Cross pens

A.T. Cross Company, established in 1846, is recognized as America's oldest manufacturer of fine writing instruments. Founded by Richard Cross in Providence, Rhode Island, the company originally specialized in ornate gold and silver casings for wooden pencils, leveraging the family's background in jewelry making. Over the decades, it became synonymous with American craftsmanship, particularly after Richard’s son, Alonzo Townsend Cross, patented several revolutionary designs including the stylographic pen and the first propel-repel mechanical pencil.

Historically, Cross pens were manufactured exclusively in the United States, specifically in Rhode Island. However, to maintain global competitiveness, the company moved the majority of its production to China in the early 2000s. Today, while most mass-market collections are manufactured in modern Chinese facilities, the company still maintains a smaller U.S. presence for specialized assembly and high-end customization, notably for the 'Presidential Pens' used by U.S. presidents for official bill signings. Ownership has transitioned from the founding Cross and later Boss families to private equity; since 2017, the brand has been owned by Transom Capital Group, an American investment firm based in Los Angeles.