almost the entire production of [[Conway Stewart]] were [[lever filler]] pens, but in 1927 the company also produced some [[button filler]] models that sells at the same price of the [[lever filler]] ones, which remained the most diffused. Until the late '20s pens had the conventional ''[[flattop]]'' shape with cylindrical body and flat ends, while the cap had an hard rubber head. The pens were produced with or without cap rings according to their price level. Initially, the clip was fixed on one side of the cap and had a ball tip.  

After the first years almost the entire production of [[Conway Stewart]] were [[lever filler]] pens, but in 1927 the company also produced some [[button filler]] models that sells at the same price of the [[lever filler]] ones, which remained the most diffused. Until the late '20s pens had the conventional ''[[flattop]]'' shape with cylindrical body and flat ends, while the cap had an hard rubber head. The pens were produced with or without cap rings according to their price level. Initially, the clip was fixed on one side of the cap and had a ball tip.

[[Image:Conway-Istruzioni-Fronte.jpg|thumb|Warranty and directions|250px|left|An original warranty sheet]]

[[Image:Conway-Istruzioni-Fronte.jpg|thumb|Warranty and directions|250px|left|An original warranty sheet]]

The company passed the great financial crisis of 1929 without too many problems; profits decreased for the sales decrease, but having concentrated its production on economic pens helped to overcome the worst phase of the crisis, just in 1934 [[Conway Stewart]] was again making rising profits. In 1935 the ''Conway Stewart & Co. Ltd'' was voluntarily closed to create a new company listed on the London Stock Exchange.  

The company passed the great financial crisis of 1929 without too many problems; profits decreased for the sales decrease, but having concentrated its production on economic pens helped to overcome the worst phase of the crisis, just in 1934 [[Conway Stewart]] was again making rising profits. In 1935 the ''Conway Stewart & Co. Ltd'' was voluntarily closed to create a new company listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The [[Conway Stewart]] production was still characterized by the colors used in their celluloid pens. Apart from the classic black the company began to sell a wide variety of colored pens, well beyond the classic marbled colors typical of other companies. Even though there are no official names, some names have become standard between collectors, like the ''Tiger eye'', the ''Cross hatch'', the ''Herringbone'' or the most famous ''Cracked ice'' (black with thin white veins), which was introduced in 1934.

The [[Conway Stewart]] production was still characterized by the colors used in their celluloid pens. Apart from the classic black the company began to sell a wide variety of colored pens, well beyond the classic marbled colors typical of other companies. Even though there are no official names, some names have become standard between collectors, like the ''Tiger eye'', the ''Cross hatch'', the ''Herringbone'' or the most famous ''Cracked ice'' (black with thin white veins), which was introduced in 1934.

In this period [[Conway Stewart]] fountain pens were produced with different style, following the trend of ''[[streamlined]]'' pens popular overseas. In 1932 a new ''[[washer clip]]'' was introduced, very similar to the [[Duofold]] one, that was locked on the cap by an hard rubber head. In 1935 a new clip with a diamond shaped tip was introduced, that became a characteristics of [[Conway Steward]] pens for all the following years.  

In this period [[Conway Stewart]] fountain pens were produced with different style, following the trend of ''[[streamlined]]'' pens popular overseas. In 1932 a new ''[[washer clip]]'' was introduced, very similar to the [[Duofold]] one, that was locked on the cap by an hard rubber head. In 1935 a new clip with a diamond shaped tip was introduced, that became a characteristics of [[Conway Steward]] pens for all the following years.

In 1940, following [[Vacumatic]] success, a model with a transparent section to control ink level was offered, but because the war it was not a great success. During the same year were also introduced [[piston filler]] models added to the traditional [[lever filler]] and [[button filler]] ones. Despite the heavy bombing the [[Conway Stewart]] factory remained almost miraculously unharmed and at the end of the war the company was immediately capable to resume production.  

In 1940, following [[Vacumatic]] success, a model with a transparent section to control ink level was offered, but because the war it was not a great success. During the same year were also introduced [[piston filler]] models added to the traditional [[lever filler]] and [[button filler]] ones. Despite the heavy bombing the [[Conway Stewart]] factory remained almost miraculously unharmed and at the end of the war the company was immediately capable to resume production.  

After the war the new models from [[Conway Stewart]] were built with a more streamlined shape and in a huge variety of colors, a characteristic that this will become one of the distinguishing marks of the company. The new models had a new clip, it was always a [[washer clip]] with a diamond shaped tip, but it was locked in place by click button similar ''Jewel'' of  [[Vacumatic]]. At that time were also produced some pens for export (mainly addressed to the Benelux market) under the brand ''Le Tigre''.

After the war the new models from [[Conway Stewart]] were built with a more streamlined shape and in a huge variety of colors, a characteristic that this will become one of the distinguishing marks of the company. The new models had a new clip, it was always a [[washer clip]] with a diamond shaped tip, but it was locked in place by click button similar ''Jewel'' of  [[Vacumatic]]. At that time were also produced some pens for export (mainly addressed to the Benelux market) under the brand ''Le Tigre''.

After the war all the models were identified only by code numbers, with the exception of the [[Dinkie]] that continued to use this name. Unfortunately this does not allow any simplification of the classification of [[Conway Stewart]] pens, because the choice of these code numbers never followed any sequence or any chronological or logical order, and also they often used different codes depending on the destination of the pen (as if it was intended for the export or not). In 1949 the [[Conway Stewart 58|58]] was launched as the top model, who was replaced in that role the following year by the [[Conway Stewart 60|60]].

After the war all the models were identified only by code numbers, with the exception of the [[Dinkie]] that continued to use this name. Unfortunately this does not allow any simplification of the classification of [[Conway Stewart]] pens, because the choice of these code numbers never followed any sequence or any chronological or logical order, and also they often used different codes depending on the destination of the pen (as if it was intended for the export or not). In 1949 the [[Conway Stewart 58|58]] was launched as the top model, who was replaced in that role the following year by the [[Conway Stewart 60|60]].

[[Image:Conway-Stewart-286-MarbGreen-Open.jpg|thumb|Conway Stewart pens|250px|left|A [[Conway Stewart]] model 286]]

[[Image:Conway-Stewart-286-MarbGreen-Open.jpg|thumb|Conway Stewart pens|250px|left|A [[Conway Stewart]] model 286]]

In the mid of '50s [[Conway Stewart]] was at the top of its success, and in 1954 the company  introduced the prestigious [[Conway Stewart 100|100]] model, a large dimension pen. In this period  the first ballpoint pens began to appear on the market, they were expensive and unreliable, but the company continued to ignore them and this traditionalist attitude was fatal. The company also was late in the use of the new plastic materials (introduced only in 1957) and never followed the stylistic trends of ''[[hooded nib]]'' pens launched by the [[Parker 51]].

In the mid of '50s [[Conway Stewart]] was at the top of its success, and in 1954 the company  introduced the prestigious [[Conway Stewart 100|100]] model, a large dimension pen. In this period  the first ballpoint pens began to appear on the market, they were expensive and unreliable, but the company continued to ignore them and this traditionalist attitude was fatal. The company also was late in the use of the new plastic materials (introduced only in 1957) and never followed the stylistic trends of ''[[hooded nib]]'' pens launched by the [[Parker 51]].

The company maintained its policy to produce good quality modest priced fountain pens using traditional and well established methods. But if in the first half of the '50s an economic [[lever filler]] fountain pen with a screw cap was just a little old-fashioned, but perfectly functional, in the second half of the '50s and in later years it became more and more backward and unable to find a place on the market, faced by disposable ballpoint pens sold at much lower prices, against which the company was unable to compete not having the ability to characterize his products, alway placed in the lower end of the market, as distinctive or fashion objects.

The company maintained its policy to produce good quality modest priced fountain pens using traditional and well established methods. But if in the first half of the '50s an economic [[lever filler]] fountain pen with a screw cap was just a little old-fashioned, but perfectly functional, in the second half of the '50s and in later years it became more and more backward and unable to find a place on the market, faced by disposable ballpoint pens sold at much lower prices, against which the company was unable to compete not having the ability to characterize his products, alway placed in the lower end of the market, as distinctive or fashion objects.

Despite some revival attempts, and the production of some ballpoint pens, the move to [[cartridge filler]]s and the production of some economic [[hooded nib]] pens, the inexorable decline continued for all the '60s, until the final closure of the company, occurred for bankruptcy, stated by an order of the High Court of Justice dated 21 June 1975.

Despite some revival attempts, and the production of some ballpoint pens, the move to [[cartridge filler]]s and the production of some economic [[hooded nib]] pens, the inexorable decline continued for all the '60s, until the final closure of the company, occurred for bankruptcy, stated by an order of the High Court of Justice dated 21 June 1975.

{{BrandCrono}}

{{BrandCrono}}

|-

|-

|-

|-

{{TabEnd}}

{{TabEnd}}

<span class="mw-translate-fuzzy">

|-

|-

 

<references/>

 

== External references ==

== External references ==

* http://www.ftic.info/Donahaye/ConwayStewart/ Site of an enthusiast, an impressive amount of information

* http://www.ftic.info/Donahaye/ConwayStewart/ Site of an enthusiast, an impressive amount of information

* http://conwaystewartpens.co.uk/ Site of an antique [[Conway Stewart]] seller, there are some historical infos also

* http://conwaystewartpens.co.uk/ Site of an antique [[Conway Stewart]] seller, there are some historical infos also

* http://www.mvburke.com/history.htm An article on [[Conway Stewart]] history

* http://www.mvburke.com/history.htm An article on [[Conway Stewart]] history

[[Category:Translated Pages]]

[[Category:Translated Pages]]