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{{DISPLAYTITLE:De La Rue - Onoto}}

{{DISPLAYTITLE:De La Rue - Onoto}}[[File:Logo-Onoto.svg|center|350px|Onoto Logo]]

[[Image:Logo-Onoto.svg|center|350px|Onoto Logo]]

[[De La Rue]] origin dates back to 1813, although the real start of fountain pen production dates back only at the beginning of last century. The company, however, was already operating in the 1800s in the field of writing instruments and it is the oldest British manufacturer of fountain pens. His fortune, however, stem from another activity, the production of playing cards, which led to even greater success when they entered, taking advantage of the technologies acquired for cards, in the production of paper money, in which the company is still operating.

[[De La Rue]] origin dates back to 1813, although the real start of fountain pen production dates back only at the beginning of last century. The company, however, was already operating in the 1800s in the field of writing instruments and it is the oldest British manufacturer of fountain pens. His fortune, however, stem from another activity, the production of playing cards, which led to even greater success when they entered, taking advantage of the technologies acquired for cards, in the production of paper money, in which the company is still operating.

[[De La Rue]] entered the fountain pen history in [[1905]] for the creation of the first plunger filler model, introducing an automatic filling system that was functional and efficient even when all other brands, except [[Conklin]], were substantially tied to the use of the eyedropper. Apart from the initial period, the company maintained a very conservative attitude, being a late follower for new stylistic tendencies. Fountain pen production was also a peripheral activity for the [[Onoto|The De La Rue Company]]. Despite this, theirs pens were of the highest quality and are still highly sought and prized by collectors. After the advent of the ballpoint pen, production was discontinued in the late '50s, to be resumed, as for many other historic brands, in recent times.{{Infobox_Brand|Onoto}}

[[De La Rue]] entered the fountain pen history in [[1905]] for the creation of the first plunger filler model, introducing an automatic filling system that was functional and efficient even when all other brands, except [[Conklin]], were substantially tied to the use of the eyedropper. Apart from the initial period, the company maintained a very conservative attitude, being a late follower for new stylistic tendencies. Fountain pen production was also a peripheral activity for the [[Onoto|The De La Rue Company]]. Despite this, theirs pens were of the highest quality and are still highly sought and prized by collectors. After the advent of the ballpoint pen, production was discontinued in the late '50s, to be resumed, as for many other historic brands, in recent times.{{Infobox_Brand|Onoto}}{{BrandData|Ancestor=Thomas De La Rue|Place=London|OrigDate=1813|Date=1881|Country=UK}}

==History==

==History==

[[Image:Onoto-3xxx-Open.jpg|left|thumb|An early [[Onoto]] model]]

[[Image:Onoto-3xxx-Open.jpg|left|thumb|An early [[Onoto]] model]]

Earliest [[Onoto]] pen were made in [[BCHR|black chased hard rubber]], with ''[[overfeed]]'' nibs and produced in two sizes, the [[Onoto 3000|N]] and the [[Onoto 2000|O]] which later were called [[Onoto 3000|3000]] and [[Onoto 2000|2000]]. The early models were produced in different colors and materials: to [[BCHR |black chased hard rubber]] were added models in [[mottled|red/black marbled hard rubber]], in red chased hard rubber, and also models [[overlay]] models in silver or gold, decorated with [[filigree]] or [[engine turned]]; their prices ranged from half to 5 guineas. The  [[Onoto 3000|N]] model remained in production for over 30 years until [[1939]], with little changes apart from the replacement of the original ''[[overfeed]]'' nib with an ordinary one.  

Earliest [[Onoto]] pen were made in [[BCHR|black chased hard rubber]], with ''[[overfeed]]'' nibs and produced in two sizes, the [[Onoto 3000|N]] and the [[Onoto 2000|O]] which later were called [[Onoto 3000|3000]] and [[Onoto 2000|2000]]. The early models were produced in different colors and materials: to [[BCHR |black chased hard rubber]] were added models in [[mottled|red/black marbled hard rubber]], in red chased hard rubber, and also [[overlay]] models in silver or gold, decorated with [[filigree]] or [[guilloché]]; their prices ranged from half to 5 guineas. The  [[Onoto 3000|N]] model remained in production for over 30 years until [[1939]], with little changes apart from the replacement of the original ''[[overfeed]]'' nib with an ordinary one.  

Given the pen success it was marketed also in France and in [[1909]] a branch was open in New York. But despite these fountain pen being much better from the technical point of view than the american competing models, the [[De La Rue]] did not make significant efforts to publicize its products in the high competitive U.S. market, not having a significant success. In the same year are cited some new models named ''Empire'', ''Elfin'' and ''Express''.

Given the pen success it was marketed also in France and in [[1909]] a branch was open in New York. But despite these fountain pen being much better from the technical point of view than the american competing models, the [[De La Rue]] did not make significant efforts to publicize its products in the high competitive U.S. market, not having a significant success. In the same year are cited some new models named ''Empire'', ''Elfin'' and ''Express''.

[[Image:1915-12-Onoto-2.jpg|thumb|[[Onoto]] advertisement from 1915]]

[[Image:1915-12-Onoto-2.jpg|thumb|[[Onoto]] advertisement from 1915]]

In those years however production continued without significant changes, the company had in fact a functional and efficient fountain pen, and saw no reason to make changes. However [[mottled|marbled hard rubber]] was introduced (1913?). In a [[1913]] catalog are  cited the  ''Hermit'' (a [[safety]]) and ''Pentago'' models, where the [[Valvless]] model is in [[1915]]. The ''[[overfeed]]'' nib  was replaced by an ordinary nib in [[1921]], when it was also introduced the [[InkPencil]], a [[plunger filler]] stylographic model.

In those years however production continued without significant changes, the company had in fact a functional and efficient fountain pen, and saw no reason to make changes. However [[mottled|marbled hard rubber]] was introduced (1913?). In a [[1913]] catalog are  cited the  ''Hermit'' (a [[safety]]) and ''Pentago'' models, where the [[Valvless]] model is in [[1915]]. The ''[[overfeed]]'' nib  was replaced by an ordinary nib in [[1921]], when it was also introduced the [[Ink Pencil]], a [[plunger filler]] stylographic model.

In the '20s there were several innovations, hounded by competition [[Onoto]] began to produce [[lever filler]] models, the [[Onoto 7000|7000]] and [[Onoto 8000|8000]]. The introduction date of these models is uncertain and various sources report either the [[1922]], [[1923]] or [[1924]].<ref>respectively [http://www.penmuseum.co.uk/master%2011.htm], [http://www.onoto.com/ingenuity.asp] and [http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Brief-History-of-Onoto-Pen]; Andreas Lambrou speaks of a 1924 patent.</ref> In [[1924]] was also produced the [[Mammoth 1800]] model, a pen with a large number 8 nib, and the following year the [[Princess Mary]] a model made in blue colored hard rubber. It was also started a production of pens simply called ''De La Rue'', from which is known the [[Swift]] model. The company continued to resist the trends and innovations, as well as the introduction of celluloid is quite late; even in this case are given different dates,<ref>respectively [http://www.penmuseum.co.uk/master%2011.htm] gives the 1926 and [http://www.onoto.com/ingenuity.asp], [http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Brief-History-of-Onoto-Pen] and Andreas Lambrou the 1928.</ref> the [[1926]] or [[1928]].  

In the '20s there were several innovations, hounded by competition [[Onoto]] began to produce [[lever filler]] models, the [[Onoto 7xxx|7000]] and [[Onoto 8xxx|8000]]. The introduction date of these models is uncertain and various sources report either the [[1922]], [[1923]] or [[1924]].<ref>respectively [http://www.penmuseum.co.uk/master%2011.htm here], [https://onoto.com/story/onoto-history here] and [http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Brief-History-of-Onoto-Pen here]; Andreas Lambrou speaks of a 1924 patent.</ref> In [[1924]] was also produced the [[Onoto Mammoth|Mammoth]] model, a pen with a large number 8 nib, and the following year the [[Princess Mary]] a model made in blue colored hard rubber. It was also started a production of pens simply called ''De La Rue'', from which is known the [[Swift]] model. The company continued to resist the trends and innovations, as well as the introduction of celluloid is quite late; even in this case are given different dates,<ref>respectively [http://www.penmuseum.co.uk/master%2011.htm this] gives the 1926 and [https://onoto.com/story/onoto-history this], [http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Brief-History-of-Onoto-Pen this] and Andreas Lambrou the 1928.</ref> the [[1926]] or [[1928]].  

In [[1927]] production was moved to Strathendry, Scotland, in the Leslie village in Fifeshire, Lambrou cites the move as a counter to the claims brought forward by the unions at the site of Burnhill Row in London. The move included the dismissal of all those who not wanted to transfer, but not proved very effective because of the presence of a dismissed at the shareholders meeting, which brought in around a month all transferred employees to apply for membership to trade unions. On the company website you will find a different story, in which thirty of the most capable workers agreed to move from London, with the company that took charge of finding them a home.

In [[1927]] production was moved to Strathendry, Scotland, in the Leslie village in Fifeshire, Lambrou cites the move as a counter to the claims brought forward by the unions at the site of Burnhill Row in London. The move included the dismissal of all those who not wanted to transfer, but not proved very effective because of the presence of a dismissed at the shareholders meeting, which brought in around a month all transferred employees to apply for membership to trade unions. On the company website you will find a different story, in which thirty of the most capable workers agreed to move from London, with the company that took charge of finding them a home.

In the '30s the company continued doing its production from Strathendry, which began in [[1928]] with the [[De La Rue Pen]] model, a celluloid pen, made in different colors like black, blue marbled, green and red. There were also produced lower price pens as the [[Swift]] and [[Everybody's Pen]]. In [[1935]], following the trend introduced by [[Vacumatic]] for transparent pens that lets you view the ink level, [[Onoto]] the introduced [[Visible-ink]] model.

In the '30s the company continued doing its production from Strathendry, which began in 1928 with the [[De La Rue Pen]] model, a celluloid pen, made in different colors like black, blue marbled, green and red. There were also produced lower price pens as the [[Swift]] and [[Everybody's Pen]]. In 1935, following the trend introduced by [[Vacumatic]] for transparent pens that lets you view the ink level, [[Onoto]] the introduced [[Visible-ink]] model.

[[Image:1932-12-Onoto-Models.jpg|thumb|left|[[Onoto]] models from a 1932 advertisement]]

[[Image:1932-12-Onoto-Models.jpg|thumb|left|[[Onoto]] models from a 1932 advertisement]]

But the company most significant model was introduced in [[1937]], when [[Onoto]] launched the [[Magna]], a large pen like the previous [[Onoto Mammoth|Mammouth]], with a two-color nib, the three rings ont the cap, produced in a new translucent celluloid created with a very complex process, in the black chiseled, green/brown and silver/gold colors. These pens were joined by other smaller models called [[Minor]] and [[Dainty]]. WWII however weighed negatively on the diffusion of the new pen, with the production that was soon converted to armaments to support the war effort.

But the company most significant model was introduced in 1937, when [[Onoto]] launched the [[Magna]], a large pen like the previous [[Mammoth 1800|Mammoth]], with a two-color nib, the three rings ont the cap, produced in a new translucent celluloid created with a very complex process, in the black chiseled, green/brown and silver/gold colors. These pens were joined by other smaller models called [[Minor]] and [[Dainty]]. WWII however weighed negatively on the diffusion of the new pen, with the production that was soon converted to armaments to support the war effort.

[[Image:Onoto-Magna-WB-Posted.jpg|thumb|An [[Onoto]] [[Magna]]]]

[[Image:Onoto-Magna-WB-Posted.jpg|thumb|An [[Onoto]] [[Magna]]]]

After the war production resumed at full speed only since [[1947]] with the reintroduction of a new [[Magna]] series, some of which were [[lever filler]]. In the same period were also introduced a new set of pearly marbled pens. But at that rime the company had lost all its innovation capacity, and continued to produce economic [[lever filler]] pens substantially following market trends with the [[Onoto Penmaster]] an [[hooded nib]] pen with metal cap. They also went in the ballpen market.  

After the war production resumed at full speed only since 1947 with the reintroduction of a new [[Magna]] series, some of which were [[lever filler]]. In the same period were also introduced a new set of pearly marbled pens. But at that rime the company had lost all its innovation capacity, and continued to produce economic [[lever filler]] pens substantially following market trends with the [[Onoto Penmaster]] an [[hooded nib]] pen with metal cap. They also went in the ballpen market.

Like happened with other big producers, competition from disposable ballpoint dealt a mortal blow to the company, the latest significant product was the [[Onoto K]] of [[1955]], a [[piston filler]] pen with [[hooded nib]], visible tank and friction cap, produced in different versions. In [[1958]] pens production by the [[De La Rue]] finally ceased with the closing of the Strathendry factory occurred February 27, [[1958]]. The production however continued for some years, until [[1963]], in Australia, where the ''Backer Norman'' and the ''Longhurst Pty Ltd.'' who managed [[Onoto]]  distribution for 32 years, took over the brand. Like many other historic brands also [[Onoto]] was brought back to light in recent times for the production of modern fountain pens.

Like happened with other big producers, competition from disposable ballpoint dealt a mortal blow to the company, the latest significant product was the [[Onoto K]] of 1955, a [[piston filler]] pen with [[hooded nib]], visible tank and friction cap, produced in different versions. In 1958 pens production by the [[De La Rue]] finally ceased with the closing of the Strathendry factory occurred February 27, 1958. The production however continued for some years, until 1963, in Australia, where the ''Backer Norman'' and the ''Longhurst Pty Ltd.'' who managed [[Onoto]]  distribution for 32 years, took over the brand. Like many other historic brands also [[Onoto]] was brought back to light in recent times for the production of modern fountan pens.

{{BrandChrono|Onoto}}

{{BrandCrono}}

| 1813 || ''Thomas De la Rue'' starts his activities in Guernsey

| 1905 || Introduced the first pen with the Onoto brand name

{{TabEnd}}

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==External references==

* [http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Brief-History-of-Onoto-Pens] Other article on the history of the company

* [https://onoto.com/story/onoto-history] Page on the company website, refounded in 2004, with various historical information

== Notes ==

== Notes ==

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