"I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best", said Oscar Wilde.
Article continues below
The year of 1846, which started with Thursday, was a year rich with across the globe. The United States annexed New Mexico and declared a war on Mexico, electric light was introduced in Paris, W. T. Morton used ether as an anaesthetic, Charles Dickens introduced the Daily News in London, Ireland saw a famine that will mark the start of sailing to America...
In the year of great events and inventions that will be remembered in the history, another smaller event took place. Not as "big" or "magnificent" as, say, the establishing of the Smithsonian Institute, but the A. T. Cross Company is alive and kicking today, and of very good health, thank you for asking. The A. T. Cross Company is the oldest manufacturer of pens, pencils and other writing instruments that started in 1846 with gold and silver casings for wooden pencils. The small manufacture naturally expanded its portfolio, continuously worked on different types of pens and pencils (and thus registered 21 patents), some of which was the first of their kind in the market.
The company with headquarters in Lincoln, Rhode Island, had IPO in 1971 and distribute products in 140 countries. That, along with high respect that buyers pay to Cross' writing instrument, shows that Cross made the most of last 162 years.
The core business of the A. T. Cross Company is ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, Selectip rolling ball/porous-point pens, gel ink pens, multi-function pens, styluses for PDAs, electronic pens for tablet PCs, and fountain pens. All that products have mechanical warranty - for a lifetime. And of course (of course for Cross, to be precise), if you return Cross pen for service it will be repaired or replaced - for free.
From Company's rich catalogue we shall mention here just few pieces that you'd like to have.
You might go for Century Signet Hallmarked Solid 18-Karat Gold Ball-Point Pen and 0.5mm Pencil Set. The Century Signet ballpoint pen and 0.5mm pencil are styled in art deco and follows the merry 1930's. Beautifully crafted, Century has a Hallmarked Solid 18-Karat Gold inlaid with black lacquer bands, and ball clip is very nicely incorporated in the elegant retro design. Or, you might go for Century Signet Platinum Plated Ball-Point Pen. Also art-deco style, but now with a Platinum Plated inlaid with black lacquer bands. Retro elegance.
Another favourite, at least for us, is Townsend Citrine Fountain Pen. It is beautifully warm with "European translucent lacquer for a gem-like quality and silky-smooth feel." We especially love a geometric pattern on the body that resembles the 19th century Empire style. Add to that a rhodium plated appointments and an 18-karat gold/rhodium plated nib, and you will really get what Cross promises: "A luxury within reach."
There are many more models of pens and relatives, but at the A. T. Cross Company you can find other luxury gifts for someone you respect or love (including yourself). There range of luxury products goes from pens to watches to computer bags to cufflinks. And more, but that's to you to discover and enjoy. " Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm", said Oscar Wilde who most probably wrote using the Cross pen. ■