Parker Pen Company uses casein.
In searching vintage Parker advertising, it was discovered that colorful cap tops
were used about 1906 on Collegiate eyedropper pens. At this time Parker pens were
becoming very popular, however George Parker always had his eye on other markets
and applications. Collegiate pens were standard black hard rubber eyedropper pens
made to offer school fraternities and sororities with color matching cap tops.
It is believed that these buttons were made from casein, and are the earliest
reference to casein use by Parker. At this time Parker also developed the Emblem
pens, which carried fraternal and “secret societies” emblems fastened
to the cap clips.
Around 1921 Parker introduced “Ivorine” pens for the ladie’s
market, and they “sold like wildfire”. This November 24, 1921 advertisement
shown here tells more of a story than just about “Ivorine”. Notice
that 1,200 pounds of this material is being shipped from France and evidently
was difficult to secure. “Ivorine” pens and pencils today are highly
collectible and fountain pens in pristine original colors are very difficult to
find.
1921 advertisement for Ivorine
Parker Pastel Ladies Pencils (collection
of Jimmie Cockburn)
Today Conway Stewart has a new process of producing casein pens that is quite
unique and they do not have the inherent flaws as production from early in the
century.
References:
David Wells Vintage Pens
Jonathan Donahaye
Conway Stewart Collection
Conway Stewart
history
Home of the Plastics Historical Society
Plastics Historical Society
– History of casein
Sandretto Plastics Museum Turin,
Italy
Sandretto
Plastics Museum casein artifacts
Jimmie Cockburn Pens and Pencils
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