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[[Image:Logo-Wahl.svg|center|300px|Wahl-Eversharp Logo]]

[[Image:Logo-Wahl.svg|center|300px|Wahl-Eversharp Logo]]

 

The [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] was founded as a manufacturer of pens in 1917, but in reality the company was founded in 1914 when the ''Wahl Adding Machine'' decided to expand and spearhead the first in the world of mechanical pencils, and then what of fountain pen. The company continued its activity until the crisis of the '50s. Activities stopped in 1957, when the division which produced the pens was bought by [[Parker]].

The [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] was founded as a manufacturer of pens in 1917, but in reality the company was founded in 1914 when the ''Wahl Adding Machine'' decided to expand and spearhead the first in the world of mechanical pencils, and then what of fountain pen. The company continued its activity until the crisis of the '50s. Activities stopped in 1957, when the division which produced the pens was bought by [[Parker]].

Despite the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] has not distinguished itself in the world of fountain pens for the introduction of substantial technical innovations it has always produced high quality pens and good finishes. The characteristic for which the [[Eversharp]] has shone in fact was the style, producing, at the apex of his success, some of the most beautiful pens ever made and distinguished by the wonderful achievements in Art Deco style. Thanks to remarkable success from its golden years it will be fully included, though in position less important than the other, between the [[Big Four]].

Despite the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] has not distinguished itself in the world of fountain pens for the introduction of substantial technical innovations it has always produced high quality pens and good finishes. The characteristic for which the [[Eversharp]] has shone in fact was the style, producing, at the apex of his success, some of the most beautiful pens ever made and distinguished by the wonderful achievements in Art Deco style. Thanks to remarkable success from its golden years it will be fully included, though in position less important than the other, between the [[Big Four]].

{{Infobox_Brand|Eversharp}}

{{Infobox_Brand|Eversharp}}

==History==

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The [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]], hereinafter known simply as [[Eversharp]], was born in 1914, following the decision of the ''Wahl Adding Machine'' (a company that produced mechanical calculators) to expand its activities. This is one of the few cases in the early history of fountain pen of the century in which a producer of success starts from the decision of a company to expand into another business sector making an investment, and not from the commercial exploitation of an invention.

The [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]], hereinafter known simply as [[Eversharp]], was born in 1914, following the decision of the ''Wahl Adding Machine'' (a company that produced mechanical calculators) to expand its activities. This is one of the few cases in the early history of fountain pen of the century in which a producer of success starts from the decision of a company to expand into another business sector making an investment, and not from the commercial exploitation of an invention.

The activities of [[Eversharp]] in the field of writing instruments began in 1914 with the launch of homonym mechanical pencil. For many times it was said that that was the ''Ever-Sharp'' pencil created by the Japanese inventor Tokuji Hayakawa, that two years earlier had founded in Tokyo a homonym company, today still active as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_Corporation Sharp]. In reality [http://www.vintagepens.com/Eversharp_history.htm subsequent searches] have shown that the pencil ''Eversharp'' was invented by Charles Keeran in 1913, and then the invention was sold for production to the ''Wahl Adding Machine''.

The activities of [[Eversharp]] in the field of writing instruments began in 1914 with the launch of homonym mechanical pencil. For many times it was said that that was the ''Ever-Sharp'' pencil created by the Japanese inventor Tokuji Hayakawa, that two years earlier had founded in Tokyo a homonym company, today still active as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_Corporation Sharp]. In reality [http://www.vintagepens.com/Eversharp_history.htm subsequent searches] have shown that the pencil ''Eversharp'' was invented by Charles Keeran in 1913, and then the invention was sold for production to the ''Wahl Adding Machine''.

In 1917, continuing with its policy of expansion, the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] acquired the ''[[Boston Pen Company]]'', a company that already started producing good fountain pen in hard rubber characterized by a clip wheel. The pens were marketed branded [[Eversharp|Wahl]], promoting as capable to alleviate the wear on the edges of the pockets thanks to their peculiar ''Roller Clip''.

In 1917, continuing with its policy of expansion, the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] acquired the ''[[Boston Pen Company]]'', a company that already started producing good fountain pen in hard rubber characterized by a clip wheel. The pens were marketed branded [[Eversharp|Wahl]], promoting as capable to alleviate the wear on the edges of the pockets thanks to their peculiar ''Roller Clip''.

The success of the new model, called [[Tempoint]] was great and [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] climbed on top of sales ranking, but the unexpected success involved considerable problems for the production, which was not efficient. That is why the company invested heavily in improving production structures and in 1921 launched a new line of metal pens, called [[Wahl Engine Turned|Wahl All Metal Fountain Pen]] for which they have prepared an efficient production line. These pens have not to be confused with an earlier production line, dated between 1919 and 1920, of overlayed metal pens,<ref>As reported in http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?s=aca8536317f4b3a8bae7a3774b333542&showtopic=199</ref> still using the ''Roller Clip''.

The success of the new model, called [[Tempoint]] was great and [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] climbed on top of sales ranking, but the unexpected success involved considerable problems for the production, which was not efficient. That is why the company invested heavily in improving production structures and in 1921 launched a new line of metal pens, called [[Wahl Engine Turned|Wahl All Metal Fountain Pen]] for which they have prepared an efficient production line. These pens have not to be confused with an earlier production line, dated between 1919 and 1920, of overlayed metal pens,<ref>As reported in http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?s=aca8536317f4b3a8bae7a3774b333542&showtopic=199</ref> still using the ''Roller Clip''.

The attention production efficiency and the intent to pursue a policy of industrial expansion always remain a constant in the history of [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]], as well as the presence of wrong investment decisions, such the one that caused the decline and the end of the company. The first of these misplaced investments was, in 1922, the acquisition of a factory for the production of hard rubber tubes. This led to some of the most beautiful pens in hard rubber ever produced, but the investment was wrong, as it was done just before the advent of celluloid pens.

The attention production efficiency and the intent to pursue a policy of industrial expansion always remain a constant in the history of [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]], as well as the presence of wrong investment decisions, such the one that caused the decline and the end of the company. The first of these misplaced investments was, in 1922, the acquisition of a factory for the production of hard rubber tubes. This led to some of the most beautiful pens in hard rubber ever produced, but the investment was wrong, as it was done just before the advent of celluloid pens.

[[Image:Wahl-Signature-n6.jpg|thumb|left|[[Signature]] models]]

[[Image:Wahl-Signature-n6.jpg|thumb|left|[[Signature]] models]]

Throughout the first part of '20s the company continued to produce pens in hard rubber, the line [[Tempoint]] was completed in 1922, the pens in hard rubber produced since 1923 are called frequently by collectors [[Signature]] using the nib name. But despite being produced in many different versions both in style and materials, the company continued to refer to them simply as ''Wahl Pen''. The pens were produced in different sizes depending on the nib, the wheel clip was reserved for models of biggest dimension, for nib measures 4 and 6, while to meet the [[military clip|military regulation]] was introduced a model with a elegant curved clip, welded directly onto the metallic head of the cap, with an elegant tulip shape, which is indicated by collectors as ''[[Tulip Clip]]'', that was produced in two sizes. The pens were made in black or red hard rubber decorated with engravings, which in 1926 was added the ''Rosewood'' color.

Throughout the first part of '20s the company continued to produce pens in hard rubber, the line [[Tempoint]] was completed in 1922, the pens in hard rubber produced since 1923 are called frequently by collectors [[Signature]] using the nib name. But despite being produced in many different versions both in style and materials, the company continued to refer to them simply as ''Wahl Pen''. The pens were produced in different sizes depending on the nib, the wheel clip was reserved for models of biggest dimension, for nib measures 4 and 6, while to meet the [[military clip|military regulation]] was introduced a model with a elegant curved clip, welded directly onto the metallic head of the cap, with an elegant tulip shape, which is indicated by collectors as ''[[Tulip Clip]]'', that was produced in two sizes. The pens were made in black or red hard rubber decorated with engravings, which in 1926 was added the ''Rosewood'' color.

Due to the heavy investment made [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] was late on the field of materials and began production of celluloid colored pens in 1927, lagging behind competitors (between the [[Big Four]] only [[Waterman]] was slower to adopt the new material). Initially were introduced only three colors: ''Jade Green'',''Royal Blue'' and ''Coral'' while maintaining the production of hard rubber pens.  

Due to the heavy investment made [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] was late on the field of materials and began production of celluloid colored pens in 1927, lagging behind competitors (between the [[Big Four]] only [[Waterman]] was slower to adopt the new material). Initially were introduced only three colors: ''Jade Green'',''Royal Blue'' and ''Coral'' while maintaining the production of hard rubber pens.

The next year the company completely redesigned its line of products, going almost totally to celluloid, also for the Black and the ''Rosewood'' colors, and introducing the new ''Black Pearl'' color; but some of the new models still made in hard rubber can be found. The big novelty however was a revolutionary mechanism that permit to use different kinf of nibs on the same pen, called ''[[Personal Point]]''. Up to 14 different nib types were available, which, thanks to a screw mechanism, could be mounted directly on the pen by the dealer.  

The next year the company completely redesigned its line of products, going almost totally to celluloid, also for the Black and the ''Rosewood'' colors, and introducing the new ''Black Pearl'' color; but some of the new models still made in hard rubber can be found. The big novelty however was a revolutionary mechanism that permit to use different kinf of nibs on the same pen, called ''[[Personal Point]]''. Up to 14 different nib types were available, which, thanks to a screw mechanism, could be mounted directly on the pen by the dealer.  

[[Image:1931-12-Doric-Sets-Desk.jpg|thumb|Advertising for the [[Doric]] model in 1931.]]

[[Image:1931-12-Doric-Sets-Desk.jpg|thumb|Advertising for the [[Doric]] model in 1931.]]

But the real masterpiece of [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] will saw the light in 1931: the [[Doric]], celluloid multifaceted pen, in pure Art Deco style, which is said to be inspired by the columns of Greek temples. The new pen, one of the most beautiful pens ever built, was made of celluloid in five colors from exotic names, ''Kashmir'', ''Morocco'', ''Cathay'', ''Burma'' and the classic ''Jed Black''. To those was added, although it did not appear in advertising and was produced only for a very short period, the ''Black Pearl'', which therefore is very rare.

But the real masterpiece of [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] will saw the light in 1931: the [[Doric]], celluloid multifaceted pen, in pure Art Deco style, which is said to be inspired by the columns of Greek temples. The new pen, one of the most beautiful pens ever built, was made of celluloid in five colors from exotic names, ''Kashmir'', ''Morocco'', ''Cathay'', ''Burma'' and the classic ''Jed Black''. To those was added, although it did not appear in advertising and was produced only for a very short period, the ''Black Pearl'', which therefore is very rare.

In the same year, the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] also launched an economic line, the [[Oxford]], still in celluloid, and with gold nib. These pens, although economic, are almost of good quality and had an excellent value for money. For most of the '30s the production of [[Eversharp]] is dominated by the [[Doric]] and will see the introduction of gradable nibs in 1932, a redesign of the pen in 1935 and the introduction of the mechanism of the ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' in 1936, which was also adopted by the new model [[Coronet]], another masterpiece of the Art Deco.

In the same year, the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] also launched an economic line, the [[Oxford]], still in celluloid, and with gold nib. These pens, although economic, are almost of good quality and had an excellent value for money. For most of the '30s the production of [[Eversharp]] is dominated by the [[Doric]] and will see the introduction of gradable nibs in 1932, a redesign of the pen in 1935 and the introduction of the mechanism of the ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' in 1936, which was also adopted by the new model [[Coronet]], another masterpiece of the Art Deco.

[[Image:InkShutOff.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' scheme.]]

[[Image:InkShutOff.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' scheme.]]

The ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'', illustrated in the figure, was just another wrong investment: promoted as a mechanism capable to block the flow of the ink form the pen when the pen was closed, to prevent leaks because of pressure changes, (as was the case when travelling by plane, activity that was booming) it was indeed ineffective, so that the company was forced to withdraw it from the market by an order from the Federal Trade Commission.

The ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'', illustrated in the figure, was just another wrong investment: promoted as a mechanism capable to block the flow of the ink form the pen when the pen was closed, to prevent leaks because of pressure changes, (as was the case when travelling by plane, activity that was booming) it was indeed ineffective, so that the company was forced to withdraw it from the market by an order from the Federal Trade Commission.

In 1937, following another innovation made by [[Sheaffer]], were also introduced new models of the [[Doric]] with transparent body and new filling system (called ''[[plunger filler]]''), the same filling system was adopted even for some [[Vacuum Model|economic models]], similar to the [[Doric]] but produced in round smooth celluloid. In the late 30's, despite the introduction of other economic models such as [[Pacemaker]] and [[Air-lite]] the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] was constantly losing market share.

In 1937, following another innovation made by [[Sheaffer]], were also introduced new models of the [[Doric]] with transparent body and new filling system (called ''[[plunger filler]]''), the same filling system was adopted even for some [[Vacuum Model|economic models]], similar to the [[Doric]] but produced in round smooth celluloid. In the late 30's, despite the introduction of other economic models such as [[Pacemaker]] and [[Air-lite]] the [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] was constantly losing market share.

That is why in 1940 the company did a complete restructuring, the ''Wahl Company'' was merged with the subsidiary ''Eversharp Inc.'' and the direction was entrusted Martin Strauss who in 1941 launched the new [[Skyline]] model. Again distinguished by the revolutionary design of the pen, entrusted to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Dreyfuss Henry Dreyfuss], and thanks to a successful promotional campaign, the [[Skyline]] realized strong sales, bringing another time the [[Eversharp]] at the top of the market; but it was also the last successful model produced by the company.  

That is why in 1940 the company did a complete restructuring, the ''Wahl Company'' was merged with the subsidiary ''Eversharp Inc.'' and the direction was entrusted Martin Strauss who in 1941 launched the new [[Skyline]] model. Again distinguished by the revolutionary design of the pen, entrusted to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Dreyfuss Henry Dreyfuss], and thanks to a successful promotional campaign, the [[Skyline]] realized strong sales, bringing another time the [[Eversharp]] at the top of the market; but it was also the last successful model produced by the company.

In 1943, in an attempt to follow the success of the [[Parker 51]], was introduced [[Fifth Avenue]], a plastic model with [[hooded nib]], which unlike the [[51]] had limited success. The bulk of sales remained that of [[Skyline]] so that in 1946 the line [[Fifth Avenue]] was retired. Despite the company was solid, the [[Eversharp]] was again facing a period of decline.

In 1943, in an attempt to follow the success of the [[Parker 51]], was introduced [[Fifth Avenue]], a plastic model with [[hooded nib]], which unlike the [[51]] had limited success. The bulk of sales remained that of [[Skyline]] so that in 1946 the line [[Fifth Avenue]] was retired. Despite the company was solid, the [[Eversharp]] was again facing a period of decline.

Ironically it was the decision to invest heavily on a technical innovation over a revolutionary invention, the ballpoint pen, to inflict a mortal blow to the company. In 1945 the [[Eversharp]] began to take an interest in the development of the ballpoint pen acquiring the rights to use the ''Biro''  pen the by Argentine producer  ''Eterpen Co.'', but before the launch of its ''CA (Capillary Action)'' another company, the  ''Reynold's International Pen Company'' put on the market another ballpoint pen. That gave rise to a furious legal battle, that was lost since the invention was already covered by an expired patent from 1888

Ironically it was the decision to invest heavily on a technical innovation over a revolutionary invention, the ballpoint pen, to inflict a mortal blow to the company. In 1945 the [[Eversharp]] began to take an interest in the development of the ballpoint pen acquiring the rights to use the ''Biro''  pen the by Argentine producer  ''Eterpen Co.'', but before the launch of its ''CA (Capillary Action)'' another company, the  ''Reynold's International Pen Company'' put on the market another ballpoint pen. That gave rise to a furious legal battle, that was lost since the invention was already covered by an expired patent from 1888

Despite this, the [[Eversharp]] launched the new ballpoint pen in 1946, obtaining good results in the short time, but the success was brief and immediately unleashed a price war with competitors. Also in a brief time it became clear that the new technology was immature: most of these ballpoint pens in fact worked in a partial way and [[Eversharp]] had to bear huge costs for pens returned back in warranty, which involved large losses due to the strong investments made both for the advertising campaign and for the creation of the production facilities of the new pen.

Despite this, the [[Eversharp]] launched the new ballpoint pen in 1946, obtaining good results in the short time, but the success was brief and immediately unleashed a price war with competitors. Also in a brief time it became clear that the new technology was immature: most of these ballpoint pens in fact worked in a partial way and [[Eversharp]] had to bear huge costs for pens returned back in warranty, which involved large losses due to the strong investments made both for the advertising campaign and for the creation of the production facilities of the new pen.

The failed investment in the production of the ballpoint pen was a fatal blow to the finances of the company, it sought a revival back in the consolidated market of fountain pen, and in 1948 commissioned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Loewy Raymond Loewy], a famous designer, the creation of a new pen, the [[Symphony]] model. But even this model did not have a great success and fortunes of [[Eversharp]] went gradually waning as its profits. The company ended up liquidating the production division to [[Parker]] in 1957. After that date shall remain only traces of the brand in the production, at the end of the '50s, of some economic pens for [[Parker]].

The failed investment in the production of the ballpoint pen was a fatal blow to the finances of the company, it sought a revival back in the consolidated market of fountain pen, and in 1948 commissioned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Loewy Raymond Loewy], a famous designer, the creation of a new pen, the [[Symphony]] model. But even this model did not have a great success and fortunes of [[Eversharp]] went gradually waning as its profits. The company ended up liquidating the production division to [[Parker]] in 1957. After that date shall remain only traces of the brand in the production, at the end of the '50s, of some economic pens for [[Parker]].

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==Notes==

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<references/>

 

 

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eversharp

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eversharp

* http://www.pendemonium.com/pens_eversharp.htm

* http://www.pendemonium.com/pens_eversharp.htm

* http://www.billspens.com/billspens/eversharp/eversharp.htm

* http://www.billspens.com/billspens/eversharp/eversharp.htm

* http://www.pensburymanor.com/

* http://www.pensburymanor.com/

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