From the first quills to the custom pen trend, the pen has gone a long way to becoming the object we know today; this article will explore the history and evolution of one of the oldest writing tools in human history.
Since ancient times, the pen has always been a fundamental tool for the expression of creativity and education. For millennia, pens have continued to evolve from simple carved tree branches to elaborate quills - until pens we use today were invented.
Each of these types of pens played an important role in the socio-cultural development of the modern world and in the expansion of human knowledge. Next, we will talk in detail about the evolutionary steps of the pen.
The origin of the pen: the history of the feather quill
The origin of pens dates back to ancient times; it is believed that the first form of pen appeared around 3,000 BC, created with tools such as grass stems. With the invention of the writing desk, the shape of the pen has changed, transforming its minimal shape, until it becomes a more complex instrument.
The first quill was invented around the 6th century AD in China; it is an object made with the elongated part of a goose's throat, which was cut and shaped to create the end of the pen, which resembled a spout.
Once ready, the pen was filled with ink and used to write on scrolls or papers. This type of writing instrument was more precise and resistant, so it became very popular among calligraphers of the time.
Since the 19th century, however, the stationery industry has begun to produce other types of pens such as ballpoint pens and pens inked with automatic filling, which have made it possible to write fluidly and efficiently.
From the first ballpoint pens to subsequent developments
The ballpoint pens had a problem: the ink dried easily. The manufacturers, therefore, to try to make the pen more efficient, opted for a sealed glass capsule that would store the ink.
In 1888, the American engineer John J. Loud revolutionized the ballpoint pen by designing a pen design that had a metal cone as its tip, which allowed the ink to flow more freely, making writing smoother.
The first ballpoint pens sold massively around the world were those produced by the American company Waterman, in 1905.
This brings us to the 60s and 70s, when pens began to be produced with materials such as plastic, metal and graphite.
The addition of dispensers and pad rollers made the pens more manageable; the balls, on the other hand, were made of brass, steel or ceramic.
With the digital age we move to fountain pens, equipped with a cartridge that contained sensors suitable for the use of touchscreen devices.
Ballpoint pens have also been modified to meet the needs of the new digital era: new versions were born with wireless technology, capable of transmitting data directly from the pen to the computer.
The boom of custom pens in the digital age
The boom in personalised pens, which has taken hold especially in recent decades, has revolutionised the world of writing. They are custom-designed tools, which offer the possibility of printing messages or logos on them.
The advantage of the custom pen is not only the addition of style and value to the product itself, but also their importance for advertising purposes. In fact, by adding the name of a company on your personalised pen, you can easily promote the brand itself; it is no coincidence that they are part of a real marketing strategy.
In addition, custom pens can be used as a souvenir or as favors at a special event, as they create a strong emotional element in people.
Personalised pens: the perfect marketing tool
Custom pens can be a great marketing tool as they are inexpensive, practical and useful items. They can be easily distributed at events, fairs or shops, and are often held by those who receive them, thus exposing the company's name and logo to a wide range of people.
In addition, custom pens can be created with unique designs and colors that reflect the image of the company, increasing the visibility of the brand and strengthening its presence in the market. Click here and discover the vast assortment of HiGift.
Some curiosities about the most expensive pens in the world
Have you ever wondered how much the most expensive pen in the world costs? You must know, in fact, that there is not just one; in fact, there is a ranking of the most expensive pens, with dizzying prices.
The first dates back to 2019 and costs 1.7 million dollars: it is the so-called Lucky 8, created by the jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels.
It is a prestigious pen, coated in platinum, with 186 baguette-cut diamonds and round diamonds. Slightly lowering the price, to as much as 700 thousand dollars, we find the pen produced by Montblanc and christened "Mystery Masterpiece": it was made with 18-karat white gold and is composed of 48 baguette-cut diamonds.
Then we have the collectible pen made by the Maison Caran d 'Ache, called La Modernista Diamonds. The latter was produced with 18-carat rose gold and is equipped with 5,072 emerald-cut diamonds; its price is almost 800 thousand dollars.
Finally, we must mention the Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pen, made of 950 platinum and macassar ebony and decorated with 535 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total weight of 11 and a half carats, at a cost of 95 thousand dollars.
