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[[Image:Logo-Columbus.svg|center|500px|Logo Columbus]]

[[Image:Logo-Columbus.svg|center|500px|Logo Columbus]]

 

[[Columbus]] was founded in [[1918]] and was one of the first manufacturers of fountain pens born in Italy. The [[Columbus]] pens, like many other similar productions in Italy, were imitations of the models produced by the most famous American companies; however, they were of good quality, and of excellent stylistic realization, which makes the company one of the most significant on the Italian scene.{{Infobox_Brand|Columbus}}{{BrandData|Founder=Eugenio Verga, Alfredo Verga|Date=1918|Place=Milano|Country=IT|Fullname=Alfredo Verga dei Fratelli Verga Snc}}

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

== History ==  

== History ==  

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

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

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

In this period, placed in the first half of '20s, there was also a change of style, passing from the imitation of Germans model to the American ones. The change is shown by some as a consequence of birth, in [[1927]], the new Columbus Eugenio Verga, but there are<ref>on the [http://www.columbuspenne.it/COL/antiche/pagine-ita/origini.htm historic section] on the company site the [[Columbus 670]] is dated to 1924, and there is a commercial letter from [[1926]] were such models are shown.</ref> clear references to pens with this style produced before the separation of Verga brothers, and in [[:Categoria:Columbus-Catalogo-Safety-192x|this catalog]] before the division they appear together.

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

In the first half of '20s  the [[Columbus 670]] model, very similar to [[Waterman 42]], was introduced. It was produced in three size, normal, thin, and ladies,  and in black, red or [[mottled]] hard rubber. The range of available [[overlay]]s was also expanded, and to the simple machine engraving were added decorations or bas gallery and this kind of work became one of the strengths of the company, so that they sold also [[Waterman]] and [[Montblanc]] pens with their [[overlay]]s.<ref>as shown in [[:Categoria:Columbus-Catalogo-Safety-192x|this catalog]].</ref> There is a remarkable production of this pen with an engraving of the David star on the body of the pen (also listed on the packaging) as a result of an agreement between [[Columbus]] and the Milan ghetto. The same symbol appears in other models.

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:1935-Columbus-Extra-Tigre.jpg|thumb|left|A ''[[Flat top]]'' style [[Columbus Extra|Extra]] ]]

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

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

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

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

[[Image:1937-Columbus-Extra.jpg|thumb|An [[Columbus Extra|Extra]] model from 1937]]

[[Image:1936-11-Columbus-Extra.jpg|thumb|An [[Columbus Extra|Extra]] model from 1936]]

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

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

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

Also around [[1935]] the Columbus introduced a new arrow clip, an obvious imitation of the one used by [[Parker]] on the [[Vacumatic]] model. The new clip was progressively used on many different models, but it was applied primarily on the top models marked ''Extra''. Around [[1936]],<ref>according to Letizia Jacopini, but this 1935 [[:File:1935-Columbus-Extra-Torre.jpg|advertisement]] is already reporting the new location.</ref> as a result of the good commercial success achieved by its pens, [[Columbus]] moved its activities into the new headquarters of Via Lamarmora in Milan, where more space allowed to meet the increased production needs.

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

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

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

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

Also in the second half of the '30s, according to the new trend inaugurated by [[Vacumatic]], [[Columbus]] started producing models with transparent celluloid that allowed to see the ink level. In this same period there was the birth of the [[Columbus 112]], a [[plunger filler]] model. In [[1938]] the company obtained a patent for a screw [[piston filler]],<ref>Letizia Jacopini in his book report it as n° 288327, but this number is too similar to the previous one, {{Cite patent|IT|268327}}, date ten years befor, and this make that number dubious; the only one other known patent is {{Cite patent|IT|102094}}, found on [[hooded nib]] models produced after WWII and marked [[Columbus Extra 148]] and [[Columbus Extra 150]].</ref> which had as a consequence the creation of the [[Columbus 10x|100]] line, equipped with a [[piston filler]] loading system.  

Also in the second half of the '30s, according to the new trend inaugurated by [[Vacumatic]], [[Columbus]] started producing models with transparent celluloid that allowed to see the ink level. In this same period there was the birth of the [[Columbus 112]], a [[plunger filler]] model. In [[1938]] the company obtained a patent for a screw [[piston filler]],<ref>Letizia Jacopini in his book report it as n° 288327, but this number is too similar to the previous one, {{Cite patent|IT|268327}}, date ten years befor, and this make that number dubious; the only one other known patent is {{Cite patent|IT|102094}}, found on [[hooded nib]] models produced after WWII and marked [[Columbus Extra 148]] and [[Columbus Extra 150]].</ref> which had as a consequence the creation of the [[Columbus 10x|100]] line, equipped with a [[piston filler]].  

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:Columbus-Extra-134-Red-Open.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Columbus 13x|Columbus 134]]]]

In the middle of '40s [[Columbus]] introduces the [[Columbus 13x|134]] model, a big [[lever filler]] pen that was a clear imitation of the [[Eversharp]] [[Skyline]]. The same model was also produced in the [[Columbus 13x|132]] medium size version and in the [[Columbus 13x|130]] small version, for ladies. Again in the '40s a [[piston filler]] model, the [[Columbus 40|40]], was also produced and the [[Columbus 55|55]] had a restyling, becoming a whole line of pens.

In the middle of '40s [[Columbus]] introduces the [[Columbus 13x|134]] model, a big [[lever filler]] pen that was a clear imitation of the [[Eversharp]] [[Skyline]]. The same model was also produced in the [[Columbus 13x|132]] medium size version and in the [[Columbus 13x|130]] small version, for ladies. Again in the '40s a [[piston filler]] model, the [[Columbus 40|40]], was also produced and the [[Columbus 55|55]] had a restyling, becoming a whole line of pens.

== External references==  

== External references==  

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20101128025934/http://pentrace.net/article092801120.html] A  ''Pen Trace'' article

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20101128025934/http://pentrace.net/article092801120.html] A  ''Pen Trace'' article

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

* [http://columbuspenne.it/storia-it.html] Official web site, containing interesting infos

==Notes==

==Notes==

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