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== History ==  

== History ==  

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

On May 19, [[1918]]<ref>this date is reported in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180830144013/http://columbuspenne.it/storia-it.html page] on the history of the company in a site dedicated to the brand from the purchaser of the same, but in several annals of the Industrial Yearbook of the Province of Milan (as in [[:File:1937-AnnuarioIndustriale-ProvMI-p809.jpg|this]] from [[1937]]) the founding is reported in [[1916]].</ref> the Eugenio and Alfredo Verga brothers founded in Milan the ''Alfredo Verga dei Fratelli Verga Snc'',<ref>meaning ''Alfredo Verga Society of the Verga Brothers''.</ref>, with headquarters in Corso di Porta Romana n.80. ''Alfredo Verga'' already worked as a trader for [[Conway Stewart]], while ''Eugenio Verga'' was a salesman for the ''[[Uhlmann's Eterno]]''. The purpose of the new company was to enter the market with production and sales of fountain pens, nibs, ink and stationery. Eugenio chose the name of their products, ''Columbus'', while Alfredo gave the company his name; the same year the first fountain pen, called ''Columbus Safety Pen nr. 1'', was produced.

[[Image:Columbus-Extra-98-Flattop-Mottled-Capped.jpg|thumb|A ''[[Flat top]]'' ''Columbus'']]

[[Image:Columbus-Extra-98-Flattop-Mottled-Capped.jpg|thumb|A ''[[Flat top]]'' ''Columbus'']]

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

[[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>

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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 [[1935]],<ref>according to Letizia Jacopini it was in [[1936]], but this 1935 [[:File:1935-Columbus-Extra-Torre.jpg|advertisement]] is already reporting the new location, while in [[:File:1932-AnnuarioItaliano-AgrInduComm-p0484.jpg|this page]] of the ''Annuario Italiano'' of [[1932]], the Corso Roma 80 location is still mentioned, which allows to narrow the interval of the move to these three years.</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.

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.  

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

In the '50s, following the market trends set by [[Parker]] with the success of the [[51]], ''Columbus'' introduced the [[Columbus 70|70]], an [[hooded nib]] model. In this case however the pen was not just an imitation: it was made in celluloid and used a [[piston filler]], it also had a screw cap, and the nib was only partially covered to allow the us of a flexible nib. Like other Italian imitations of the [[51]], such as the [[Aurora 88]] or the [[Omas 361]] the pen is probably more interesting than the original.  

In the '50s, following the market trends set by [[Parker]] with the success of the [[51]], [[Columbus]] introduced the [[Columbus 70|70]], an [[hooded nib]] model. In this case however the pen was not just an imitation: it was made in celluloid and used a [[piston filler]], it also had a screw cap, and the nib was only partially covered to allow the us of a flexible nib. Like other Italian imitations of the [[51]], such as the [[Aurora 88]] or the [[Omas 361]] the pen is probably more interesting than the original.

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

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

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

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

{{BrandChrono|Columbus}}  

{{BrandChrono|Columbus}}  

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

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180830144013/http://columbuspenne.it/storia-it.html] The website of the company that had bought the trademark, inside there are various interesting historical information

==Notes==

==Notes==

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{{CategorizeBrand|Italia}}

{{CategorizeBrand|Italia}}