The Reynolds Rocket was the first US ballpoint pens launched in New York, on October 29, 1945. It made $100,000 within one day. Although initially unreliable it was the beginning of a revolution in writing.
The Gimbels department store in Manhattan was buzzing with excitement on October 29, 1945 as people lined around the block to buy the latest invention - a pen that did not require refilling and which could be used instantly without smudging.
The Reynolds Rocket was the first ballpoint in the United States. It was sold at $12.95, or about $200 today. The pen made $100,000 that day (about $1.1m today).
Milton Reynolds is an ambitious Chicago businessman who was the first to introduce the ballpoint pen in the US. While travelling in Buenos Aires, Argentina, earlier in 1945, Reynolds spotted a novel type of pen created by Hungarian-Argentinian journalist Laszl3 Br3.
It was known as a ballpoint, and used a rotating ball that dispensed ink quickly, preventing smudges.
Biro patented his pen in Argentina in 1938, and it was already available in Argentina and in the United Kingdom.
Reynolds, realizing the potential of the American market for the design, decided to create it himself. He rushed back to the United States to implement the idea, skipping over existing patents.
He put his team at work with unwavering resolve. Reynolds' version of a ballpoint pen was ready four months later. He named it the Reynolds Rocket. The US was prepared for it.
After using refillable fountain pens for years, people were excited to find a pen which could write without any hassle.
The BIG LAUNCH Day
The Reynolds Rocket became an instant hit when it was introduced at Gimbels. Customers were attracted to the revolutionary promise of the pen despite its high price. The convenience of a sleek, portable pen that felt stylish and modern was worth paying top dollar.
Reynolds was able to pocket $100,000 by the end of the day, a modest sum in 1945. The ballpoint pen became a popular item across the country after this debut.
The initial excitement was great, but it soon faded. The Reynolds Rocket was not as reliable as many people had hoped. The ink would dry too quickly and it leaked.
Several customers returned or threw them away. They were made from anodised aluminium aircraft, and featured a sleek Art Deco style, which gave them a contemporary look, despite their flaws.
Reynolds' once-thriving enterprise was no more by 1951. Prices dropped quickly from $12.95 in 1948 to less than 50 cents.
The Legacy of the Ballpoint and Reynolds
The ballpoint pen has become so commonplace that we don't even give it a second glance. But back in the day, it was an amazing piece of technology. Reynolds' first product did not stand the test time but it was the start of the ballpoint pen revolution.
The ballpoint pen market grew after Reynolds' failed venture in 1951. This was largely due to the innovations of other companies who improved the design, made the pens more affordable, and perfected it.
Reynolds, too, adapted to the changing market and prospered. It became one of the top pen brands in the world. After focusing on quality and innovation in the writing instrument industry.
The brand continued growing, particularly in international markets. It had a strong presence, in India where, in 1986, it partnered up with GM Pens to produce reliable, affordable pens which quickly became popular.
Reynolds expanded its product line to include gel pens and ballpoint pens. It also introduced stationery. This helped it establish itself as a reliable brand for writing instruments.
In 2016, BIC, the French stationery giant, acquired the brand. This brought it into the global network of the company and expanded its reach.
Reynolds has a strong presence in Asia, and is renowned for its quality and innovation.
