EXPLORING OVER 175 YEARS OF HERITAGE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ICONIC MOMENTS IN WRITING HISTORY
Since our founding in 1846, Cross has been at the forefront of crafting fine writing instruments, evolving with each passing era while staying true to OUR heritage. Let’s delve into a comprehensive timeline of the key milestones that has helped shape Cross into the iconic brand it is today.
1846: Founding by Richard Cross
Our founder Richard Cross was a passionate champion of writing as an art form. He upheld writing as an important, rewarding experience worthy of finely crafted, distinguished tools. Descending from five generations of jewelers in England, Richard established the A.T. Cross Company in 1846 in Providence, Rhode Island, USA and began crafting ornate gold and silver casings for wooden pencils. Richard’s expertise in complex jewelry craftsmanship inspired the exacting quality standards we uphold today.
1870s: Alonzo Townsend Cross and Early Innovations
Richard Cross’s son Alonzo Townsend Cross shared his father’s visionary outlook and soon began revolutionizing the writing industry with his patented inventions. Insightful, easy-to-use designs like the Cross Telescopic Pencil and the Stylographic Pen – forerunner to the modern ballpoint – streamlined and enhanced the writing experience. Alonzo Townsend Cross, the company’s namesake, becomes instrumental to the success of the brand.
1879: The Stylographic Pen
Cross manufactures the first refillable pen able to produce a consistent line width and even ink flow. Modern ballpoints owe their design heritage to the Stylographic Pen’s patented design.
1889: The First Fountain Pen
In 1889, Cross released Peerless, our first fountain pen. Named Peerless to signify its unmatched technology and design aesthetic, the pen soon becomes a widely used writing instrument across America.
1916: The Boss Family’s Stewardship
Cross employee, Walter Boss acquires the company, beginning a family legacy of leadership that would last for generations. Under the Boss family's guidance, Cross expanded its portfolio with groundbreaking products and global distribution. The brand continued to introduce new designs, emphasizing both functionality and style.
1935: The Iconic Alwrite Collection
The 1930s saw the introduction of the Cross Alwrite Collection, featuring the now-iconic conical top. It was a pivotal period for Cross as the brand cemented its design aesthetic, blending classic elegance with practical usability.
1946: Century Pencil’s Centennial Launch
To commemorate Cross’s 100th anniversary, the Century Pencil was introduced, featuring gold and silver finishes that celebrated a century of craftsmanship. This milestone also marked the debut of the Classic Century Collection, which would become a global symbol of Cross's refined design.
1949: Crafted to Last
Cross establishes a Lifetime Mechanical Warranty for all writing instruments, guaranteeing them against mechanical failure regardless of age. The Cross Warranty is upheld today as an industry-leading standard, reflecting founder Richard Cross’s unwavering commitment to excellence in quality and performance.
1953: The Classic Century Ballpoint Pen
Building on the success of the Century Pencil, Cross launched the Classic Century Ballpoint Pen. With its sleek silhouette, conical top, and timeless elegance, it quickly became a favorite gift and a bestseller around the world. This pen, known for its slim and sophisticated form, remains an enduring icon of the Cross brand today.
Ellery Boss' internal patented design for the Classic Century Ballpoint Pen in 1953 was a groundbreaking innovation in pen engineering. It featured a refined twist mechanism, providing a smooth, reliable retraction system that improved both functionality and user experience, reducing the risk of ink leakage and wear. The design was also compact, allowing for a slimmer pen body without sacrificing the smooth writing performance that Cross was known for.
1993: Launch of the Townsend Collection
The Townsend Collection debuted with a distinctive Art Deco design, a signature double center band, and a substantial form. It became synonymous with presidential prestige, used by U.S. presidents such as Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama for official signings. The Townsend collection’s status as the "Pen of Presidents" added a new chapter to Cross's legacy.
1996: Century II Launches
The Century II Collection launches as an extension of the popular Century line. Century II inherits the classic elegance and conical top of its predecessor, but it has a wider diameter and a more substantial medium weight. This period also saw the introduction of various other collections, further enhancing Cross’s diverse range of writing instruments.
1996: A Joint Celebration with the Smithsonian
To mark the brand’s 150th anniversary, Cross partnered with the Smithsonian Institution (founded in the same year, 1846) for a joint celebration. Cross commissioned a commemorative bronze bell, cast by London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry, and donated it to the Smithsonian for display atop the Castle's tower. This event highlighted Cross’s enduring legacy and its connection to historical milestones in American culture.
2000s: Expansion into Global Markets
The late 20th century and early 2000s saw Cross expand its reach, distributing fine writing instruments to over 140 countries. The brand not only maintained its classic collections but also introduced new product lines, blending tradition with modern performance features.
2021: Celebrating 175 Years of Excellence
Cross marked its 175th anniversary with the launch of a special edition collection. Inspired by vintage design elements like the ball clip and gold-plated enamel bands, the collection paid homage to the brand's legacy while reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation. The 175th Anniversary emblem symbolizes Cross's ongoing dedication to excellence for pen connoisseurs and everyday users alike.
The Future: Writing the Next Chapter
Today, Cross remains a leader in the fine writing instrument industry. The brand continues to be selected for official signing ceremonies at the White House and other prestigious events worldwide. With a focus on innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep respect for its heritage, Cross is committed to evolving with the times while staying true to the timeless art of writing.
