Waterman
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US
Sanford
Web Site: www.waterman.com
In March, 1884 Lewis E. Waterman started the Ideal Pen Company in New York. Waterman started assembling and selling pens from parts supplied by local companies back in 1883. It was in the following year he was granted the patent for the feed mechanism that is considered the inventory of the modern fountain pen.
In 1988 the company was renamed the L.E. Waterman Company.
In 1926 Jules I. Fagard (JIF) who was the brand's French agent opened his own company, JIF Waterman, to manufacturer Waterman pens in France.
In 1927 one of the researchers who was working for JIF-Waterman invented the ink cartridge and this remained an exclusive item to JIF-Waterman for some 20 years.
The company had a number of pens that were extremely successful. One series, the Patrician, issued in 1929 was re-issued again in 1992. The lacquer coats, there are 19, take over two weeks to complete.
In 1954 production of pens in United States and Canada ceased. JIF-Waterman in France remained the sole company. In 1971 the company became Waterman SA located in France.
In 1983 the company celebrated its 100 anniversary and issued the LeMan 100 pen which was a mainstay of its line for a number of years.
In 1987 the company was taken over by Gillette.
In 2000, Gillette placed is stationery line up for sale with Newel Sanford purchasing the company. This make take some time to complete as when Gillette purchased for Parker and Waterman there were hearings in regards to market share etc.
Tour of the Waterman Factory in Nantes, France Comments on the Waterman Line of Pens -Part I.
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