Onoto are a British brand producing luxury fountain pens and accessories. They were first established in 1905 by the De La Rue family -- one of the world's largest printing companies of the time -- producing high-end fountain pens from the outset.
A French press advert from the 1910s.
The family, pushed for by son Evelyn, purchased a patent for a plunger-filling ink mechanism -- the first of its kind, invented by George Sweetser. Onoto pens quickly became very popular in Great Britain and internationally, thanks to their extensive marketing and advertising campaigns.
Christmas advert from 1913.
By the 1920s, "Onoto The Pen" had grown from its original black chased vulcanite model into a range of vivid, stylish fountain pens inspired by the Art Deco movement.
An Onoto window display from the 1920s.
During the Second World War and the post-war period, production was scaled back and some of the more lavish designs were set aside. During this time, Onoto introduced the "active-service" pen -- a pen containing dissolvable ink pellets stored in the barrel that, once diluted, could last up to a year.
"Peter Pen" advert, 1920s.
Due to the scaling back of production, 1958 saw the last pens produced in the UK at Strathendry in Scotland. However, in 2005 the brand was revived and returned to production here in the UK, reclaiming its place among Britain's finest writing instrument makers.
Notable users of the Onoto pen have included King George V, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Field Marshal Douglas Haig, Florence Nightingale, and writer Edgar Wallace.
Queen Mary and King George V signing with an Onoto pen in Jersey, 1921.
The Onoto Range
Onoto Scholar
The Scholar is Onoto's entry point into the range -- a beautifully made British fountain pen that offers exceptional quality at a more accessible price. With a classic design and a smooth steel nib, the Scholar is a pen that reflects Onoto's heritage without the premium price tag of their top-tier models. Available in a range of colours.
Onoto Magna
The Magna is Onoto's flagship model, a substantial and beautifully crafted pen that draws directly on the brand's century-long heritage. Made in the UK with premium materials and featuring a gold nib, the Magna is a serious collector's pen and a genuine piece of British craftsmanship.
Shop Onoto at Pure Pens
Browse the full Onoto range at Pure Pens. If you need help choosing the right Onoto pen, get in touch and we will be happy to advise.