Paul Wirt Fountain Pens

It is often said that the victors are the ones that rewrite history. As an example of this, the Wirt Fountain Pen Company is nearly forgotten today, while names like Cross, Parker, and Waterman are widely known to the public.

At one time Wirt Pens were more popular than all of these makers combined, yet time has all but erased this dynasty from history.

Perhaps Family was the important factor. Of all the pen companies that started in the early 1900's or before and are still existing today, such as Sheaffer, Waterman and Parker; they have one thing in common. The founders of these fountain pen companies all had sons, nephews or other family members to carry on their business.

Paul Wirt had a son, Karl Wirt, who started to take over the pen business, but tragically Karl died at an early age. How would fountain pen history be different if Karl had lived to be as old as his father? Surely more people would know about Paul Wirt Fountain Pens. The company might even be with us today.

I am distantly related to this family and I grew up hearing about my uncle the pen maker. It wasn't until I was much older that I started to take an active interest in this family connection. This site will give some basic information about antique Paul Wirt fountain pens. If you have any information that you think should be added, I certainly would like to hear from you. Send a mail to rd@kamakurapens.com

Pictured above and below (inverted to show detail) is the official Paul Wirt Fountain Pen Company Wax Seal. Paul Wirt used this tool himself to seal his personal and business mail. I have a few original letters written by Paul Wirt in his own hand, and it was a real thrill when I acquired this seal and matched it with the wax impressions upon the envelopes.

The earliest Paul Wirt letter I have that has this seal mark is from December of 1886, so it was likely used from the beginning of the company to the time they stopped production in the early 1930's.

The Seal first reappeared in the 1990's. A Bloomsburg Antique dealer managed to find what was left of the company relics. These were sold as souvenirs. The person who picked this up kept it for several years and then sold it again at auction where I acquired it.

 

 

 

 

With a single Wirt pen I haved carved out the familiy's living, with two I might have become rich ."
Mark Twain