Differenze tra le versioni di "Aurora/en"

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(114 versioni intermedie di 2 utenti non mostrate)
Riga 1: Riga 1:
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[[Immagine:Aurora-Logo.svg|center|500px|Logo Aurora anni '30]]
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora}}{{DEFAULTCATEGORYSORT:Aurora}}[[File:Aurora-Logo.svg|center|500px|Aurora Logo]]
  
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''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.
  
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[[Aurora]] has been one of the first Italian fountain pens manufacturers and contend to [[Montegrappa]] and [[Tibaldi]] the title of being the first Italian fountain pen factory. The company was founded in Turin in 1919 by ''Isaia Levi'', and it is still present on the market as an independent producer of writing instruments.
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The company was founded in Turin in [[1919]] by ''Isaia Levi'', and it is still present on the market as an independent producer of writing instruments. The production has always been of the best quality, and although the company did not create any revolutionary technical innovation, its pens have always been between the most original and innovative for their style and design, and so they remain among the most appreciated and sought by collectors.{{Infobox_Brand|Aurora}}
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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 production has always been of the best quality, and although the company did not create any revolutionary technical innovation, its pens have always been between the most original and innovative for their style and design, and so they remain among the most appreciated and sought by collectors.
 
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== History ==
 
== History ==
  
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[[Aurora]] was founded in 1919 in Turin, as ''Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora'',<ref>meaning ''Fountain Pen Italian Factory [[Aurora]]''</ref> by ''Isaia Levi'', a wealthy financier and merchant of tissues, which after the end of the First World War decided to invest in the writing instruments production. Levi already saw the presence of many small producers in the industrial district of Settimo Torinese, but decided to give his company a precise direction towards an industrial production that should be at vanguard in both technical and qualitative terms, but also with a strong push towards the marketing of its products with large advertising and a strong support for the sales network.
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[[Aurora]] was founded in [[1919]] in Turin, as ''Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora'',<ref>meaning ''Fountain Pen Italian Factory [[Aurora]]''</ref> by ''Isaia Levi'', a wealthy financier and merchant of tissues, which after the end of the First World War decided to invest in the writing instruments production. Levi already saw the presence of many small producers in the industrial district of Settimo Torinese, but decided to give his company a precise direction towards an industrial production that should be at vanguard in both technical and qualitative terms, but also with a strong push towards the marketing of its products with large advertising and a strong support for the sales network.
  
 
The company was born as an Italian producer, imitating the Americans pens models of the same period, but it immediately got a good success for its production quality and for the functionality of its pens.  In particular, in a period of strong nationalism and autarkic policies under the fascist regime, the company made a strong leverage in its promotional materials, that its pens were not subject to customs duties, having the advantage of a lower cost.
 
The company was born as an Italian producer, imitating the Americans pens models of the same period, but it immediately got a good success for its production quality and for the functionality of its pens.  In particular, in a period of strong nationalism and autarkic policies under the fascist regime, the company made a strong leverage in its promotional materials, that its pens were not subject to customs duties, having the advantage of a lower cost.
  
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[[Image:1923-Aurora-ARA.jpg|thumb|An [[Aurora]] advertisement from '20s.]]
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[[Image:1923-05-Aurora-ARA.jpg|thumb|An [[Aurora]] advertisement from '20s.]]
  
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The initial production was made of [[ebonite]] 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 ebonite 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.
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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.
  
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[[Image:Aurora-RA-Overlay-n1.jpg|thumb|left|A [[R.A.]] n.1 model]]
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[[Image:Aurora-RA1-Laminata-WithFiligreeBands-Open.jpg|thumb|left|A [[R.A.]] n.1 model]]
  
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In the '20s the company began to produce [[lever filler]] ebonite 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.
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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 ]]
  
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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.
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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.
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[[Image:Aurora-Duplex-Medium-PearlBlack-Chiusa.jpg|thumb|A [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] model.]]
  
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[[Image:Aurora-Duplex.jpg|thumb|left|Aurora [[Duplex]]]]
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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.
  
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Nel 1929 l'azienda si ristrutturò, intraprendendo una strategia di diversificazione commerciale. In quella occasione vennero create due nuove sottomarche: la ''[[Olo]]'', diventata in seguito anche ufficialmente una sottomarca, su cui venne concentrata la produzione delle penne di fascia bassa più economiche rispetto ai prodotti marchiati [[Aurora]], vendute in circuiti commerciali diversi da quelli delle cartolerie, e la ''[[ASCO]]'' dedicata alla produzione di penne economiche destinate alla massima diffusione, pensata inizialmente come linea di produzione rivolta alle aziende, con penne da utilizzare come oggetti regalo o di promozione pubblicitarie, si allargò in seguito a fasce più ampie di mercato attraverso la vendita per corrispondenza.
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Responding to the international success of the new [[streamlined]] style, [[Aurora]] started redesigning of its own models, that saw the gradual abandonment of flat shapes. In [[1930]] the new [[Superba]] model was introduced, still a [[lever filler]], and clearly derived from [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]], but with tapered ends characterized by a very original style. The pen was produced only in the pearl and black, red and lapis colors, and remained in production for a very short time, which makes it very rare and highly sought.  
  
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Con il successo internazionale dello stile ''[[streamlined]]'' introdotto dalla [[Sheaffer]] con la [[Balance]], anche l'[[Aurora]] dette vita ad una ristilizzazione dei propri modelli che vedesse il progressivo abbandono delle forme piatte. Nel 1930 venne a tale scopo prodotta la [[Superba]], un modello con [[caricamento a levetta]], chiaramente derivato dalla [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]], ma caratterizzato da forme affusolate molto originali. La penna venne prodotta solo nei colori rosso, nero, e perla screziato, e restò in produzione per un tempo molto breve, cosa che la rende molto rara ed estremamente ricercata.
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[[Image:1932-03-Aurora-Edacoto-DuoModerne.jpg|thumb|A 1932 advertisement for ''Le Duo Moderne''.]]
  
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[[Image:1932-03-Aurora-Edacoto-DuoModerne.jpg|thumb|Pubblicità del 1932 per ''Le Duo Moderne''.]]
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In the early 30's [[Aurora]] sought to expand in the international arena and to enter the Spanish and French market. There are also [[Aurora]]'s pens found in Latin America, the result of  export policies to countries like as Argentina and Brazil. In [[1930]]<ref>date is debated, Luca De Ponti says 1932, Letizia Jacopini says a period between 1931 and 1932, but as reported in the following the [[Internazionale]] model appears in a December 1930 French advertising, from which we use this date.</ref> the company reached an agreement with ''Edac'', producer of [[Edacoto]], for marketing in France the ''[[Le Duo Moderne]]'', a set consisting by an [[Aurora]] fountain pen and an [[Edacoto]] mechanical pencil.
  
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All'inizio degli anni '30 l'[[Aurora]] cercò ad espandersi sul piano internazionale e ad entrare sul mercato spagnolo e su quello francese. Sono noti inoltre esemplari di [[Aurora]] rinvenuti in America Latina, frutto delle politiche di esportazione verso paesi come l'Argentina ed il Brasile. Nel 1930<ref>la data è controversa, Luca De Ponti parla del 1932, Letizia Jacopini di un periodo fra il 1931 ed il 1932, ma come riportato in seguito il  modello [[Internazionale]] compare in una pubblicità francese del Dicembre 1930, cosa che fa anticipare la data.</ref> l'azienda raggiunse un accordo con la ''Edac'', produttore della [[Edacoto]] per la commercializzazione in Francia de ''Le Duo Moderne'' un set composto da una stilografica [[Aurora]] ed una matita meccanica [[Edacoto]].  
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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]].
  
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Del dicembre 1930 è la nascita del modello [[Internazionale]],<ref>secondo quanto riportato in [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/103973-aurora-international-the-perfect-mix questa discussione] il modello compare nel Dicembre 1930 in pubblicità sulla rivista ''L'illustration francaise''.</ref> anch'esso con caricamento a [[levetta di fondo]], che andò a far parte della combinazione ''Le Duo Moderne''. La penna, prodotta in quattro misure ed in una vasta combinazione di celluloide colorata, è contraddistinta da una ampia banda metallica decorata a greche posta fra due anelli. In questo stesso periodo vennero realizzate diverse penne destinate al mercato dell'esportazione, in particolare per il mercato francese, in genere abbastanza simili alla [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]], sia nello stile, che per il [[caricamento a levetta]].
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[[File:Aurora-Novum-2s-Faceted-Medium-MarbledBlueVeined.jpg|thumb|left|A second series [[Novum]] model.]]
  
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[[Image:Aurora-Novum-II.jpg|thumb|left|Una [[Novum]] della seconda serie]]
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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.
  
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Nel 1933 venne creato il modello [[Novum]] prodotto in forma sia cilindrica che faccettata, ed in una gran varietà di colori. La penna era era dotata del nuovo caricamento a ''[[levetta di fondo]]'' già usato sulla [[Internazionale]], e di uno speciale fermaglio di sicurezza, presente sui i modelli di maggiori dimensioni, che all'inserimento della penna nel taschino faceva scattare un gancetto che ancorava la clip al tessuto esterno della tasca per impedirne l'uscita accidentale, e che doveva essere sbloccato tirando in avanti la punta del fermaglio. Con diverse variazioni la penna restò sul mercato fino agli inizi degli anni '40.
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The [[Asterope]] model was introduced in [[1934]], two years after the similar design of the [[Pullman]] model by [[Météore]]. This pen can be considered an ancestor and forerunner of the [[Capless]], produced by [[Pilot]] 30 years later. The pen had no cap; the nib could be moved inside the body of the pen, through a side slider, and was protected by a closing lid that opened when the nib was extracted. The pen had some success for its characteristic of being usable with one hand alone.
  
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Nel 1934 venne prodotta, due anni dopo la [[Pullman]] della [[Météore]], la [[Asterope]] un'altra fra le penne che possono essere considerate come antenate e precursori della [[Capless]] della [[Pilot]]. La penna infatti non era dotata di cappuccio, ma di una guaina esterna dentro la quale scorreva, tramite un cursore laterale, il corpo della penna. La guaina era chiusa da un coperchio che veniva aperto quando si faceva fuoriuscire il pennino. La penna ebbe un certo successo, anche per la sua caratteristica di essere utilizzabile con una mano sola.
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[[Image:193x-Aurora-Asterope.jpg|thumb|An [[Asterope]] advertisement.]]
  
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[[Image:193x-Aurora-Asterope.jpg|thumb|Pubblicità per la [[Asterope]].]]
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Another famous model, much sought by collectors, is the [[Etiopia]], that was reported to be introduced in 1935 during the Abyssinia invasion made by the fascist regime in its policy of colonial expansion. It has been told that in that occasion [[Aurora]], which was rather linked to the regime using its slogans in the advertising, launched a special pen for the soldiers sent to Africa. Because of this the pen was an [[eyedropper filler]] equipped with a reservoir on the barrel to hold dried ink tablets. The ink could be obtained dissolving the tablets in the body of the pen adding water. The pen was made of white celluloid and the cap had an incision of the roman empire eagle mark.
  
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Un altro modello famoso, molto ricercato dai collezionisti, è la [[Etiopia]], che si narra sia stata introdotta nel 1935 in occasione dell'invasione dell'Abissinia voluta dalla politica di espansione coloniale fascista; in quell'occasione l'[[Aurora]], che già si era dimostrata piuttosto legata al regime usando gli slogan della propaganda fascista nelle sue pubblicità, avrebbe prodotto una penna speciale per gli ufficiali delle truppe inviate in Africa. Per questo la penna era dotata di [[caricamento a contagocce]] e di un serbatoio sul fondo per contenere le pastiglie di inchiostro essiccato, da sciogliere nel corpo della penna aggiungendo l'acqua. La penna era realizzata in celluloide bianca e riportava sul cappuccio una incisione dell'aquila imperiale.  
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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.
  
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La storia di una penna creata apposta per gli ufficiali mandati al fronte, spesso riportata per sottolineare rarità ed importanza del modello, non è però che una invenzione, in quanto la [[Etiopia]] venne immessa sul mercato solo a partire dal 1936, quando la guerra era si era già conclusa. Si trattò pertanto di una abile manovra commerciale che seppe sfruttare l'eco della propaganda di guerra del regime per realizzare una penna celebrativa,<ref>una buona trattazione sull'argomento si può trovare in [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/23647-aurora-etiopia-white-ivory questa discussione] su FPN.</ref> e per quanto la penna non sia comune, non la si può certo considerare fra i modelli più rari dell'[[Aurora]].
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[[File:Aurora-Superna-Big-Borgogna-Chiusa.jpg|left|thumb|A [[Superna]].]]
  
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[[Image:Aurora-Superna-Open-Rossa.jpg|left|thumb|Una [[Superna]].]]
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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.
  
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Nel 1937 venne introdotto il modello [[Superna]] dotato di una variazione del meccanismo a [[levetta di fondo]], in cui la levetta era dotata di una pallina sulla estremità esterna e montata verticalmente all'interno di una struttura semisferica in alluminio posta sul fondo della penna. Il caricamento veniva effettuato rimuovendo il fondello che copriva la levetta ed azionando la stessa tramite la pallina.  
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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''.
  
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Nel 1938, seguendo la tendenza introdotta con il lancio della [[Vacumatic]] di penne trasparenti in grado di visualizzare il livello di inchiostro, la [[Aurora]] introdusse il modello [[Optima]], realizzato in celluloide trasparente e con caricamento a [[siringa rovesciata]], che restò in produzione fino ai primi anni '40. Un altro modello dello stesso anno è la [[Topolino]] una semplice penna con caricamento a [[pulsante di fondo]], riportante una incisione del personaggio della Disney, ed orientata al mercato giovanile, seguita a breve dalla [[Topolino|Biancaneve]]. Sono da da citare poi, dello stesso periodo, il modello [[Iridia]] e la serie [[ML]] una linea di penne prodotte, almeno ufficialmente, per gli ufficiali delle forze armate, la cui datazione è senz'altro precedente.  
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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 [[Aurora Iridia|Iridia]] model and the [[Aurora ML|ML]] line introduced in [[1938]], produced, at least officially, for the armed forces officers.  
  
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La seconda guerra mondiale rappresentò un periodo di crisi per l'azienda: il razionamento delle materie prime, e la difficoltà nel trovare metalli preziosi come l'oro portò alla creazione di pennini in acciaio.<ref>talvolta viene imputato, in maniera scorretta, l'uso dell'acciaio al razionamento dell'oro o alle leggi autarchiche volute dal regime fascista nel 1937, ma non esiste nessuna traccia di leggi riguardanti l'oro, tanto che anche in seguito vennero utilizzati pennini d'oro, presenti nei cataloghi fino al 1941, insieme a quelli in ''[[Platiridio]]'' e a quelli in acciaio (marcati ''Durium'').</ref>  Come per le altre ditte si cercò di sostituire la mancanza di materiale pregiato con nomi altisonanti, e la [[Aurora]] chiamò la sua lega di acciaio ''[[Platiridio]]''. Nel 1939<ref>da taluni viene indicato invece il 1940, la data non è perciò del tutto sicura.</ref> venne introdotto il modello [[Selene]], con finiture metalliche, caricamento a [[pulsante di fondo]] e pennino in ''[[Platiridio]]''.
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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]]<ref>someone tell 1940, so this dating is not fully confirmed.</ref> the [[Selene]], a [[button filler]] model, was introduced; it was made in celluloid with white metal finishes and a ''[[Platiridio]]'' nib.
  
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L'azienda, al contrario della concorrente [[OMAS]], subì pesanti danni dai bombardamenti, nel 1945 gli impianti della sede di Via Basilica vennero distrutti da un incendio e le materie prime e gli archivi vennero persi, ma nonostante questo fu un grande sforzo per ricostruire le attività dagli stabilimenti di Strada dell'Abbazia di Stura, dove ancora oggi si trova l'azienda. Nel 1947, seguendo di nuovo le tendenze del mercato dettate dall'introduzione del modello [[51]] della [[Parker]] anche l'[[Aurora]] introdusse un modello a pennino coperto. Affidata al design dell'architetto industriale [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcello_Nizzoli Marcello Nizzoli], la [[88]] è uno dei capolavori della produzione dell'azienda ed ebbe un enorme successo.  
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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.  
  
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La [[88]] era dotata di un [[caricamento a stantuffo]] molto avanzato, con una filettatura differenziale, la penna era realizzata con un cappuccio metallico (in metallo placcato oro o di una lega di nickel e argento chiamata ''Nikargenta'') con innesto ad incastro. Il corpo era in celluloide con una sezione trasparente, mentre il fondello era in ebanite. La penna era tecnologicamente e qualitativamente molto più avanzata di una [[51]], la sola parte realizzata a stampo era la guaina del pennino, dotato a sua volta di un sistema di alimentazione sofisticato che consentiva un afflusso regolare dell'inchiostro.
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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.
  
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Nel 1954 (o 1957), per contrastare l'avvento massiccio della penna a sfera, la [[Aurora]] lanciò sul mercato la [[Duocart]], una penna economica con [[caricamento a cartuccia]] realizzata per il mercato studentesco usando materiali plastici. Le cartucce erano realizzate in polietilene su progetto di [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulio_Natta Giulio Natta], premio nobel per la chimica. La caratteristica distintiva della penna, ripresa dal nome, era la capacità di contenere al suo interno una seconda cartuccia di scorta, così da non doversi trovare senza inchiostro. Con lo stesso principio venne realizzata anche la [[Aurora 888|888]], che si può considerare la versione a cartucce della [[Aurora 88|88]].
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In [[1948]] [[Sapem]] passed under the management of Giovanni Enriques, nephew of Isaia Levi; he had joined the board of directors three years earlier, and had become the majority shareholder at the end of 1946, after a capital increase; in 1948 he also assumed the position of managing director. He was the author of the relaunch of the company, which in the same year partly recovered its original name, becoming ''Aurora Società per Azioni''.  
  
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Negli anni successivi la produzione di stilografiche risentì in maniera sempre più massiccia, come per le altre grandi aziende del settore, dell'avvento della penna a sfera. L'azienda venne ceduta alla famiglia Verona all'inizio degli anni '60, ma restò sempre attiva sul mercato, iniziando anche a produrre penne a sfera. Nel 1963 venne introdotto il modello [[Aurora 98|98]], sempre con caricamento a stantuffo, dotato di una riserva supplementare di inchiostro chiamata ''[[Riserva Magica]]'' che consentiva di ottenere qualche goccia di inchiostro anche serbatoio vuoto. Nel 1965 venne introdotta la linea economica [[Auretta]] con caricamento a cartuccia, prodotta in plastica dai colori vivaci e rivolta soprattutto agli studenti.  
+
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]].
  
−
L'ultimo modello di rilievo storico è probabilmente la [[Hastil]], realizzata su progetto del famoso architetto [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Zanuso Marco Zanuso] lanciata nel 1970, che riscosse un enorme successo internazionale, tanto che un esemplare di questa penna è esposto in permanenza al Museum of Modern Art di New York. Realizzata con un sottile corpo in acciaio lavorato di forma cilindrica, la penna è caratterizzata da un sistema di alimentazione molto raffinato (denominato ''Idrograph''), da un pennino montato in posizione centrale e da un cappuccio dotato di una peculiare clip a scomparsa che rientra nel cappuccio in posizione di riposo, ma si apre quando la penna deve essere inserita in una tasca.  
+
In the following years the advent of the ballpoint pen affected the production in a ever more massive way. The company was sold to the family Verona in the early '60s, but always remained active in the market, starting to produce ballpoint pens. In [[1963]] was introduced the [[Aurora 98|98]] model, still a [[piston filler]] equipped with an additional reserve of ink called ''[[Riserva Magica]]'' which allowed to obtain a few drops of ink when the tank was empty. In [[1965]] the economic line [[Auretta]] was introduced, a [[cartridge filler]] produced in colorful plastic and directed especially to students.  
  
−
Negli anni successivi l'azienda è sempre rimasta sul mercato con prodotti di qualità, estendendo la sua produzione a penne a sfera e roller e realizzando occasionalmente nuovi modelli di stilografiche. Ad oggi l'[[Aurora]] resta una delle principali aziende italiane produttrici di penne stilografiche.  
+
The last model of historical significance is probably the [[Hastil]], designed by the famous architect [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Zanuso Marco Zanuso] and launched in [[1970]]. It realized an huge international success, so that a copy of this pen is permanently exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art of New York. Made with a thin cylindrical steel body, the pen is characterised by an advanced feeder (called ''[[Idrograph]]''), by a nib mounted in a central position and by a cap with a peculiar retractable clip that falls within the cap when at rest, but that can be open when the pen must be inserted into a pocket.  
  
−
{{CronoMarche}}
+
In the following years the company has remained on the writing instrument market producing quality products, expanding its production to ballpoint and roller pens, and occasionally making new fountain pens models. To date, the [[Aurora]] remains between the major Italian pen manufacturers.  
−
|-
 
−
| 1919 || Nascita della [[Aurora]]<ref>la cronologia [[Aurora]] prende come riferimento il libro ''La storia della Aurora dal 1919 ai giorni nostri'' di Luca de Ponti.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1922 || Ettore Ripamonti diventa rappresentante esclusivo [[Aurora]] e pubblica il primo catalogo del marchio
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1922? || Introdotto il modello [[A.R.A]] (''Aurora a Riempimento Automatico'') (mostrata nel primo catalogo)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1923 || Introdotte le misure 3 e 35 per il modello [[A.R.A.]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1924 || Introdotto l'uso di [[RHR|ebanite rossa]] e [[mottled|fiammata]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1925 || Introdotta una versione ufficiale della clip
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1926 || Introdotta una versione della [[R.A.]]2 per il ''Touring Club Italiano''
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1927 || Introdotto il modello [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1927 || Introdotta la celluloide per il modello [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] (o 1929)<ref>Luca de Ponti parla della fine del 1927, la Jacopini del 1929 circa.</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1928 || Ristrutturata la linea [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1929 || Ristrutturazione dell'azienda, nascono le sottomarche ''[[Olo]]'' e ''[[ASCO]]''
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1930 || Introdotto il modello [[Superba]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1930 || Introdotto il modello [[Internazionale]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1930 || Accordo commerciale con la [[Edacoto]] per la vendita in Francia del set penna matita ''Le Duo Moderne''
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1933 || Introdotto il modello [[Novum]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1934 || Introdotto il modello [[Asterope]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1935 || (data indicativa<ref>data usata per fare riferimento alla prima parte degli anni '30; la data effettiva è infatti incerta, L. Jacopini in ''La storia della stilografica in Italia'' parla del 1938, ma G. Fichera fa notare che la pubblicità parla di ''Regno'' il che riporta il tutto ad un periodo antecedente il 1936.</ref>) Introdotta la serie [[ML]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1936 || Ristilizzato il modello [[Novum]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1936 || Introdotto il modello [[Etiopia]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1937<ref>data indicata da De Ponti, la Jacopini indica il 1933.</ref>
 
−
| Introdotto il modello [[Superna]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1937 || Introdotto il modello [[Topolino]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1938<ref>data indicata da Luca de Ponti, la Jacopini indica il 1937.</ref>
 
−
| Introdotto il modello [[Optima]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1939<ref>data indicata da Luca de Ponti, la Jacopini indica il 1940.</ref>
 
−
| Introdotto il modello [[Selene]] con pennino in ''[[Platiridio]]''
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1939~ || Introdotto il modello [[Biancaneve]] con pennino in ''[[Platiridio]]''
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1939 || Ristilizzato il modello [[Optima]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1940~ || Nuovamente ristilizzato il modello [[Novum]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1940~ || Nuovamente ristilizzato il modello [[Optima]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1947 || Introdotto il modello [[Aurora 88|88]] , progettato da [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcello_Nizzoli Marcello Nizzoli]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1953 || Introdotto il modello [[Aurora 88K|88K]]  (?)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1956 || Introdotto il modello [[Aurora 888|888]]  (?)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1957 || Introdotto il modello [[Duo Cart]] (o 1954?)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1958 || Introdotto il modello [[Aurora 88P|88P]]  (?)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1963 || Introdotto il modello [[Aurora 98|98]]  progettato da Abe Steiner
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1965 || Introdotto il modello [[Auretta]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1970 || Introdotto il modello [[Hastil]], progettato da [http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Zanuso Marco Zanuso]
 
−
|-
 
−
{{TabEnd}}
 
  
−
{{LegendaModelli}}
+
{{ModelList|Aurora}}
−
|-
+
{{BrandChrono|Aurora}}
−
| [[Aurora Duplex|Duplex]] || 1925 || 25, 30, 35, 40
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Novum]] || 1930 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Optima]] || 1930 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Superna]] || 1933 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Asterope]] || 1934 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Selene]] || 1940 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[88]] || 1947 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Duocart]] || 1957 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[98]] || 1963 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Hastil]] || 1970 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
{{TabEnd}}
 
  
−
== Note ==
+
== External references ==
 +
* [http://www.impreseneltempo-torino.it/index.php/imprese-nel-tempo/biografie-impresa/aurora/aurora-saprem] A Turin CCIA (chamber of commerce) publication, interesting.
 +
* [http://www.aurorapen.it] Company web site, no valuable historical info, only marketing on actual models.
 +
== Notes ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
−
== Riferimenti esterni ==
+
{{CategorizeBrand|Italia}}
−
 
 
−
* [http://www.aurorapen.it/ Sito ufficiale della Aurora], di scarso interesse storico, con informazioni solo sui modelli attuali.
 

Versione attuale delle 01:36, 8 ago 2023

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.

The company was founded in Turin in 1919 by Isaia Levi, and it is still present on the market as an independent producer of writing instruments. The production has always been of the best quality, and although the company did not create any revolutionary technical innovation, its pens have always been between the most original and innovative for their style and design, and so they remain among the most appreciated and sought by collectors.

Aurora
Brand pages
Brand advertising
Brand photos
Instructions sheet
Other documents
Patents

History

Aurora was founded in 1919 in Turin, as Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora,[1] by Isaia Levi, a wealthy financier and merchant of tissues, which after the end of the First World War decided to invest in the writing instruments production. Levi already saw the presence of many small producers in the industrial district of Settimo Torinese, but decided to give his company a precise direction towards an industrial production that should be at vanguard in both technical and qualitative terms, but also with a strong push towards the marketing of its products with large advertising and a strong support for the sales network.

The company was born as an Italian producer, imitating the Americans pens models of the same period, but it immediately got a good success for its production quality and for the functionality of its pens. In particular, in a period of strong nationalism and autarkic policies under the fascist regime, the company made a strong leverage in its promotional materials, that its pens were not subject to customs duties, having the advantage of a lower cost.

An Aurora advertisement from '20s.

The initial production was made of hard rubber models with the classical 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 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.

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[2] 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.

Aurora A.R.A. n.5

In the mid '20s also Aurora started production of celluloid pens, and in 1927 introduced the Duplex series;[3] for its name was called a contest, the outcome of which was not then used.[4] 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 Duplex have a metal clip with enchased with a fine filigree decoration, which makes the Duplex a real jewel of the Italian style.

A 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.

Responding to the international success of the new streamlined style, Aurora started redesigning of its own models, that saw the gradual abandonment of flat shapes. In 1930 the new Superba model was introduced, still a lever filler, and clearly derived from Duplex, but with tapered ends characterized by a very original style. The pen was produced only in the pearl and black, red and lapis colors, and remained in production for a very short time, which makes it very rare and highly sought.

A 1932 advertisement for Le Duo Moderne.

In the early 30's Aurora sought to expand in the international arena and to enter the Spanish and French market. There are also Aurora's pens found in Latin America, the result of export policies to countries like as Argentina and Brazil. In 1930[5] the company reached an agreement with Edac, producer of Edacoto, for marketing in France the Le Duo Moderne, a set consisting by an Aurora fountain pen and an Edacoto mechanical pencil.

In December 1930 there was also the birth of the Internazionale model,[6] also a 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 Duplex, both in style and for being lever filler.

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 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.

The Asterope model was introduced in 1934, two years after the similar design of the Pullman model by Météore. This pen can be considered an ancestor and forerunner of the Capless, produced by Pilot 30 years later. The pen had no cap; the nib could be moved inside the body of the pen, through a side slider, and was protected by a closing lid that opened when the nib was extracted. The pen had some success for its characteristic of being usable with one hand alone.

An Asterope advertisement.

Another famous model, much sought by collectors, is the Etiopia, that was reported to be introduced in 1935 during the Abyssinia invasion made by the fascist regime in its policy of colonial expansion. It has been told that in that occasion Aurora, which was rather linked to the regime using its slogans in the advertising, launched a special pen for the soldiers sent to Africa. Because of this the pen was an eyedropper filler equipped with a reservoir on the barrel to hold dried ink tablets. The ink could be obtained dissolving the tablets in the body of the pen adding water. The pen was made of white celluloid and the cap had an incision of the roman empire eagle mark.

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.

A Superna.

In 1937 the Superna model was introduced, with a variation of 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.

Still in 1937[7] 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.

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 ML line introduced in 1938, produced, at least officially, for the armed forces officers.

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.[8] 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[9] the Selene, a button filler model, was introduced; it was made in celluloid with white metal finishes and a Platiridio nib.

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 Marcello Nizzoli: the 88 was a masterpiece of the Aurora production, and obtained a great success.

The 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 88 was qualitatively and technologically far more advanced than a 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 1948 Sapem passed under the management of Giovanni Enriques, nephew of Isaia Levi; he had joined the board of directors three years earlier, and had become the majority shareholder at the end of 1946, after a capital increase; in 1948 he also assumed the position of managing director. He was the author of the relaunch of the company, which in the same year partly recovered its original name, becoming Aurora Società per Azioni.

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 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 888 was also introduced, a cartridge filler version of the 88.

In the following years the advent of the ballpoint pen affected the production in a ever more massive way. The company was sold to the family Verona in the early '60s, but always remained active in the market, starting to produce ballpoint pens. In 1963 was introduced the 98 model, still a piston filler equipped with an additional reserve of ink called Riserva Magica which allowed to obtain a few drops of ink when the tank was empty. In 1965 the economic line Auretta was introduced, a cartridge filler produced in colorful plastic and directed especially to students.

The last model of historical significance is probably the Hastil, designed by the famous architect Marco Zanuso and launched in 1970. It realized an huge international success, so that a copy of this pen is permanently exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art of New York. Made with a thin cylindrical steel body, the pen is characterised by an advanced feeder (called Idrograph), by a nib mounted in a central position and by a cap with a peculiar retractable clip that falls within the cap when at rest, but that can be open when the pen must be inserted into a pocket.

In the following years the company has remained on the writing instrument market producing quality products, expanding its production to ballpoint and roller pens, and occasionally making new fountain pens models. To date, the Aurora remains between the major Italian pen manufacturers.

Model list

The table below lists pages devoted to Aurora models, with a production start date and a discontinuation date; keep in mind, however, that in many cases these dates, particularly the discontinuation date, may simply be indicative.

 Production startedProduction ended
Modelli iniziali Aurora19191938
Aurora Duplex19271935
Internazionale19301935
Superba19301931
Olo Lusso19311945
Novum19331950
Asterope19341945
Serie Speciale ML19351938
Olo F19351945
Olo Gamma19351945
Etiopia19361938
Superna19371945
Topolino e Biancaneve19371945
Aurora Iridia19381945
Optima19381945
Selene19391945
Aurora 8819461958
Aurora 88K19531958
Duo-Cart19541970
Aurora 88819571965
Aurora 88P19581964
Auretta19591985
Aurora 9819631970

Chronology

Year Event
1919 the company is founded by Isaia Levi in Torino as Fabbrica Italiana Penne a Serbatoio Aurora
1922 the company introduces the A.R.A. that appears in the catalog, only in size 4
1922 the company publish the first catalog, with all its models: R.A., A.R.A., F.A. e F.A.S.
1922 Ettore Ripamonti becomes Aurora exclusive agent and published first catalog[10]
1923 the company introduces also the 3, 35 and 5 sizes for the A.R.A model
1924 the company introduces red and mottled hard rubber
1925 the company introduces an official clip for its pens
1926 the company introduces a R.A.2 version produced for the Touring Club Italiano
1927 the company start using celluloid (unsure[11])
1927 the company introduces the Aurora Duplex
1928 the company redesigns the Duplex model passing to whasher clip
1929 Aurora underwent restructuring and starts the Olo and Asco sub-brands
1930 the company introduces the luxury version of the Duplex with three rings, decorative ring on top of the cap and clip inlaid (date uncertain)
1930 Aurora joins Edacoto in the French market with Le Duo Moderne
1930 the company introduces the Internazionale
1930 the company introduces the Superba
1930 the company introduces the Aurora 42 a variant of Duplex with end lever filler (date uncertain)
1931 the company introduces the Olo Lusso (guess date, stands for the beginning of '30s)
1933 the company introduces the Novum [12]
1934 the company introduces the Asterope
1935 the company introduces the Olo Gamma (guess date, stands for the mid '30s)
1935 the company introduces the Olo F (guess date, stands for the mid '30s)
1935 the company introduces the Aurora ML (date uncertain[13])
1936 the company introduces the Etiopia
1936 the company restyles the Novum (uncertain date[14])
1937 the company introduces the Superna
1937 Isaia Levi founds the Sapem, Società anonima penne e matite, and and gives it ownership of the Fabbrica italiana di penne a serbatoio Aurora
1937 the company introduces the Topolino
1937 the company introduces the colored Etiopia (date uncertain, but after the introduction)
1938 the company introduces the Optima
1938 the company retires the Etiopia (date uncertain)
1939 the company introduces the Optima second version, with triangular clip
1939 the company introduces the Biancaneve
1939 the company introduces the Platiridio nibs
1939 the company introduces the Selene (following Luca De Ponti, Letizia Jacopini talks about 1940)
1940 the company introduces second Selene version
1940 the company restyles the Novum a second time (uncertain date[15])
1940 the company introduces third Optima version, with tapered clip, three rings and metal decorations on the ends
1945 Aurora plants are destroyed by a bombing
1946 the company introduces the Aurora 88 designed by Marcello Nizzoli
1948 the Sapem changes its name to Aurora S.p.A.
1953 the company introduces the Aurora 88K
1954 the company introduces the Duo-Cart
1955 the company introduces the Junior variant of the Duo-Cart
1956 the company introduces the Aurora 888
1956 the company retires the Aurora 88
1957 the company introduces the Aurora 888
1957 the company introduces the Aurora Firma
1958 the company introduces the Aurora 88P
1959 the company executes the restiling of the Aurora 888 in Aurora 888P
1959 the company introduces the Auretta
1960 the company introduces the 2cart restiling of the Duo-Cart[16]
1963 the company introduces the Aurora 98 designed by Albe Steiner
1970 the company introduces the Hastil designed by Marco Zanuso

External references

  • [1] A Turin CCIA (chamber of commerce) publication, interesting.
  • [2] Company web site, no valuable historical info, only marketing on actual models.

Notes

  1. ↑ meaning Fountain Pen Italian Factory Aurora
  2. ↑ meaning automatic filling Aurora
  3. ↑ there are some wrong references to this series as the Internazionale, for example in the Enrico Castruccio book La Penna.
  4. ↑ contrary to what Luca De Ponti argues in his book, the name chosen by the contest was not Duplex, but "Alata", as evidenced by this advertisement.
  5. ↑ date is debated, Luca De Ponti says 1932, Letizia Jacopini says a period between 1931 and 1932, but as reported in the following the Internazionale model appears in a December 1930 French advertising, from which we use this date.
  6. ↑ according to what reported in this thread it is shown in a December 1930 ADs in the L'illustration francaise magazine.
  7. ↑ the year is indicated in 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.
  8. ↑ 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).
  9. ↑ someone tell 1940, so this dating is not fully confirmed.
  10. ↑ Aurora chronology, where not otherwise reported, refers to the book La storia della Aurora dal 1919 ai giorni nostri by Luca de Ponti.
  11. ↑ Luca de Ponti reports the 1927 end, Letizia Jacopini reports around 1929, a flyer for the "Esposizione di Torino" in 1928 with celluloid models leads to take as correct the first date.
  12. ↑ following De Ponti and Iacopini, Lastruccio and Lambrou (unreliable) tell 1930.
  13. ↑ L. Jacopini in La storia della stilografica in Italia talks about 1938, but G. Fichera notes that the advertizements talks about the Regno d'Italia, so they must be before 1936.
  14. ↑ using the date indicated by Luca De Ponti, Letizia Jacopini speaks of the mid '30s.
  15. ↑ indicated by Letizia Jacopini.
  16. ↑ as reported in this page.
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