Wahl-Eversharp, later known simply as Eversharp, was one of the premier manufacturers of writing instruments in the United States during the first half of the 20th century. Renowned for their innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, the company’s influence can still be seen today in the world of fine writing instruments.
The Founding of Wahl and the Birth of Eversharp
The story of Eversharp begins in 1905, when inventor John Conrades Wahl established the Wahl Adding Machine Company. Initially focused on creating adding machines, the company took a significant turn in 1914 when it diversified into the writing instruments industry. This shift was spearheaded by the introduction of the Eversharp propelling pencil, invented by Charles Rood Keeran. The Eversharp pencil was revolutionary; its lead was thin enough to eliminate the need for sharpening, yet thick enough to resist breaking easily, making it an instant success.
The Acquisition of the Boston Pen Company
In 1917, three years after launching the Eversharp pencil, Wahl made a strategic move by acquiring the Boston Pen Company. Boston Pen was already known for producing high-quality pens, particularly for its innovative rollerball clip. This rollerball was designed to protect a gentleman’s shirt pocket from wear caused by repeatedly inserting and removing a pen, a small but significant detail that demonstrated the company’s commitment to both function and style.
Innovation and Recognition
Under John Conrades Wahl’s leadership, the company quickly became a major player in the writing instruments sector. Wahl’s inventive genius was not limited to just the products themselves but extended to the manufacturing processes as well. Over the years, he was awarded more than fifty patents and received several prestigious awards, including the Industrial Medal of the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915 and the John Scott Legacy’s Medal and Premium of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia.
The Move to Celluloid and Art Deco Masterpieces
Although the Wahl Pen Company was slower than some competitors in adopting Pyralin (celluloid) as a material for their pens, the wait was worth it. When they finally made the switch, it resulted in some of the most beautiful fountain pens ever produced. During the 1920s and 1930s, Wahl-Eversharp introduced a series of iconic pens, including the 1920 Personal Point pen with its roller clip, the Doric and Coronet pens, which are considered masterpieces of the Art Deco style, and the futuristic Skyline and Fifth Avenue models.
The Decline and Legacy of Eversharp
Despite its success in earlier decades, the company misjudged the impact of the ballpoint pen craze in the late 1940s. This miscalculation proved to be a costly mistake. By 1957, Parker Pen Company acquired Wahl’s writing instrument operations, marking the end of the Eversharp brand.
However, the legacy of Wahl-Eversharp lives on. Collectors and pen enthusiasts continue to admire the brand’s elegant, high-quality designs. The influence of Wahl-Eversharp’s pens from the 1920s to the 1940s can still be seen in many modern writing instruments, particularly those produced by top Italian manufacturers.
Conclusion
The story of Eversharp is one of innovation, elegance, and lasting influence. From its humble beginnings as an adding machine company to its rise as a leading manufacturer of fine writing instruments, Eversharp left an indelible mark on the history of pens. Even today, the brand’s legacy endures, a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted, beautifully designed writing tools.
