The pen is an object that we all use on a daily basis. Thousands of years old, it is part of our lives even if the use of smartphones, computers and other tablets try to dethrone it.

A veritable everyday object, the pen is also an advertising medium in its own right. And for good reason, it is inexpensive and very practical.

Through this article we wanted to go back in time and show you the chronology of the advertising pen.

 

600 AD to 1990 - Goose feather

The very first feathers were used to write the Dead Sea Scrolls and the works of Saint Isidore of Seville. They were made from feathers and were used as a common writing instrument in the 19th century.

 

1827- Petrache Poenaru

Romanian inventor Petrache Poenaru developed the first fountain pen. This "endless portable self-feeding pen with ink" tended to clot and had to be constantly filled with a pipette.

 

1892 - Parker Pen

The Parker Pen Company launched its Lucky Curve. These stylish pens had a curved cartridge feed, which prevented the ink from spilling onto the paper after leaving it horizontal in a drawer.

 

1900s to 1930s

Fountain pens will continue to evolve. Easier filling, more ergonomic design, not to mention the advent of plastic which will revolutionize the manufacture of pens.

 

1935 - Mickey Mouse pen

Fountain pens began to be decorated with cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse. Another popular edition of these pens presented Popeye in all its splendor eating spinach of course.

 

1937 - Pepsi pen

Pepsi Cola started advertising their popular soft drink with promotional pens. The clip was bottle-shaped and at the time, Pepsi cost only five cents.

 

1940s

Plastic was widely used during World War II, which made mass production of pens faster. Pens began to be used in offices and classrooms and as promotional gifts for businesses.

 

1950s - Hopalong Cassidy Pen

The Parker Pen Company launched the Hopalong Cassidy pen, which has become a crowd favorite. Back then, custom pens and lunch boxes were used to promote the most popular TV shows.

 

1984 - Gel pen

Our school notebooks were decorated with hearts and stars thanks to the appearance of gel pens. These colored writing instruments use a pigmented water-based gel instead of an ink.

 

1960s-2000s

With the use of plastic, the pens were molded into a variety of unique shapes. Some of these original pens could be worn around the neck with a cord. They were most often sold with comics.

 

Late 2000s

Technology makes it possible to innovate even more in the design of pens. The pens are now smart and can store handwriting data and are compatible with tablets and laptops.

Some personalized promotional pens contain a USB key. Convenient for transporting files discreetly.

 

2016 - Fidget Spinner Pen

Pens have reached new heights with the addition of fidget (or hand spinner) spinners. The best-selling swirl toy gives a fun twist to classic promotional items.

 

The advertising pen nowadays:

Even if technology takes precedence over handwriting, it is always essential to carry an advertising pen.

Today, the promotional pen is available in various materials such as wood or aluminum. It can take unique and sometimes funny forms.

One thing is certain, whatever advertising pen you choose, it will remain a powerful tool to stay in the minds of your prospects and partners.

 

By offering an advertising pen, you will not only please but at the same time you will offer yourself good advertising.

Finally, printing methods have evolved considerably in recent years. Thus, the quality of marking makes your promotional pens even more impactful.