Cross Pens

From fountain pens to rollerball and ballpoint pens, Cross is a classic company known across the world both in the fine writing community and beyond. Founded in 1846 by Richard Cross, Cross pens still boast similar designs from those manufactured more than a century and a half ago. The company originally sold ornate gold and silver casings for wooden pencils before expanding to stylographic pens, touted as the technological ancestor of the ballpoint pen.

Alonzo Townsend, Richard’s son, shared his father’s love of fine writing instruments. He inherited the company in 1876 and sold the family business to an employee, Walter Boss, after acquiring their first US patent. Boss’ natural talent for sales shifted the Cross Company’s marketing efforts from Providence to New York, adding a larger and more varied product range. Walter’s grandsons are still key figures in the leadership of the company today.

With the success of other companies like Waterman and Parker in The Roaring Twenties, the writing market’s perception of fountain pens shifted. What was once a mere writing instrument was now a fashionable item that could reflect an individual’s personal style. Cross’ best-selling fountain pen in the 1930s was an art deco pen with black enamel detailing made from polished chrome and gold. Cross launched their first ballpoint pen in the 1950s with ‘The Century’. Its features included a 12 carat gold-filled barrel with a propel-repel twist mechanism. The Cross Century pen range is still available today!

The most popular Cross pen models are as follows:

Cross Century II

The Cross Century II pen collection combines the sophisticated design of the original Classic Century with a wider profile, offering a more substantial writing experience. It comes in various finishes like polished chrome, sterling silver, and gold, reflecting the brand’s jewelry-quality craftsmanship.

Cross Bailey

The Cross Bailey collection is known for delivering executive quality at an exceptional value. With deep cut engraving and rich lacquer finishes, the Bailey line is a popular choice for corporate gifts and new professionals seeking elegant and reliable writing instruments.

Cross Calais

The Cross Calais collection is renowned for its lightweight and sleek design with a bold profile. It offers a crisp, clean look at a reasonable price, making it an ideal selection for those looking for a practical and stylish pen.

Cross Townsend

The Cross Townsend, named after Alonzo Townsend, is the epitome of style and confidence, inspired by the graceful lines of 1930s art deco design. It has been the pen of choice for several US presidents, symbolizing excellence and prestige.

Cross Peerless

The Cross Peerless 125 is a fusion of two classic designs, mirroring the custom design, innovation, and attention to detail that made Cross legendary. It combines the features of the original Peerless pen and the iconic Century line, introduced in 1935, offering a seamless blend of style and functionality.

The different types of Cross Pens are:

Cross Fountain Pens

Cross fountain pens are renowned for their smooth writing experience and high-quality construction. They are available in various designs and metal finishes, reflecting the brand's heritage and craftsmanship. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, Cross has a range of fountain pens that cater to all.

Cross Ballpoint Pens

Cross ballpoint pens, such as the iconic Cross Century, are recognized for their dependable and long-lasting performance. With a twist or click mechanism, these pens are practical and easy to use, making them a popular choice among professionals and pen enthusiasts.

Cross Rollerball Pens

Cross rollerball pens offer the fluid ink flow of a fountain pen combined with the convenience and reliability of a ballpoint pen. These pens are known for their consistent ink delivery, ensuring a seamless writing experience. They are available in different colors, weights, and barrels, allowing users to choose according to their preference.

When you find your perfect Cross pen, you aren’t just getting uncompromised quality and effortless ink flow. You’re getting a guarantee that your pen stays that way. Their industry-leading Lifetime Mechanical Warranty sets the Cross Pen company apart. This means that all Cross writing instruments are guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age-without question.

In the spirit of their long-lasting service, integrity and customer focus, all pens are designed to be easily refilled and reused for years to come. Under the Lifetime Mechanical Guarantee, if your pen requires service, it will be replaced with a similar or equivalent item.

Get all the details here about Cross Pens Lifetime Mechanical Warranty.

On your search for your perfect pen, you may be asking, “Which is better, Sheaffer or Cross?”

According to The Providence Journal, the Cross Company actually purchased Sheaffer pens in 2013. As a result, they should be comparable in quality. However, with their reputation for outstanding customer service and accountability, we recommend purchasing a Cross pen through an authorized supplier like us or directly from the Cross Pens website.

Cross Pens offer a varied price range to cater to different preferences and budgets. The Cross Pen price can start from as low as $20 and can go up to $530 or more for premium and limited edition models. For instance, models like the Cross Calais are more affordable and can be acquired for $20-$40, making them a practical option for those looking for quality writing instruments at an affordable cost. On the other hand, premium models like the Cross Peerless are available for $188-$530, appealing to those seeking luxury and exclusivity in their pen collection.

Yes! Cross Pens can be engraved or personalized, making them a perfect pen gift option. Whether it’s adding a name, initials, your company logo, or a special message, personalized Cross Pens add a touch of uniqueness and thoughtfulness to the writing instrument. This feature makes them an ideal choice for corporate gifts or special occasions.

Yes, Cross offers replacement parts and accessories for their pens, including ink refills, converters, and nibs. This ensures the long-term use and sustainability of the pen, allowing users to enjoy their Cross ink pens for years to come.

Recently, you may have seen the black and gold Cross Century II rollerball pen signing President Joe Biden's executive orders. Although based in Rhode Island, the modern Cross pens are made in China. Another American pen company that came to prominence in the early 20th Century, Sheaffer was purchased by Cross in 2014. The Sheaffer factory in Fort Madison, Iowa produced American-made pens for over a century until it was shut down in 2008. Cross Pens are manufactured with meticulous attention to detail and quality, reflecting the brand's legacy and commitment to excellence. The brand's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation has made it a renowned name in the world of fine pens and luxury writing instruments. Whether you are looking to buy online for a classic, affordable, or luxury pen, Cross offers a range of options that cater to different needs and preferences. With their timeless designs, high-quality construction, and smooth writing experience, Cross Pens have earned their place as a prestigious pen brand in the world of writing instruments. They are not just items in a collection; they are companions in your writing journey, reflecting your style and passion for writing. Enjoy free shipping with orders of $75 or more (USA only) and explore the extensive collections of A.T. Cross pens available for sale on our website.