In the history of writing instruments, Onoto stands proud as a name synonymous with innovation and quality. Since its foundation in 1905, Onoto fountain pens have been associated with three specific qualities: firstly, its essential Britishness; secondly, its manufacturing ingenuity and thirdly, its global marketing success.

In 1905, one of the most respected British ‘establishment' companies, Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited, was approached by George Sweetser, an outstanding Mechanical Engineer and Inventor, with a self-filling safety fountain pen which he had recently patented read more

The first Onoto - Sweetser's original plunger-filler fountain pen guaranteed not to leak - was manufactured by the Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited in London in 1905.

The Onoto pens were an immediate success in the United Kingdom and internationally, and were one of the very few 100% British-made pens prior to WW1. They were so successful that the pens came to be marketed as read more

Onoto's recognition as a global brand was helped considerably by extensive advertising and marketing right from the start. In 1905 Evelyn De La Rue had a marketing budget of £50,000 which equates to £2.5 million at current prices. De La Rue recognised the importance of maintaining a high profile and showed considerable marketing expertise with a wide variety of campaigns, not just in the UK but also in the USA, India, Italy and France.

For some examples of Onoto advertisements click here

Although initially made in London, Onoto pen manufacture was transferred to Strathendry, Fife, Scotland in 1927 and continued there until 1958 when the factory closed its doors for the last time. After nearly 50 years Onoto production has started again ..
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