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Our Introductory Series
The Neapolitan Masters
From the very beginning of my journey in this wonderful world of fountain pens, I quickly realized that there was an interesting connection between my place of origin and the industry of fountain pens.
Generally, there is no doubt that my country of origin, Italy, has for decades and continues today, to produce high quality fountain pen manufacturers. The made in Italy tag, that we find and cherish on many other products, is a symbol of style, quality and originality.
But in that mele of high-quality pens, one finds a special connection to my Neapolitan origins.
It is that connection that I propose to explore in my introductory series
The Delta Fountain Pen Company
Where it all began
When one speaks of fountain pens and the region of Naples , at the top of my palmaris, and probably every serious collector’s list , one finds Delta Fountain Pen Company.
DELTA, based in Parete (near Naples), founded in 1982, was the creation of 3 most influential men: Nino Marino, Ciro Matrone and Mario Muscente.
Over the years Delta produced hundreds of models with the emphasis on limited and special editions pens of various sizes, designs, shapes and themes, honoring landscapes, history, professions and world events
Leonardo Officina Italiana
The New Beginning
One of the partners in Delta, Ciro Matrone and his son, Salvatore, utilized 45 years of experience working for the defunct Delta Pen Company to found Leonardo Officina Italiana also based in Naples.
Inspired by its name, Leonardo, a symbol of innovation, This new company has Since 2018, focused on what has over the years characterized traditional Italian pen-making, namely:
- hand crafted
- use of special materials and trimmings
- vintage craftsmanship and design
- celebrating Italy's landscapes, waters, flora, fauna, films, history.
Maiora Pen Company
Another Off-shoot of Delta
As a young engineer still in his 20s, Nino Marino took a professional leap and founded Delta Pens in 1982.
Living and working in Naples, Marino’s appreciation of his region was translated into the colors and designs of various writing instruments. In 2017, with the closure of Delta, Marino looked for another avenue to pursue his love of writing instruments.
Within a year, he founded Maiora and continued producing beautiful fountain pens.
In November 2021 Maiora announced the acquisition of the rights to the Delta Pen Company
Gioia Pens
Writing Emotions
Gioia Pens is a young pen brand, born in Naples, Italy in 2014. It is the brainchild of Mr. Fabio Cervasio and Italian craftsmen with more than 20 years of experience.
Although founded in 2014 it was ultimately only , in 2020, that Gioia Pen Italia decided to bring itself to the attention of the whole world.
Gioia Pen Italia produces fountain pens, rollerballs and ballpoint pens with strict quality controls, turned by hand from bars of full of resins produced in Italy, or ebonite, celluloid etc.
Aquila Brands - Tibaldi
Neapolitan Origins
Leopoldo Aquila, started as a pen salesman in 1930s distributing Montegrappa products and later on Aquila FP, a brand of Montegrappa produced FP.
The Aquila family in the late 1970s, in just a few years developed Montegrappa into an international brand and in 2000 sold it to the Richemont Group.
Cashed up and ready for a new challenge, Giuseppe and Gianfranco Aquila (respectively nephew and son of Leopoldo) founded the Aquila Brands Group.
In 2005 was the time for acquire Tibaldi, an FP brand active from 1916 re launched in 2006 for the occasion of his 90th birthday.
Nettuno
Writing History
Since January, 2018, Nettuno writing instruments are manufactured in Naples, Italy, by Maiora pen factory.
First traces of Nettuno’s foundation date back to 1911.
It is for the reason that it is usually referred to as one of the Italy’s historical brands producing writing instruments, perhaps even the first.
Marlen pens
Corinthian Capital
Based in Caserta (near Naples), founded in 1982.
Marlen pens is the creation of two borthers: Mario and Antonio Esposito, the business man and the technician behind the products.
Although this is not a brand of pen you may see in your local pen store, Marlen has created some noted pens that include the Summit for Peace, which is one of 15 pens produced and used by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 as well as the official G8 pen in 2008.
Nowadays Marlen is a 20 people firm, producing unique high-quality handmade limited edition collections.
MarteModena
Another Off-shoot of Delta
They first appeared in 2009.
They established their brand by making use of the experience of the DELTA pen factory in Naples using them as a technical partner, creating a new project, for the first line of MarteModena brand pens.
Historically, they introduced models such as DOLCEVITA FEDERICO, the Chronicle and Freedom of Love..
Makiaro
Delta-Markiaro
Often referred to as Delta Markiaro, the brand was acquired by Maiora as part of its acquisition of the intangible assets of Delta.
Note that the name comes from the Neapolitan song
" Marechiaro".