Columbus is an Italian trademark for fountain pens established in the late 1910s in Milan by Alfredo Verga and his brother Eugenio. The company, initially called “Alfredo Verga, of Verga brothers”, was established to produce and commerce fountain pens, nibs, ink and stationery items. In 1918 the first pen was born and was called “Columbus Safety Pen nr. 1” made in black ebonite. The trademark “Columbus” was registered in 1924, under nr.23247.
At this point, the Company enlarged its range of products with new versions – also gold plated – and establishing higher production standards.
When in 1927 sales of Safety pens dramatically declined, the partnership was dissolved, and Eugenio continued on his own.
New materials (i.e. celluloid) were introduced and a new leverfilling system was patented, as well as type of “spoon” with inverted syringe.
Growth was huge, and Columbus became a full production cycle Company, manufacturing every single component from clips to nibs, to barrels in celluloid and ebonite. The World War II and bombs over Milan destroyed the factory.
The remainings of the plant were transferred to Lesa (Lake Maggiore) in four different locations and the foreman would use his bicycle to go from one place to the other and supervise production.
In 1946 the Company was back in Milan, where it is still today. Production started again at full speed introducing new models at fair prices.
Eugenio Verga died in 1957 and Enrico, his son, took management of the Company, keeping always in mind the tradition of quality and seriousness for which Columbus was known and respected in the market place.
In 1992 the Company and its trademark were sold to Santara Srl, that renewed the collection, introduced new products in silver and celluloid.
Columbus is now one of the recognized Italian writing instruments of unquestionable quality level.
Santara s.r.l. has been the first firm in Italy to penetrate the market with the "Giant Pencils", besides the traditional Columbus sterling silver pens, sector in which the firm is a leader.
"Giant Pencils" have become cult pencils for guys, professionals and promoters.
Also the whole "Business" range, in particular the aluminium models, has become very popular, thanks to very cheap prices and superior quality.
Anibody can easily find an appealing model in the wide Columbus collection, because of both the variety of prices and the finishes.
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