Since 1888, Parker has pioneered innovation and superior craftsmanship in writing instruments, giving consumers the confidence to write their own stories.

Parker’s story starts in Janesville, Wis., where George Parker set out to develop a more reliable fountain pen. He patented an ink delivery system called The Lucky Curve that pulled ink back into the pen when not in use. During World War I, Parker made ink pills, to which soldiers could add water to create ink for use in the “Trench Pen” while at war. The brand’s trademark pen, the Duofold, was launched in the late 1920s when its large, red design complemented the flamboyant decade. In 1931, Parker debuted “Quink” ink, which dried by absorption rather than evaporation and therefore did not require blotting. The rest of the century saw more innovation and success for Parker as the Vacumatic, the Parker 51 and new versions of the Duofold made Parker one of the top pen brands in the world.

Parker, along with Waterman, Liquid Paper and Paper Mate, were acquired by Newell Rubbermaid as part of Gillette’s stationery products business in 2000.