George Safford Parker

-The

Founder of Fountain Pen

Type

Private

Industry Founded Founder Headquarters Area served Key people Products Parent Website

Writing instruments 1891 George Safford Parker Newhaven, East Sussex, England Worldwide George Safford Parker, founder, Kenneth Parker Fountain pens, Ballpoint pens Newell Rubbermaid www.parkerpen.com

Factory in Janesville, 1930's

Emblem

Born Died Nationality

November 1, 1863 Shullsburg, Wisconsin July 19, 1937 Chicago, Illinois

American Work

Significant advance

Fountain pen

Life & Career

In 1880 Parker was a telegraphy instructor in Janesville, Wisconsin and had a sideline repairing and selling fountain pens. Dismayed by the unreliability of the pens, he experimented with ways to prevent ink leaks.

In 1888, Parker founded the Parker Pen Company.

The next year he received his first fountain pen patent. 1891: W.F. palmer invested in the Parker Pen Company. His initial investment of $1,000 launched business for the company.

1894: The Lucky Curve feed system, a system that allowed ink to flow back into the reservoir, was introduced, giving the company its first technological break through and making it a big contender in the fountain pen industry.
1898: The slip on outer pen cap was patented

1903: Parker sought to establish overseas markets by embarking on a world tour. 1907: The Snake Pen, in sterling silver and gold, was launched. By 1908, his factory on Main Street in Janesville was reportedly the largest pen manufacturing facility in the world.

Parker eventually became one of the world's premier pen brands, and one of the first brands with a global presence. George S. Parker High School in Janesville is his namesake. 1912: A new form of the safety cap was introduced 1918: The companys annual sales surpassed $1 million.

1964: In celebration of their 75th anniversary, Parker released the Parker 75, a special edition fountain pen in sterling silver and with a 14k gold nib. Today, Parker Pens are used all around the world and sold in over 120 countries. From Truman to Bush, Parker's signature design and streamlined craftsmanship have even made the pens the choice for the nation's leaders.