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[[File:Aurora-Logo.svg|center|500px|Aurora Logo]]

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora}}[[File:Aurora-Logo.svg|center|500px|Aurora Logo]]

[[Aurora]] has been one of the first Italian fountain pens manufacturers and between the oldest Italian company operating in this field. Among the countless small fountain pens manufacturers born at the beginning of the century, [[Aurora]] has been able to lead in production quality and industrial initiative, becoming a company that can contend the rival [[OMAS]] the title of the biggest producer of Italy.  

[[Aurora]] has been one of the first Italian fountain pens manufacturers and between the oldest Italian company operating in this field. Among the countless small fountain pens manufacturers born at the beginning of the century, [[Aurora]] has been able to lead in production quality and industrial initiative, becoming a company that can contend the rival [[OMAS]] the title of the biggest producer of Italy.  

The initial production was made of [[hard rubber]] models with the classical [[eyedropper filler|eyedropper]] or [[safety]] filler, clearly inspired by the pens produced by American companies like [[Waterman]] that at that time began to be marketed in Italy. These were black hard rubber pens in or smooth or [[BCHR|chased]] version, and also, but much more rare [[mottled]] models. There were also luxury models in gold plated or laminated metal [[overlay]], and also in full gold, which quality had nothing to envy to the pen produced by the more famous American brands.

The initial production was made of [[hard rubber]] models with the classical [[eyedropper filler|eyedropper]] or [[safety]] filler, clearly inspired by the pens produced by American companies like [[Waterman]] that at that time began to be marketed in Italy. These were black hard rubber pens in or smooth or [[BCHR|chased]] version, and also, but much more rare [[mottled]] models. There were also luxury models in gold plated or laminated metal [[overlay]], and also in full gold, which quality had nothing to envy to the pen produced by the more famous American brands.

[[Image:Aurora-RA-Overlay-n1.jpg|thumb|left|A [[R.A.]] n.1 model]]

[[Image:Aurora-RA1-Laminata-WithFiligreeBands-Open.jpg|thumb|left|A [[R.A.]] n.1 model]]

In the '20s the company began to produce [[lever filler]] hard rubber pens: the [[A.R.A]] model, standing for ''Aurora a Riempimento Automatico''<ref>meaning ''automatic filling [[Aurora]]''</ref> had a great success beyond the Italy boundaries and led [[Aurora]] alongside the major European manufacturers. At that time, the company followed the common practice of European producers who saw them build models similar to those marketed by big American producers, who then dominated the stylistic trends and technological development. But although they were obvious imitations, these models often ended up to be well above the original production for their quality or for specific stylistic achievements.

In the '20s the company began to produce [[lever filler]] hard rubber pens: the [[A.R.A]] model, standing for ''Aurora a Riempimento Automatico''<ref>meaning ''automatic filling [[Aurora]]''</ref> had a great success beyond the Italy boundaries and led [[Aurora]] alongside the major European manufacturers. At that time, the company followed the common practice of European producers who saw them build models similar to those marketed by big American producers, who then dominated the stylistic trends and technological development. But although they were obvious imitations, these models often ended up to be well above the original production for their quality or for specific stylistic achievements.

[[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> for its name was called a contest, the outcome of which was not then used.<ref>contrary to what Luca De Ponti argues in his book, the name chosen by the contest was not [[Duplex]], but ''"Alata"'', as evidenced by [[:File:1927-07-Aurora-RisultatoConcorso.jpg|this advertisement]].</ref> 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-Medium-PearlBlack-Chiusa.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.

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.]]

[[File:Aurora-Novum-2s-Faceted-Medium-MarbledBlueVeined.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.

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]].]]

[[File:Aurora-Superna-Big-Borgogna-Chiusa.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 semi-spheric alluminium 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 semi-spheric alluminium 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 [[Biancaneve]]. From the same period should be noted the [[Iridia]] model and the [[Aurora ML|ML]] line introduced in [[1938]], produced, at least officially, for the armed forces officers.  

Still in [[1937]]<ref>the year is indicated in [http://www.impreseneltempo-torino.it/index.php/imprese-nel-tempo/biografie-impresa/aurora/aurora-saprem this reconstruction] of the company history published by the Chamber of Commerce of Turin, which we have taken as a reference for data regarding the ownership structure of the company.</ref> the company, until then directly owned by Isaia Levi as a sole proprietorship, was transformed into a public limited company, which is why a new joint-stock company was founded, the [[Sapem]] (acronym for ''Società anonima penne e matite'') to which was conferred the ownership of the ''Fabbrica italiana di penne a serbatoio Aurora''.

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 [[1939]] the [[Selene]], a [[button filler]] model, was introduced; it was made in celluloid with white metal finishes and a ''[[Platiridio]]'' nib.

In [[1938]], following the ''visualated pens'' trend  showing the ink level started by the [[Vacumatic]], [[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 [[Biancaneve]]. From the same period should be noted the [[Iridia]] model and the [[Aurora ML|ML]] line introduced in [[1938]], produced, at least officially, for the armed forces officers.  

The company, unlike the rival [[OMAS]], suffered heavy damage from bombing, the plants in Via Basilica were destroyed in [[1945]] and raw materials and archives were lost. But despite this after the war there was a great effort to rebuild the business. At the end of [[1946]], 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 [[Aurora 88|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 in Via Basilica were destroyed in [[1943]] and raw materials and archives were lost. But despite this after the war there was a great effort to rebuild the business. At the end of [[1946]], 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 [[Aurora 88|88]] was a masterpiece of the [[Aurora]] production, and obtained a great success.  

The [[Aurora 88|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 [[Aurora 88|88]] was qualitatively and technologically far more advanced than a [[Parker 51|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 [[Aurora 88|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 [[Aurora 88|88]] was qualitatively and technologically far more advanced than a [[Parker 51|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]] (or in 1957), to counter the massive advent of the ballpoint pens, [[Aurora]] launched the [[Duo-Cart]], a [[cartridge filler]] economic model. 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. Following the same design the [[Aurora 888|888]] was also introduced, a [[cartridge filler]] version of the [[Aurora 88|88]].

In [[1954]] (or in 1957), to counter the massive advent of the ballpoint pens, [[Aurora]] launched the [[Duo-Cart]], a [[cartridge filler]] economic model. 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. Following the same design the [[Aurora 888|888]] was also introduced, a [[cartridge filler]] version of the [[Aurora 88|88]].

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