Onoto – a new beginning, with traditional values

In the long history of English pen-making, the name Onoto is recognised as a marque of distinction, renowned for its innovation and quality. And with good reason!

Established in 1905 by the De La Rue Company in London, Onoto became one of the most sought-after fountain pens around the world, thanks to a global marketing strategy that left its competitors floundering. Massive budgets were set aside by De La Rue to promote the brand and within a few years there were Onoto distributors in Tokyo, Bombay, Johannesburg, New York and Trinidad, and throughout Europe.

Mystery still surrounds the naming of the brand, but it is likely that it was named after Mr Ono Tokusaburo, a Japanese watchmaker who had registered a patent in 1885 for a stylographic pen, some features of which had been incorporated in pens made by De La Rue at the turn of the century. Another story claims that the name ‘Onoto’ was selected by De La Rue because it could be easily pronounced in any language.

Onoto pens continually established new technical standards and the piston-filled Magna of 1937 has long been regarded as one of the finest fountain pens ever made.

Like many pen companies, Onoto struggled after the introduction of the ballpoint in the early 1950s, and in 1958 the company ceased production – until 12 months ago.

In 2003, an English entrepreneur, James Boddy, was searching for a manufacturer for a Horatio Nelson fountain pen to celebrate the forthcoming bicentenary of the famous British Admiral’s great battle against the French and Spanish at Trafalgar in 1805.

By a twist of fate, James was introduced to an American pen-collecting historian, Richard Leigh, who told him about Onoto. A British company to produce a British pen? James was hooked!

Research revealed the current owners of the dormant Onoto Company were willing to sell and within a few months, James was the owner of The Onoto Pen Company.

The Centenary Onoto

The first new Onoto for 46 years was launched in October 2004. The Centenary Onoto was issued in limited editions of 500 in hallmarked sterling silver, and 10 in 18 carat gold. The Centenary design was based on the fabulous 1937 Onoto Magna and was applauded by collectors and connoisseurs around the world as a worthy addition to the long line of vintage Onoto pens.

For images of the Onoto Centenary, and more details of its manufacture and design, go to www.onoto.com/centenary

Horatio Nelson limited edition

The Horatio Nelson pen has now been released and is available in a limited worldwide edition of 100 pieces. The pen is crafted from a special version of sterling silver which contains copper taken from Nelson’s ship, HMS Victory. This exclusive material, trademarked as ‘Victory Silver’, means that every pen contains a direct historic link to Nelson and Trafalgar.

The pen is richly decorated with gilded silver and cobalt blue vitreous enamel over a guilloché engraved cap and fluted silver barrel.

Emma Hamilton pen in enamelled silver

Alongside Horatio Nelson, is the Emma Hamilton pen, also produced in an edition of 100 pieces.

As Nelson’s mistress, Emma, Lady Hamilton was never accepted by the English establishment, despite Nelson’s death-bed request that his King and Country should look after her. Within months of Nelson’s death Emma was on her way to debtor’s jail and she died penniless in France a few years later.

By producing pens which celebrate the lives of Nelson and Emma, side by side for the first time in 200 years, The Onoto Pen Company is honouring Nelson’s dying wish that Emma should be given the respect she deserved.

Crafted in Victory Silver by one of England’s top goldsmiths, using enamelling techniques made famous by Carl Fabergé, the Nelson and Emma pens are superb additions to the long line of exquisitely produced Onoto pens.

Full details of these two historic pens are available at http://www.onoto.com/trafalgar

More new issues are scheduled for later this year, including the 2006 Magna and a range of pens to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Ballet. If you would like to receive advance news of future new Onoto issues, you can subscribe free to ‘The Onotoist’ newsletter. Click here to register your name and email address.

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The Onoto Pen Company Limited
Colney Hall, Colney
Norwich, Norfolk
NR4 7TY
United Kingdom

T: 44 + (0)1603 811165
F: 44 + (0)1603 812182
E: info@onoto.com
Web: www.onoto.com