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[[Image:Logo-Wahl.svg|center|300px|Wahl-Eversharp Logo]]

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Wahl Eversharp}}[[Image:Logo-Wahl.svg|center|300px|Wahl-Eversharp Logo]]

The [[Wahl Eversharp]] was founded as pens manufacturer in 1917, but in reality the company was founded in 1914 when the ''Wahl Adding Machine'' decided to expand and spearhead the first in the world of mechanical pencils, and then what of fountain pen. The company continued its activity until the crisis of the '50s. Activities stopped in 1957, when the division which produced the pens was bought by [[Parker]].

The [[Wahl Eversharp]] was founded as pens manufacturer in 1917, but in reality the company was founded in [[1914]] when the ''Wahl Adding Machine'' decided to expand and spearhead the first in the world of mechanical pencils, and then what of fountain pen. The company continued its activity until the crisis of the '50s. Activities stopped in [[1957]], when the division which produced the pens was bought by [[Parker]].

Despite [[Wahl Eversharp]] has not distinguished itself in the fountain pens history for turning point technical innovations it has always produced very high quality pens of the best level. The characteristic for which the [[Eversharp]] has shone in fact was the design, producing, at the apex of his success, some of the most beautiful pens ever made and distinguished by the wonderful achievements in Art Deco style. Thanks to remarkable success from its golden years it will be fully included, though in position less important than the other, between the [[Big Four]].{{Infobox_Brand|Eversharp}}

Despite [[Wahl Eversharp]] has not distinguished itself in the fountain pens history for turning point technical innovations it has always produced very high quality pens of the best level. The characteristic for which the [[Eversharp]] has shone in fact was the design, producing, at the apex of his success, some of the most beautiful pens ever made and distinguished by the wonderful achievements in Art Deco style. Thanks to remarkable success from its golden years it will be fully included, though in position less important than the other, between the [[Big Four]].{{Infobox_Brand|Eversharp}}{{BrandData|Founder=John C. Wahl|Date=1914|ProdDate=1917|Place=Chicago|Country=US|Fullname=The Wahl Company}}

== History ==  

== History ==  

The [[Wahl Eversharp]] activities in the  writing instruments field began in [[1914]] with the launch of ''Eversharp'' mechanical pencil. For many times it was said that that was the same as the ''Ever-Sharp'' pencil created by the Japanese inventor Tokuji Hayakawa, that two years earlier had founded in Tokyo a homonym company, today still active as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_Corporation Sharp]. But [http://www.vintagepens.com/Eversharp_history.htm subsequent searches] have shown that the ''Eversharp'' pencil was invented by Charles Keeran (patent {{Cite patent|US|1130741}}) in [[1913]] and then the invention was sold for production to the ''Wahl Adding Machine''.

The [[Wahl Eversharp]] activities in the  writing instruments field began in [[1914]] with the launch of ''Eversharp'' mechanical pencil. For many times it was said that that was the same as the ''Ever-Sharp'' pencil created by the Japanese inventor Tokuji Hayakawa, that two years earlier had founded in Tokyo a homonym company, today still active as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_Corporation Sharp]. But [http://www.vintagepens.com/Eversharp_history.htm subsequent searches] have shown that the ''Eversharp'' pencil was invented by Charles Keeran (patent {{Cite patent|US|1130741}}) in [[1913]] and then the invention was sold for production to the ''Wahl Adding Machine''.

In [[1917]], continuing with its expansion policy, [[Wahl Eversharp]] acquired the ''[[Boston Fountain Pen Company]]'', a company that already started producing good hard rubber fountain pen characterized by a wheel clip. The pens were market branded ad [[Wahl Eversharp|Wahl]], promoting them as capable to alleviate the wear on the edges of the pockets thanks to their peculiar ''[[Roller Clip]]''.

In [[1917]], continuing with its expansion policy, [[Wahl Eversharp]] acquired the ''[[Boston Fountain Pen Company]]'', a company that already started producing good hard rubber fountain pen characterized by a wheel clip. The pens were market branded ad [[Wahl Eversharp|Wahl]], promoving them as capable to alleviate the wear on the edges of the pockets thanks to their peculiar ''[[Roller Clip]]''.

The new model, called [[Tempoint]], was a big success and [[Wahl Eversharp]] climbed on top of sales ranking, but the unexpected success involved considerable problems for the production, which was not efficient. That is why the company invested heavily in improving production structures and in [[1921]] launched a new line of metal pens, called [[Wahl Engine Turned|Wahl All Metal Fountain Pen]] for which they have prepared an efficient production line. These pens have not to be confused with an earlier production line, dated between [[1919]] and [[1920]], of overlayed metal pens,<ref>As reported in http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?s=aca8536317f4b3a8bae7a3774b333542&showtopic=199</ref> still using the ''[[Roller Clip]]''.

The new model, called [[Tempoint]], was a big success and [[Wahl Eversharp]] climbed on top of sales ranking, but the unexpected success involved considerable problems for the production, which was not efficient. That is why the company invested heavily in improving production structures and in [[1921]] launched a new line of metal pens, called [[Wahl Engine Turned|Wahl All Metal Fountain Pen]] for which they have prepared an efficient production line. These pens have not to be confused with an earlier production line, dated between [[1919]] and [[1920]], of overlayed metal pens,<ref>As reported in http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?s=aca8536317f4b3a8bae7a3774b333542&showtopic=199</ref> still using the ''[[Roller Clip]]''.

The attention production efficiency and the intent to pursue a policy of industrial expansion always remain a constant in the history of [[Wahl Eversharp]], as well as the presence of wrong investment decisions, such the one that caused the decline and the end of the company. The first of these misplaced investments was, in [[1922]], the acquisition of a factory for the production of hard rubber tubes. This led to some of the most beautiful pens in hard rubber ever produced, but the investment was wrong, as it was done just before the advent of celluloid pens.

The attention production efficiency and the intent to pursue a policy of industrial expansion always remain a constant in the history of [[Wahl Eversharp]], as well as the presence of wrong investment decisions, such the one that caused the decline and the end of the company. The first of these misplaced investments was, in [[1922]], the acquisition of a factory for the production of hard rubber tubes. This led to some of the most beautiful pens in hard rubber ever produced, but the investment was wrong, as it was done just before the advent of celluloid pens.

[[Image:Wahl-Signature-n6.jpg|thumb|left|[[Signature]] models]]

[[File:Wahl-Signature-OS-Series-Capped.jpg|thumb|left|Some [[Signature]] models]]

[[Image:1927-08-Wahl-Signature-AllMetal.jpg|thumb|Some [[Eversharp]] models from 1927.]]

[[Image:1927-08-Wahl-Signature-AllMetal.jpg|thumb|Some [[Eversharp]] models from 1927.]]

The same year was also introduced a warranty for life called ''[[Gold Seal]]'', recognizable by the mark shown in the figure, as a response to the [[Sheaffer]] ''[[White dot]]''. The ''[[Gold Seal]]'' remained in use, with some variation in size, on every model produced by [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] until the [[Skyline]]. The mark is made by two check signs to form  a "W" that remind the name of the company. It happens sometimes to find pens in which the ''Gold Seal'' presents a hole, this is not considered a flaw because it was the company that carried out the drilling  to mark the lack of guarantee for the models put into liquidation.  

The same year was also introduced a warranty for life called ''[[Gold Seal]]'', recognizable by the mark shown in the figure, as a response to the [[Sheaffer]] ''[[White dot]]''. The ''[[Gold Seal]]'' remained in use, with some variation in size, on every model produced by [[Eversharp|Wahl Eversharp]] until the [[Skyline]]. The mark is made by two check signs to form  a "W" that remind the name of the company. It happens sometimes to find pens in which the ''Gold Seal'' presents a hole, this is not considered a flaw because it was the company that carried out the drilling  to mark the lack of guarantee for the models put into liquidation.  

[[Image:DecoBand-Series.jpg|thumb|Full [[Deco Band]] series]]

[[File:Wahl-DecoBand-ColorSeries-Capped.jpg|thumb|A [[Deco Band]] series]]

Still in [[1928]] was added to the models line a new large pen, made in an ''art deco'' style and characterized by a band decorated with a greek motif, called by all collectors [[Deco Band]]. Initially the pen was produced in celluloid in the ''Jade Green'', ''Royal Blue'', ''Rosewood'', ''Black Pearl'' and ''Jet Black'' colours, but there are some rare hard rubber versions in black and also red (extremely rare) engraved with a greek motif. In [[1930]] then was introduced the new ''Brazilian Green'' color, but the new pen, still mantaining the same dimensions, also had a different cap band.

Still in [[1928]] was added to the models line a new large pen, made in an ''art deco'' style and characterized by a band decorated with a greek motif, called by all collectors [[Deco Band]]. Initially the pen was produced in celluloid in the ''Jade Green'', ''Royal Blue'', ''Rosewood'', ''Black Pearl'' and ''Jet Black'' colours, but there are some rare hard rubber versions in black and also red (extremely rare) engraved with a greek motif. In [[1930]] then was introduced the new ''Brazilian Green'' color, but the new pen, still mantaining the same dimensions, also had a different cap band.

But the real masterpiece of [[Wahl Eversharp]] was born in [[1931]]: the [[Doric]] a celluloid multifaceted pen, in pure Art Deco style, which is said to be inspired by the columns of Greek temples. The new pen, one of the most beautiful pens ever built, was made of celluloid, in five colors with exotic names, ''Kashmir'', ''Morocco'', ''Cathay'', ''Burma'' and the classic ''Jed Black''. To those was added, although it did not appear in advertising and was produced only for a very short period, the ''Black & Pearl'', which therefore is very rare.

But the real masterpiece of [[Wahl Eversharp]] was born in [[1931]]: the [[Doric]] a celluloid multifaceted pen, in pure Art Deco style, which is said to be inspired by the columns of Greek temples. The new pen, one of the most beautiful pens ever built, was made of celluloid, in five colors with exotic names, ''Kashmir'', ''Morocco'', ''Cathay'', ''Burma'' and the classic ''Jed Black''. To those was added, although it did not appear in advertising and was produced only for a very short period, the ''Black & Pearl'', which therefore is very rare.

In the same year, the [[Wahl Eversharp]] also launched an economic sub-brand, the [[Oxford]], still made in celluloid, and using gold nibs. These pens, although economic, are almost of good quality and had an excellent value for money. For most of the '30s the production of [[Eversharp]] is dominated by the [[Doric]] and will see the introduction of the [[Adjustable Point]] nib in [[1932]], a redesign of the pen in [[1935]] and the introduction of  the ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' mechanism in [[1936]], which was also adopted by the new model [[Coronet]], another Art Deco masterpiece.

In the same year, the [[Wahl Eversharp]] also launched an economic sub-brand, the [[Oxford]], still made in celluloid and using gold nibs. These pens, although economic, are almost of good quality and had an excellent value for money. For most of the '30s the production of [[Eversharp]] is dominated by the [[Doric]] and will see the introduction of the [[Adjustable Point]] nib in [[1932]], a redesign of the pen in [[1935]] and the introduction of  the ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' mechanism in [[1936]], which was also adopted by the new model [[Coronet]], another Art Deco masterpiece.

[[Image:InkShutOff.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' scheme.]]

[[Image:InkShutOff.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Ink Shut-off]]'' scheme.]]

The ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'', illustrated in the figure, was just another wrong investment: promoted as a mechanism capable to block the flow of the ink form the pen when the pen was closed, to prevent leaks because of pressure changes, (as was the case when travelling by plane, activity that was booming) it was indeed ineffective, so that the company was forced to withdraw it from the market by an order from the Federal Trade Commission.

The ''[[Ink Shut-off]]'', illustrated in the figure, was just another wrong investment: promoted as a mechanism capable to block the flow of the ink form the pen when the pen was closed, to prevent leaks because of pressure changes, (as was the case when travelling by plane, activity that was booming) it was indeed ineffective, so that the company was forced to withdraw it from the market by an order from the Federal Trade Commission.

Around [[1936]],<ref>at least, because it appears in this [[:File:1936-12-Wahl-Doric.jpg|french advertisement]] dated December 1936.</ref> following another innovation made by [[Sheaffer]] after [[Vacumatic]] launch, were also introduced new [[Doric]] models with transparent body and new filling system (called ''[[plunger filler]]''), the same filling system was adopted even for some [[Vacuum Model|economic models]], similar to the [[Doric]] but produced in round smooth celluloid. In the late 30's, despite the introduction of other economic models such as [[Pacemaker]] and [[Air-lite]] the [[Wahl Eversharp]] was constantly losing market share.

Around [[1935]],<ref>one appears in this [[:File:1936-12-Wahl-Doric.jpg|french advertisement]] dated December 1936 but in a 1935 catalog showed in [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/240156-my-1550-eversharp-mystery-pen/ this discussion] a [[plunger filler]] [[Round Doric]] is shown.</ref> following another innovation made by [[Sheaffer]] after [[Vacumatic]] launch, were also introduced new [[Doric]] models with transparent body and new filling system (called ''[[plunger filler]]''), the same filling system was adopted even for some [[Vacuum Model|economic models]], similar to the [[Doric]] but produced in round smooth celluloid. In the late 30's, despite the introduction of other economic models such as [[Pacemaker]] and [[Air-lite]] the [[Wahl Eversharp]] was constantly losing market share.

That is why in [[1940]] the company did a complete restructuring, the ''Wahl Company'' was merged with the subsidiary becoming the ''Eversharp Inc.'' and the direction was entrusted Martin Strauss who in [[1941]] launched the new [[Skyline]] model. Again company distinguished itself by the revolutionary design of this pen, entrusted to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Dreyfuss Henry Dreyfuss] design, and thanks to a successful promotional campaign, the [[Skyline]] realized strong sales, bringing another time ''Eversharp'' at the top of the market; but it was also the last successful model produced by the company.  

That is why in [[1940]] the company did a complete restructuring, the ''Wahl Company'' was merged with the subsidiary becoming the ''Eversharp Inc.'' and the direction was entrusted Martin Strauss who in [[1941]] launched the new [[Skyline]] model. Again company distinguished itself by the revolutionary design of this pen, entrusted to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Dreyfuss Henry Dreyfuss] design, and thanks to a successful promotional campaign, the [[Skyline]] realized strong sales, bringing another time ''Eversharp'' at the top of the market; but it was also the last successful model produced by the company.  

{{BrandChrono|Eversharp}}

{{BrandChrono|Eversharp}}

==Riferimenti esterni==

==External references==

* [http://www.pensburymanor.com/] Sito dedicato all'azienda, molte foto anche di modelli unici.  

* [http://www.pensburymanor.com/] Website dedicated to the company, many photos, with some unique models.

* [http://www.penhero.com/PenGallery/Eversharp/WahlEversharp.htm] Cronologia e indice di articoli sull'azienda nel sito di Jim Mamoulides.

* [http://www.penhero.com/PenGallery/Eversharp/WahlEversharp.htm] Chronology and articles index about the company in the Jim Mamoulides website.

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eversharp] Pagina di Wikipedia sull'azienda.

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eversharp] Wikipedia page about the company

* [http://www.billspens.com/billspens/eversharp/eversharp.htm] Pagina sull'azienda sul sito di Bill Acker.

* [http://www.billspens.com/billspens/eversharp/eversharp.htm] Brand page on Bill Aker website.

* [http://www.pendemonium.com/pens_eversharp.htm] Articolo sulla storia iniziale.

* [http://www.pendemonium.com/pens_eversharp.htm] An article on the early history.

* [http://www.rickconner.net/penspotters/eversharp.html] Articolo sull'azienda.

* [http://www.rickconner.net/penspotters/eversharp.html] An article on the brand.

* [http://www.rickconner.net/penoply/we.0.html] Articolo sull'azienda.

* [http://www.rickconner.net/penoply/we.0.html] An article on the brand.

* [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/36935-kingswood/] Discussione sui legami con la [[Kingswood]].

* [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/36935-kingswood/] Discussion about  links with [[Kingswood]].

* [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/196033-eversharp-in-the-uk/] Discussione sulla produzione inglese.

* [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/196033-eversharp-in-the-uk/] Discussion on the English production.

==Note==  

==Notes==  

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