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[[Image:Soennecken-Plant.jpg|thumb|[[Soennecken]] plant in Poppelsdorf (Bonn)]]

[[Image:Soennecken-Plant.jpg|thumb|[[Soennecken]] plant in Poppelsdorf (Bonn)]]

''[[Soennecken|Soennecken Verlag]]'' was founded in 1875 when ''Friedrich Soennecken'' went into business by opening a stationery store in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iserlohn Iserlohn]. ''Friederich Soennecken''  had already founded in 1868 the ''Kaufmannische Verein Iserlohn'', an association dedicated to business correspondence, and had developed his own style of calligraphy.  

''[[Soennecken|Soennecken Verlag]]'' was founded in 1875 when ''Friedrich Soennecken'' went into business by opening a stationery store in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iserlohn Iserlohn]. ''Friederich Soennecken''  had already founded in 1868 the ''Kaufmannische Verein Iserlohn'', an association dedicated to business correspondence, and had developed his own style of calligraphy.

With the opening of the store, he started sales of nibs, ink and handwriting workbooks that were a hit among the college students, so that in 1876 he moved to the university city of Bonn. Due to the success of his style the company had expanded significantly, and in 1883 a  three floors home was built in [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppelsdorf Poppelsdorf], in the Bonn center, where approximately forty employees operates. In this same period, the company expanded in the writing instruments market, thanks to inventions like the loose-leaf notebook, and the paper drill. The [[Soennecken]] became one of the leading German manufacturers in the field of stationery, also extending its production to office furniture.  

With the opening of the store, he started sales of nibs, ink and handwriting workbooks that were a hit among the college students, so that in 1876 he moved to the university city of Bonn. Due to the success of his style the company had expanded significantly, and in 1883 a  three floors home was built in [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppelsdorf Poppelsdorf], in the Bonn center, where approximately forty employees operates. In this same period, the company expanded in the writing instruments market, thanks to inventions like the loose-leaf notebook, and the paper drill. The [[Soennecken]] became one of the leading German manufacturers in the field of stationery, also extending its production to office furniture.

[[Image:StemmaSoennecken.jpg|thumb|Logo della Soennecken|150px|left|Photos of a [[Soennecken]] stone logo present on the company building]]

[[Image:StemmaSoennecken.jpg|thumb|Logo della Soennecken|150px|left|Photos of a [[Soennecken]] stone logo present on the company building]]

The start of  fountain pens production is not known precisely, but it is known that they were listed in a catalog of 1890, along with over 150 other stationery products. These models were hard rubber eyedropper pens, characterized by a lock line for the cap. These pens were characterized by the imprinting ''F. Soennecken 554'' and were available in four sizes (numbered from 3 to 6) and equipped with the gold nib produced by the company.

The start of  fountain pens production is not known precisely, but it is known that they were listed in a catalog of 1890, along with over 150 other stationery products. These models were hard rubber eyedropper pens, characterized by a lock line for the cap. These pens were characterized by the imprinting ''F. Soennecken 554'' and were available in four sizes (numbered from 3 to 6) and equipped with the gold nib produced by the company.

There is not much information available about these early models; according to Lambrou there were different variants: the number 575 with cylindrical cap, the number 576 with conical cap and an ''[[overfeed]]'' feeder, the  number 577 with conical cap.

There is not much information available about these early models; according to Lambrou there were different variants: the number 575 with cylindrical cap, the number 576 with conical cap and an ''[[overfeed]]'' feeder, the  number 577 with conical cap.

[[Image:Soennecken-Catalog.jpg|thumb|Soennecken catalog|150px|Photos of a 1895 [[Soennecken]] catalog]]

[[Image:Soennecken-Catalog.jpg|thumb|Soennecken catalog|150px|Photos of a 1895 [[Soennecken]] catalog]]

The first [[safety]] fountain pen was built in 1905, it adopted a device similar to that adopted by [[Kaweco]] with a bump on the bottom of the cap that allowed to facilitate the rotation (and the consequent return of the mechanism), by setting the cap on the back of the pen in a corresponding incision. There were shown over 30 different models of those new pens in a catalog of 1905.

The first [[safety]] fountain pen was built in 1905, it adopted a device similar to that adopted by [[Kaweco]] with a bump on the bottom of the cap that allowed to facilitate the rotation (and the consequent return of the mechanism), by setting the cap on the back of the pen in a corresponding incision. There were shown over 30 different models of those new pens in a catalog of 1905.

In 1913 the range of fountain pens was extended. Smooth body models were identified with numbers 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16, the carved ones with numbers 810, 812, 814, 816 up to 820, and with prices between 10 and 25 marks. Models were also made with gold plated or gold bands, identified by the application of a Z after the number of the pen. Models were also made ​​of precious metals, the gold ones were identified by adding number 11 before the normal model number, while the number 10 was used for the silver ones.  

In 1913 the range of fountain pens was extended. Smooth body models were identified with numbers 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16, the carved ones with numbers 810, 812, 814, 816 up to 820, and with prices between 10 and 25 marks. Models were also made with gold plated or gold bands, identified by the application of a Z after the number of the pen. Models were also made ​​of precious metals, the gold ones were identified by adding number 11 before the normal model number, while the number 10 was used for the silver ones.

In 1927 were introduced the first [[lever filler]] models, discontinued  after three years, in 1930, when it was introduced a particular [[button filler]] system, characterized by a protection shell that allowed to hide the hard rubber button, which was operated by rotating the shell. The new system received great acclaim, although the production of [[safety]] pens was maintained until 1939. The finest line of pens, equipped with the new [[button filler]] system, was named [[Rheingold]] (''Rhein gold''), inspired by the name of the treasure it the Wagner's ring Cycle, and were characterized by a decoration on top of the cap that consisted in an "S" letter surrounded by an inlaid white circle in turn surrounded by inlaid rays.  

In 1927 were introduced the first [[lever filler]] models, discontinued  after three years, in 1930, when it was introduced a particular [[button filler]] system, characterized by a protection shell that allowed to hide the hard rubber button, which was operated by rotating the shell. The new system received great acclaim, although the production of [[safety]] pens was maintained until 1939. The finest line of pens, equipped with the new [[button filler]] system, was named [[Rheingold]] (''Rhein gold''), inspired by the name of the treasure it the Wagner's ring Cycle, and were characterized by a decoration on top of the cap that consisted in an "S" letter surrounded by an inlaid white circle in turn surrounded by inlaid rays.

In the following models the logo was simplified by removing the circle, and keeping the "S" surrounded by rays like a sun, in addition the filler button was made in white color to make it more visible. In 1931, driven by competition suffered in previous years, particularly because of the [[Osmia]] and its production of celluloid [[Duofold]] on behalf of the [[Parker]], also [[Soennecken]] began to use this to this material. So the [[Rheingold]] series became available, as well as in the classic black, in blue, green, red and brown, with a luxury model in ''Pearl and Black''. The new celluloid models were available in three sizes, 912, 913 and 916, there was also an economic model with the number 305 andd no logo on the cap, available in black, blue, red, green and marbled pearl-edged blacks , and another economic model marked with the number 406.

In the following models the logo was simplified by removing the circle, and keeping the "S" surrounded by rays like a sun, in addition the filler button was made in white color to make it more visible. In 1931, driven by competition suffered in previous years, particularly because of the [[Osmia]] and its production of celluloid [[Duofold]] on behalf of the [[Parker]], also [[Soennecken]] began to use this to this material. So the [[Rheingold]] series became available, as well as in the classic black, in blue, green, red and brown, with a luxury model in ''Pearl and Black''. The new celluloid models were available in three sizes, 912, 913 and 916, there was also an economic model with the number 305 andd no logo on the cap, available in black, blue, red, green and marbled pearl-edged blacks , and another economic model marked with the number 406.

In 1933 the [[Rheingold]] series was restyled and produced in four different sizes; models were given the numbers 1911, 1913, 1915 and 1917. These were joined by a few second-tier models: the 306 produced in black, blue and pearl, and the 205, an economic pen, also called ''Seneca''. Was also produced a stilographic pen for technical drawing, numbered  as 560A. In 1935 was intrduced the luxury model [[Präsident]], with the body equipped with a transparent section and a new filling system, then used also on [[Rheingold]].

In 1933 the [[Rheingold]] series was restyled and produced in four different sizes; models were given the numbers 1911, 1913, 1915 and 1917. These were joined by a few second-tier models: the 306 produced in black, blue and pearl, and the 205, an economic pen, also called ''Seneca''. Was also produced a stilographic pen for technical drawing, numbered  as 560A. In 1935 was intrduced the luxury model [[Präsident]], with the body equipped with a transparent section and a new filling system, then used also on [[Rheingold]].

During those years the increasing success of the piston filler introduced by [[Pelikan]] pushed even [[Soennecken]] to adopt this system with the  [[Soennecken 1306|1306]] model. It was built ​​according in an extremely robust way as the fixing pin and the piston were made ​​of brass. Despite this new system [[Soennecken]] pens were marketed at a price lower than equivalent models of the [[Montblanc]] and [[Pelikan]]. At the same time was marketed an economic model for students, the [[Soennecken S4|S4]], also called ''[[Soennecken S4|Sütterlin]]''.  

During those years the increasing success of the piston filler introduced by [[Pelikan]] pushed even [[Soennecken]] to adopt this system with the  [[Soennecken 1306|1306]] model. It was built ​​according in an extremely robust way as the fixing pin and the piston were made ​​of brass. Despite this new system [[Soennecken]] pens were marketed at a price lower than equivalent models of the [[Montblanc]] and [[Pelikan]]. At the same time was marketed an economic model for students, the [[Soennecken S4|S4]], also called ''[[Soennecken S4|Sütterlin]]''.  

[[Image:1937-38-Soennecken-Catalog-p01.jpg|thumb|First page from 1937/38 catalog]]

[[Image:1937-38-Soennecken-Catalog-p01.jpg|thumb|First page from 1937/38 catalog]]

The one preceding the WWII was the company most successful period, with a production ranged from fountain pens to office furniture, covering all areas for stationery items. In 1938 the models were the [[Soennecken 507|507]] [[Soennecken 510|510]] and [[Soennecken 510|510S]], with a new logo consists of an eagle perched on a pen inside of a circle, also used on [[Präsident]] in a [[:Category: Soennecken-1937-Catalog|catalogue]] from 1937/38 also appear dome versions on the new [[Rheingold]] line with the numbers 613 and 616. When during the war the use of gold nibs became impossible, [[Soennecken]] resorted to palladium, marked with the symbol ''Pargo'' in the nibs. In 1940 the production was reduced to only four models, [[Soennecken 506|506]], [[Soennecken 507|507]], [[Soennecken 510| 510]] and [[Soennecken S4|S4]].  

The one preceding the WWII was the company most successful period, with a production ranged from fountain pens to office furniture, covering all areas for stationery items. In 1938 the models were the [[Soennecken 507|507]] [[Soennecken 510|510]] and [[Soennecken 510|510S]], with a new logo consists of an eagle perched on a pen inside of a circle, also used on [[Präsident]] in a [[:Category: Soennecken-1937-Catalog|catalogue]] from 1937/38 also appear dome versions on the new [[Rheingold]] line with the numbers 613 and 616. When during the war the use of gold nibs became impossible, [[Soennecken]] resorted to palladium, marked with the symbol ''Pargo'' in the nibs. In 1940 the production was reduced to only four models, [[Soennecken 506|506]], [[Soennecken 507|507]], [[Soennecken 510| 510]] and [[Soennecken S4|S4]].

The war was very heavy on the company, factories in Bonn were completely destroyed by bombing, but in 1945 production was resumed by the son and the grandson of the founder. Ttwo models of the [[Präsident]] line were produced, with two-tone gold nib and black body and the production of the two [[Rheingold]] models with the numbers 613 and 616 was resumed, these pens were made of celluloid in black, blue, gray, and pearly green, although other less common colors are known. Finally, was restarted the production of [[piston filler]] models, with the numbers [[Soennecken 504|504]], [[Soennecken 506|506]], [[Soennecken 507|507]] and [[Soennecken 510|510]]. These, in addition to the classic black color, were also produced in pearl celluloid with a woven patterned in blue, red, gray or green.

The war was very heavy on the company, factories in Bonn were completely destroyed by bombing, but in 1945 production was resumed by the son and the grandson of the founder. Ttwo models of the [[Präsident]] line were produced, with two-tone gold nib and black body and the production of the two [[Rheingold]] models with the numbers 613 and 616 was resumed, these pens were made of celluloid in black, blue, gray, and pearly green, although other less common colors are known. Finally, was restarted the production of [[piston filler]] models, with the numbers [[Soennecken 504|504]], [[Soennecken 506|506]], [[Soennecken 507|507]] and [[Soennecken 510|510]]. These, in addition to the classic black color, were also produced in pearl celluloid with a woven patterned in blue, red, gray or green.

In 1947 was introduced a new line of piston filler pens with steel nib, more squat in shape, wider, with a thicker body and a flattened cap. These were called, depending on the size, with the numbers [[Soennecken 110|110]], [[Soennecken 112|112]], [[Soennecken 116|116]] and [[Soennecken 120|120]]. These were initially produced in black, but later were also introduced celluloid versions with woven motifs in blue or gray.  

In 1947 was introduced a new line of piston filler pens with steel nib, more squat in shape, wider, with a thicker body and a flattened cap. These were called, depending on the size, with the numbers [[Soennecken 110|110]], [[Soennecken 112|112]], [[Soennecken 116|116]] and [[Soennecken 120|120]]. These were initially produced in black, but later were also introduced celluloid versions with woven motifs in blue or gray.

In 1949 was introduced a new line with the three models [[Soennecken 410|410]], [[Soennecken 414|414]] and [[Soennecken 420|420]], with a new [[piston filler]] system patented in 1939, where the knob of the plunger was locked when at rest. In order to load the pen it was needed to lift the cap slightly to unlock it to allow the rotation, once the pen is filled and the plunger brought back the knob is automatically locked into position, avoiding improper rotations. The new models of fountain pens were thinner and more streamlined. In these same years were produced new models for the student market, marked [[Soennecken S4|S4]] and [[Soennecken S4|S6]], and a series of streamlined black celluloid pens, called [[Soennecken 100|100 ]], [[Soennecken 100|100 Extras]], [[Soennecken 100|101 Lady]] and [[Soennecken 100|Schreibneister]].   

In 1949 was introduced a new line with the three models [[Soennecken 410|410]], [[Soennecken 414|414]] and [[Soennecken 420|420]], with a new [[piston filler]] system patented in 1939, where the knob of the plunger was locked when at rest. In order to load the pen it was needed to lift the cap slightly to unlock it to allow the rotation, once the pen is filled and the plunger brought back the knob is automatically locked into position, avoiding improper rotations. The new models of fountain pens were thinner and more streamlined. In these same years were produced new models for the student market, marked [[Soennecken S4|S4]] and [[Soennecken S4|S6]], and a series of streamlined black celluloid pens, called [[Soennecken 100|100 ]], [[Soennecken 100|100 Extras]], [[Soennecken 100|101 Lady]] and [[Soennecken 100|Schreibneister]].   

[[Image:195x-Soennecken-111-Set-2.jpg|thumb|Soennecken logo|150px|right|Advertising for the [[Soennecken 111|111]] model from end of '40s]]

[[Image:195x-Soennecken-111-Set-2.jpg|thumb|Soennecken logo|150px|right|Advertising for the [[Soennecken 111|111]] model from end of '40s]]

In the years from 1947 to 1950 four new lines of pens were introduced, each one characterized by three different sizes named ''Lady'', ''Superior'' and ''Extra'', in increasing dimensions. The most economical line was the [[Soennecken 444|444]], produced in mainly in black color and in smaller sizes, followed by the line [[Soennecken 333|333]] produced in different colors. The good quality [[Soennecken 222|222]] line was produced in a particular lizard skin celluloid in red, green, gray and black with a translucent section and with a single piece clip fixed srewed on the top of the cap.  

In the years from 1947 to 1950 four new lines of pens were introduced, each one characterized by three different sizes named ''Lady'', ''Superior'' and ''Extra'', in increasing dimensions. The most economical line was the [[Soennecken 444|444]], produced in mainly in black color and in smaller sizes, followed by the line [[Soennecken 333|333]] produced in different colors. The good quality [[Soennecken 222|222]] line was produced in a particular lizard skin celluloid in red, green, gray and black with a translucent section and with a single piece clip fixed srewed on the top of the cap.

The line that was at top of the range was the [[Soennecken 111|111]], with larger dimensions and produced in eight different colors  with herringbone motifs celluloid. Although the pens of the two highest series were of exceptional quality, they never enjoyed, partly because a too high price, a great success (which makes them rare and much sought after by collectors). This, together with the difficulties encountered even in sales of office furniture and stationery, led to a decline in the company during the 50's.  

The line that was at top of the range was the [[Soennecken 111|111]], with larger dimensions and produced in eight different colors  with herringbone motifs celluloid. Although the pens of the two highest series were of exceptional quality, they never enjoyed, partly because a too high price, a great success (which makes them rare and much sought after by collectors). This, together with the difficulties encountered even in sales of office furniture and stationery, led to a decline in the company during the 50's.  

In the '60s  a revival was attempted: unnecessary lines were removed and only economic models [[Soennecken 100|100]] and [[Soennecken 100|101]] left in production. Was then sought a partnership with the French company [[Bayard]], which led to the creation of a new series of six pens sold in France, with a filling system similar to that of [[Swan]] [[Visofil]]. But those were not successful, beeing done in the the disposable ballpoint pen boom period,  and in 1967 the [[Soennecken]] closed its doors.  

In the '60s  a revival was attempted: unnecessary lines were removed and only economic models [[Soennecken 100|100]] and [[Soennecken 100|101]] left in production. Was then sought a partnership with the French company [[Bayard]], which led to the creation of a new series of six pens sold in France, with a filling system similar to that of [[Swan]] [[Visofil]]. But those were not successful, beeing done in the the disposable ballpoint pen boom period,  and in 1967 the [[Soennecken]] closed its doors.  

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==External References==

==External References==

 

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* http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/128513-soennecken-information/

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