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[[Columbus]] was founded in 1918 and was between the firsts Italian fountain pens manufacturers. The  [[Columbus]] pens, like many other similar productions in Italy, were imitations of the more famous American brand models, however they had good quality and excellent style, and for these reason the company is considered to be between the most significant brands of the Italian market.{{Infobox_Brand|Columbus}}

[[Columbus]] was founded in 1918 and was between the firsts Italian fountain pens manufacturers. The  [[Columbus]] pens, like many other similar productions in Italy, were imitations of the more famous American brand models, however they had good quality and excellent style, and for these reason the company is considered to be between the most significant brands of the Italian market.{{Infobox_Brand|Columbus}}

== History ==  

== History ==

On 19 May 1918 the Eugenio and Alfredo Verga brothers founded in Milan the ''Alfredo Verga dei Fratelli Verga Snc'',<ref>meaning ''Alfredo Verga Society of the Verga Brothers''.</ref>, with headquarters in Corso di Porta Romana n.80. ''Alfredo Verga'' already worked as a trader for [[Conway Stewart]], while ''Eugenio Verga'' was a salesman for the ''[[Uhlmann's Eterno]]''. The purpose of the new company was to enter the market with production and sales of fountain pens, nibs, ink and stationery. Eugenio chose the name of their products, [[Columbus]], while Alfredo gave the company his name; the same year the first fountain pen, called ''Columbus Safety Pen nr. 1'', was produced.

On 19 May 1918 the Eugenio and Alfredo Verga brothers founded in Milan the ''Alfredo Verga dei Fratelli Verga Snc'',<ref>meaning ''Alfredo Verga Society of the Verga Brothers''.</ref>, with headquarters in Corso di Porta Romana n.80. ''Alfredo Verga'' already worked as a trader for [[Conway Stewart]], while ''Eugenio Verga'' was a salesman for the ''[[Uhlmann's Eterno]]''. The purpose of the new company was to enter the market with production and sales of fountain pens, nibs, ink and stationery. Eugenio chose the name of their products, [[Columbus]], while Alfredo gave the company his name; the same year the first fountain pen, called ''Columbus Safety Pen nr. 1'', was produced.

[[Image:Columbus-Overlay-Capped.jpg|thumb|A lady [[Columbus]] [[overlay]] [[safety]] ]]

[[Image:Columbus-Overlay-Capped.jpg|thumb|A lady [[Columbus]] [[overlay]] [[safety]] ]]

The first models were black hard rubber [[safety]] pens, produced in six different sizes from 1 to 6, and in long or short version. Their style was a imitation of that one used by German producers (like [[Montblanc]] or [[Kaweco]]) with rounded cap top and barrel end. These pens were in fact produced with all the external components purchased in Germany, while just the internal mechanism, the assembly and the finishing was made in Italy.

The first models were black hard rubber [[safety]] pens, produced in six different sizes from 1 to 6, and in long or short version. Their style was a imitation of that one used by German producers (like [[Montblanc]] or [[Kaweco]]) with rounded cap top and barrel end. These pens were in fact produced with all the external components purchased in Germany, while just the internal mechanism, the assembly and the finishing was made in Italy.

Like other Italian pens of the same period, [[Columbus]] pens were imitations of the most famous models at that time, but they were produced locally so they could be sold at much lower prices. Most of the [[Columbus]] initial production consisted in [[safety]] pens with gold plated (both 14k or 18k) [[overlay]]s. The pens had good technical quality, and their decorations were very sophisticated, by far the best of that time and significantly better than those of the foreign models they imitated.  

Like other Italian pens of the same period, [[Columbus]] pens were imitations of the most famous models at that time, but they were produced locally so they could be sold at much lower prices. Most of the [[Columbus]] initial production consisted in [[safety]] pens with gold plated (both 14k or 18k) [[overlay]]s. The pens had good technical quality, and their decorations were very sophisticated, by far the best of that time and significantly better than those of the foreign models they imitated.  

The activity was quite successful and in 1924 the [[Columbus]] trademark was officially recorded at {{Marchio|26261}}<ref>Letizia Jacopini reports on "The history of the fountain in Italy," the number 23247,seen in many pens, which presumably refers to the fact that the mark is registered in Vol. 247, Ranked #23 in the register of trade marks.</ref> at the department of the economy. After this date the pens started reporting an extended imprint (compared to the previous one havin only the ''Columbus'' name) bearing the registration number and the words ''sicurezza garatita''.<ref>meaning ''security guaranteed''.</ref> At the same time the company expanded its production by introducing new versions of gold-plated [[overlay]]s pens.  

The activity was quite successful and in 1924 the [[Columbus]] trademark was officially recorded at {{Marchio|26261}}<ref>Letizia Jacopini reports on "The history of the fountain in Italy," the number 23247,seen in many pens, which presumably refers to the fact that the mark is registered in Vol. 247, Ranked #23 in the register of trade marks.</ref> at the department of the economy. After this date the pens started reporting an extended imprint (compared to the previous one havin only the ''Columbus'' name) bearing the registration number and the words ''sicurezza garatita''.<ref>meaning ''security guaranteed''.</ref> At the same time the company expanded its production by introducing new versions of gold-plated [[overlay]]s pens.

In this period, placed in the first half of '20s, there was also a change of style, passing from the imitation of Germans model to the American ones. The change is shown by some as a consequence of birth, in 1927, the new Columbus Eugenio Verga, but there are<ref>on the [http://www.columbuspenne.it/COL/antiche/pagine-ita/origini.htm historic section] on the company site the [[Columbus 670]] is dated to 1924, and there is a commercial letter from 1926 were such models are shown.</ref> clear references to pens with this style produced before the separation of Verga brothers.

In this period, placed in the first half of '20s, there was also a change of style, passing from the imitation of Germans model to the American ones. The change is shown by some as a consequence of birth, in 1927, the new Columbus Eugenio Verga, but there are<ref>on the [http://www.columbuspenne.it/COL/antiche/pagine-ita/origini.htm historic section] on the company site the [[Columbus 670]] is dated to 1924, and there is a commercial letter from 1926 were such models are shown.</ref> clear references to pens with this style produced before the separation of Verga brothers.

In the first half of '20s  the [[Columbus 670]] model, very similar to [[Waterman 42]], was introduced. It was produced in three size, normal, thin, and ladies,  and in black, red or [[mottled]] hard rubber. The range of available [[overlay]]s was also expanded, form the simple engraving machine were added to decorations or bas gallery and this work became one of the strengths of the company. There is a remarkable production of this pen with an engraving of the star of David on the body of the pen (also listed on the packaging) as a result of an agreement between Columbus and the ghetto in Milan.  

In the first half of '20s  the [[Columbus 670]] model, very similar to [[Waterman 42]], was introduced. It was produced in three size, normal, thin, and ladies,  and in black, red or [[mottled]] hard rubber. The range of available [[overlay]]s was also expanded, form the simple engraving machine were added to decorations or bas gallery and this work became one of the strengths of the company. There is a remarkable production of this pen with an engraving of the star of David on the body of the pen (also listed on the packaging) as a result of an agreement between Columbus and the ghetto in Milan.  

In 1927, when the [[safety]] hard rubber models were too old, the company faced a crisis and broke up. The two brothers separated, ''Alfredo Verga'' founded its own company, the ''[[Omega A.V.M.]]'' while ''Eugenio Verga'', owning of the [[Columbus]] trademark, continued alone creating a personal company with its own name.  

In 1927, when the [[safety]] hard rubber models were too old, the company faced a crisis and broke up. The two brothers separated, ''Alfredo Verga'' founded its own company, the ''[[Omega A.V.M.]]'' while ''Eugenio Verga'', owning of the [[Columbus]] trademark, continued alone creating a personal company with its own name.

[[Image:ColumbusSpoonFiller.jpg|thumb|Patent excerpt for the new filling system]]

[[Image:ColumbusSpoonFiller.jpg|thumb|Patent excerpt for the new filling system]]

While maintaining the production of previous models the new [[Columbus]] began to put attention to technical innovations, a new double channel feeder, used on top models until the 40s, was created, and the company began testing the use of celluloid. The company tried to position themselves on the market aiming to produce pens which were generally of good quality but sold at the lowest prices possible. In 1929 a new filling system was patented (on the mechanism is imprinted the number 268327, not present in any archive, but the {{Cite patent|GB|334913}} is present), essentially an own version of the [[spoon filler]]. This patent also has a very interesting story, there is in fact a variant of 1931, the {{Cite patent|CA|327288}}, that's assigned to the [[Swan|Mabie Todd]] company, that in that period was about to launch its [[leverless]] filler, which creates an unexpected link between these two companies.

While maintaining the production of previous models the new [[Columbus]] began to put attention to technical innovations, a new double channel feeder, used on top models until the 40s, was created, and the company began testing the use of celluloid. The company tried to position themselves on the market aiming to produce pens which were generally of good quality but sold at the lowest prices possible. In 1929 a new filling system was patented (on the mechanism is imprinted the number 268327, not present in any archive, but the {{Cite patent|GB|334913}} is present), essentially an own version of the [[spoon filler]]. This patent also has a very interesting story, there is in fact a variant of 1931, the {{Cite patent|CA|327288}}, that's assigned to the [[Swan|Mabie Todd]] company, that in that period was about to launch its [[leverless]] filler, which creates an unexpected link between these two companies.

[[Image:192x-Columbus-Extra-Flattop-Front.jpg|thumb|left|A ''[[Flat top]]'' style [[Columbus Extra|Extra]] from '20s]]

[[Image:192x-Columbus-Extra-Flattop-Front.jpg|thumb|left|A ''[[Flat top]]'' style [[Columbus Extra|Extra]] from '20s]]

Also in 1929 the [[Columbus Extra]] line was introduced, using the new filling system. Since then the name ''Columbus Extra'' was used to indicate the high-end production, so under this name were produced a wide variety of different models. Typically all models were further identified by a numerical or literal code. This line, with the same name and the same model numbers, remained in production for about a decade, while undergoing many stylistic and technical changes. Therefore is very difficult to classify with the same name a production that can be highly differentiated.  

Also in 1929 the [[Columbus Extra]] line was introduced, using the new filling system. Since then the name ''Columbus Extra'' was used to indicate the high-end production, so under this name were produced a wide variety of different models. Typically all models were further identified by a numerical or literal code. This line, with the same name and the same model numbers, remained in production for about a decade, while undergoing many stylistic and technical changes. Therefore is very difficult to classify with the same name a production that can be highly differentiated.

The pens of the first [[Columbus Extra]] line were ''[[Flat top]]s'', clear imitation of the [[Parker]] [[Duofold]]; they were produced in four versions numbered [[Columbus Extra 98|98]], [[Columbus Extra 96|96]], [[Columbus Extra 94|94]] and [[Columbus Extra 80|80]], the first three respectively corresponding to large, medium and small size, and the forth to a lady version (same size of the small, but with cap ring instead of clip). In 1931 the [[Columbus Extra]] underwent a restyling following the trend of [[streamlined]] shapes, and the cap was decorated with a different cap band. The pens of this period, however, although it were obvious imitations, were of good quality and very elegant. The [[Columbus Extra 98|98]] model remains one of the best pens made at that time.  

The pens of the first [[Columbus Extra]] line were ''[[Flat top]]s'', clear imitation of the [[Parker]] [[Duofold]]; they were produced in four versions numbered [[Columbus Extra 98|98]], [[Columbus Extra 96|96]], [[Columbus Extra 94|94]] and [[Columbus Extra 80|80]], the first three respectively corresponding to large, medium and small size, and the forth to a lady version (same size of the small, but with cap ring instead of clip). In 1931 the [[Columbus Extra]] underwent a restyling following the trend of [[streamlined]] shapes, and the cap was decorated with a different cap band. The pens of this period, however, although it were obvious imitations, were of good quality and very elegant. The [[Columbus Extra 98|98]] model remains one of the best pens made at that time.

[[Image:1932-Columbus-Extra.jpg|thumb|An [[Columbus Extra|Extra]] model from beginning of '30s]]

[[Image:1932-Columbus-Extra.jpg|thumb|An [[Columbus Extra|Extra]] model from beginning of '30s]]

Around the 1935 a new faceted [[Columbus Extra Faccettata|Columbus Extra]] was introduced. The pen was a [[lever filler]], and remained in production until the late '30s. The pen was produced in three sizes, large, medium and small, identified by their initials as [[Columbus Extra G]], [[Columbus Extra M]] e [[Columbus Extra P]].<ref>from the italian "Grande" (big), Media (medium) and "Piccola" (small).</ref> It was produced in two version, with three rings or with a greek motif decorated band. The pen was a [[lever filler]], with a wheel clip, similar to the one used on the [[Doric]], and virtually identical to the one used on the [[Omas Extra|same name]] model produced by [[Omas]].<ref>although there are no specific documentary references, is a known fact that ''Eugenio Verga'' knew and had friendly relations with ''Armando Simoni''; the pens produced by [[Columbus]] and [[Omas]] have in many cases, materials and finishes virtually identical and because this many conjectures have been made, such as the fact that [[Omas]] may have produced for some times some [[Columbus]] models, or that the two companies have made joint purchases from the same suppliers.</ref>

Around the 1935 a new faceted [[Columbus Extra Faccettata|Columbus Extra]] was introduced. The pen was a [[lever filler]], and remained in production until the late '30s. The pen was produced in three sizes, large, medium and small, identified by their initials as [[Columbus Extra G]], [[Columbus Extra M]] e [[Columbus Extra P]].<ref>from the italian "Grande" (big), Media (medium) and "Piccola" (small).</ref> It was produced in two version, with three rings or with a greek motif decorated band. The pen was a [[lever filler]], with a wheel clip, similar to the one used on the [[Doric]], and virtually identical to the one used on the [[Omas Extra|same name]] model produced by [[Omas]].<ref>although there are no specific documentary references, is a known fact that ''Eugenio Verga'' knew and had friendly relations with ''Armando Simoni''; the pens produced by [[Columbus]] and [[Omas]] have in many cases, materials and finishes virtually identical and because this many conjectures have been made, such as the fact that [[Omas]] may have produced for some times some [[Columbus]] models, or that the two companies have made joint purchases from the same suppliers.</ref>

Also around 1935 the Columbus introduced a new arrow clip, an obvious imitation of the one used by [[Parker]] on the [[Vacumatic]] model. The new clip was progressively used on many different models, but it was applied primarily on the top models marked ''Extra''. In 1936, as a result of the good commercial success achieved by its pens, [[Columbus]] moved its activities into the new headquarters of Via Lamarmora in Milan, where more space allowed to meet the increased production needs.

Also around 1935 the Columbus introduced a new arrow clip, an obvious imitation of the one used by [[Parker]] on the [[Vacumatic]] model. The new clip was progressively used on many different models, but it was applied primarily on the top models marked ''Extra''. In 1936, as a result of the good commercial success achieved by its pens, [[Columbus]] moved its activities into the new headquarters of Via Lamarmora in Milan, where more space allowed to meet the increased production needs.

In addition to the top line of the various series marked ''Columbus Extra'' the company also produced lower price pens simply marked as ''Columbus'', also identified by a numerical code. In the production of the second half of the '30s stand out among these the [[Columbus 3x|30]] and [[Columbus 55]] lines. Around 1940, even if there is who gives the origins to the second half of the '30s, the [[Columbus 25]] was introduced to a compact pen with a  stylized spear-shaped clip using a [[button filler]] system. Although not marked as top line, the pen was provided with very elegant band decorations on the cap, similar to those found on the top models of the ''Columbus Extra'' series.  

In addition to the top line of the various series marked ''Columbus Extra'' the company also produced lower price pens simply marked as ''Columbus'', also identified by a numerical code. In the production of the second half of the '30s stand out among these the [[Columbus 3x|30]] and [[Columbus 55]] lines. Around 1940, even if there is who gives the origins to the second half of the '30s, the [[Columbus 25]] was introduced to a compact pen with a  stylized spear-shaped clip using a [[button filler]] system. Although not marked as top line, the pen was provided with very elegant band decorations on the cap, similar to those found on the top models of the ''Columbus Extra'' series.

[[Image:Columbus-25-Capped.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Columbus 25]]]]

[[Image:Columbus-25-Capped.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Columbus 25]]]]

Also in the second half of the '30s [[Columbus]] started producing models with transparent celluloid that allow to see the ink level, according to the new trend inaugurated by [[Vacumatic]]. From this this period was the birth of the [[Columbus 112]], a [[plunger filler]] model. In 1938 the company obtained a patent ({{Cite patent|IT|288327}}) for a screw piston, which had as a consequence the creation of the [[Columbus 10x|100]] line, equipped with a [[piston filler]] loading system.  

Also in the second half of the '30s [[Columbus]] started producing models with transparent celluloid that allow to see the ink level, according to the new trend inaugurated by [[Vacumatic]]. From this this period was the birth of the [[Columbus 112]], a [[plunger filler]] model. In 1938 the company obtained a patent ({{Cite patent|IT|288327}}) for a screw piston, which had as a consequence the creation of the [[Columbus 10x|100]] line, equipped with a [[piston filler]] loading system.

During the period between the late '30s and the beginning of the '40s, the company affected, as all other European producers, the effects of the war, and because of economic difficulties and supply shortage a drastic simplification of production was made, using only [[button filler]] and arrow clip on all models. In 1941 the company launched a model produced exclusively for the army, the [[Columbus 29]] that after was also distributed on the overall market.

During the period between the late '30s and the beginning of the '40s, the company affected, as all other European producers, the effects of the war, and because of economic difficulties and supply shortage a drastic simplification of production was made, using only [[button filler]] and arrow clip on all models. In 1941 the company launched a model produced exclusively for the army, the [[Columbus 29]] that after was also distributed on the overall market.

In 1942 during a bombing the factory in Milan on Via Lamarmora was almost completely destroyed,<ref>this is also why there are strong uncertainties on many dates, because all the archives were lost in that occasion.</ref>, and the production was moved to Lesa, on Lake Maggiore, with considerable logistical difficulties since the plants were in four different sheds quite distant from each other. In this period the company merely continued a limited production of existing models without any change or innovation and only in 1946, when the company was able to return to Milan, the production was resumed at full capacity.

In 1942 during a bombing the factory in Milan on Via Lamarmora was almost completely destroyed,<ref>this is also why there are strong uncertainties on many dates, because all the archives were lost in that occasion.</ref>, and the production was moved to Lesa, on Lake Maggiore, with considerable logistical difficulties since the plants were in four different sheds quite distant from each other. In this period the company merely continued a limited production of existing models without any change or innovation and only in 1946, when the company was able to return to Milan, the production was resumed at full capacity.

[[Image:Columbus-134-Open.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Columbus 13x|Columbus 134]]]]

[[Image:Columbus-134-Open.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Columbus 13x|Columbus 134]]]]

The last series produced in celluloid, the [[Columbus 90]] was introduced approximately in 1951, and made both as [[piston filler]] or with a special [[button filler]] with the bottom back not removable, similar to the ''[[push-knob]]'' of [[Montblanc]]. The production of the '50s saw the abandonment of celluloid for the use of cheaper molded plastic, and the production of [[Columbus Anni '50|models]] with [[hooded nib]] and cheap plastic pens for the student market.

The last series produced in celluloid, the [[Columbus 90]] was introduced approximately in 1951, and made both as [[piston filler]] or with a special [[button filler]] with the bottom back not removable, similar to the ''[[push-knob]]'' of [[Montblanc]]. The production of the '50s saw the abandonment of celluloid for the use of cheaper molded plastic, and the production of [[Columbus Anni '50|models]] with [[hooded nib]] and cheap plastic pens for the student market.

In 1957 the founder died, leaving the company in the hands of his son Enrico, but at that time the fountain pen market was drastically shrinking due to the spread of the ballpoint pens. The choice was towards the production for the school and the low end of the market, but the company suffered an inexorable decline. In 1992 the company renmants and the [[Columbus]] trademark were sold to ''Santara Srl'' that is still producing some modern pens under the same brand.

In 1957 the founder died, leaving the company in the hands of his son Enrico, but at that time the fountain pen market was drastically shrinking due to the spread of the ballpoint pens. The choice was towards the production for the school and the low end of the market, but the company suffered an inexorable decline. In 1992 the company renmants and the [[Columbus]] trademark were sold to ''Santara Srl'' that is still producing some modern pens under the same brand.

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==Notes==

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<references/>

 

 

* http://www.pentrace.net/article092801120.html A  ''Pen Trace'' article

* http://www.pentrace.net/article092801120.html A  ''Pen Trace'' article

* http://www.columbuspenne.it Official web site, containing interesting infos

* http://www.columbuspenne.it Official web site, containing interesting infos

* http://www.italianfountainpenacademy.it/storia/columbus.htm a brand history

* http://www.italianfountainpenacademy.it/storia/columbus.htm a brand history

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