America's oldest manufacturer of fine writing instruments was established in 1846. Manufacturing in the Providence, RI, facility first was limited to elegantly tooled gold
and silver casings for wooden pencils.
With more than 21 registered patents, the A. T. Cross Company soon developed and marketed many important "firsts" in the field of writing instruments. These include
the propel-repel mechanical pencil, a forerunner of today's mechanical pencils, and the Stylographic pen, the precursor of the ball-point pen by more than 70 years.
The company was sold in 1916 to Walter R. Boss, who later brought his sons Ellery (in the 1920s) and W. Russell (in the 1930s) into the business. Ellery retired in 1966,
and W. Russell, who later retired in 1985, was joined by his sons Bradford in 1958 and Russell in 1961. Cross entered the international marketplace in 1962 and became a public company in 1971.
David G. Whalen became President and Chief Executive Officer in 1999, Russell A. Boss is Chairman of the Board and Bradford R. Boss is Chairman Emeritus.
A. T. Cross headquarters in Lincoln, RI, has been expanded several times to meet international demand for fine writing instruments.
Cross writing instruments are now distributed in more than 140 foreign markets. The company has writing instrument marketing subsidiaries in the U.K., Spain, France,
Germany, Holland, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canada.
Products
Cross refillable writing instruments include ball-point pens, mechanical pencils, Selectip rolling ball/porous-point pens, gel ink pens, multi-function pens (including
stylus options for PDAs), and fountain pens.
The proud tradition of innovation and excellence that has marked A. T. Cross for more than 150 years is apparent in our product history, and is clearly reflected in
the broad array of writing instruments, watches, and accessories offered by A. T. Cross today.
Quality
"People expect more from Cross," said David G. Whalen, commenting on the quality of A. T. Cross products. This is greatly attributed to Cross' employees, who share
in the company's goal of quality in the manufacturing process. Cross allows any employee in production to reject a part or product that appears faulty.
Cross' commitment to its customers extends to its lifetime mechanical guarantee (warranty) on all writing instruments. Any Cross writing instrument returned for service is
repaired or replaced at no charge.
Milestones
1949 In the year 1946, the company introduced its signature design with the conical top, the
Classic Century, which remains one of the most widely recognized, and best-selling designs in modern history. With estimates approaching more than 100 million Century pens produced since its debut, its timeless style renders it a true icon of contemporary industrial design, a benchmark that others would emulate. Many professionals, who happily and securely perceive themselves to be more traditional than trendy, see the
Classic Century, and its successor, the
Century II, as having an elegant ÃÃÃéclat that cannot be bested.
1983 In 1983, Mark Cross, Inc., a fine leather goods maker, was acquired as wholly-owned subsidiary. Thus was put into place the necessary
organization and facilities for the production of the now universally recognized Cross line of personal leather accessories. Cross became a public company in 1971, listed on the American Stock Exchange, with the symbol,
ATXalmost a foretelling of the 2000 collection with the same name.
1993 Cross Townsend fountain pens and Selectip rolling ball pens to the international market in 18 karat gold filled, 10 karat gold filled, Black Lacquer, Platinum, Medalist.
1996
Century II (international market) 14 Karat Gold Filled, 10 Karat Gold Filled, Blue Wood, Green Wood, Rose Wood, Black Lacquer
1999 Century II line (U.S. market) include 23 Karat Gold Plated, Black Lacquer, Medalist and Chrome. Technologies include ball-point pen, 0.5mm pencil, Selectip Rolling Ball Pen and fountain pen. Alhambra Mica Gray, Cinnabar Red and Cobalt products become part of the Century II line.
2000 ATX in Basalt Black, Zirconium, Azurite Blue, Red Copper, Matte Chrome and Pure Chrome with chrome plated appointments.
2004 Verve Selenium Blue, Merlot, and Platinum Plated
2005 Apogee line - Chrome, Titian Red Lacquer, and Black Star Lacquer