Bagley’s Pen Factory Operated for more than 60 Years
The Bagley Gold Pen Factory
The Albert G. Bagley gold pen factory was established in the late 1830s in Brooklyn, and later operated in New York City. The factory was located initially at 1 Front Street in Brooklyn, and Bagley employed skilled workers who were trained in the steps of gold pen manufacturing
The manufacturing process at the Albert G. Bagley gold pen factory was highly specialized and required a great deal of skill and precision. The factory used a variety of methods to manufacture gold pens, including hand engraving, machine engraving, and stamping. The factory also used a variety of materials to manufacture its pens, including gold, silver, brass, and steel.
The employees at the Albert G. Bagley gold pen factory were required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, and then trained and became highly skilled in the art of gold pen manufacturing. They were responsible for all aspects of the manufacturing process, from designing and engraving the pens to polishing and finishing each item.
The Albert G. Bagley gold pen factory was ocated in Brooklyn and later Manhattan. Distribution to other parts of the country, ranging from New England through the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Georgia, throughout the Midwest including Chicago, and California and the West Coast was undertaken and accomplished by newspaper marketing via Agents who advertised in newspapers across the USA.
Several Agents initially sold Hawkins and Levi Brown gold pens through newspaper advertisements, and by 1842 added Bagley Gold Pen nibs to sales advertising. Bagley Gold Pens became the most prolifically newspaper advertised Gold Pens for the 20 years.
The Albert G. Bagley Gold Pen factory was a skilled operation that produced some of the finest Gold Pens of its time. The factory employed skilled workers who were trained in the art of Gold Pen manufacturing, and it used a variety of proprietary methods and materials to produce its pens.
In the accompanying image below, several Bagley Patented Extension Gold Pen holders are compared. Some are marked with Bagley's 1850 Patent. One is marked with Bagley’s 1850 Patent, yet it contains John Rauch’s signature slotted rib pencil extender. Another is marked with Mabie’s 1854 Patent, a product of Bagley’s factory sold to-the-trade. Aside from internal mechanism differences such as the Mabie or Rauch pencil novelty, all are Bagley 3-piece pen holders manufactured in the Bagley factory.
- Note that all of the depicted examples are equipped with a so-called Rauch end cap at the pen nib/pencil holes, depicted in his 8640-patent dated 1852. Although Rauch depicted the end cap in his patent drawing, he did not claim this as his invention. Bagley 3-section extension pen holders had this end cap long before Rauch included this feature in his 1852 patent.
American Gold Pens as Art
Albert G. Bagley also initiated the Gold Pen as Art movement in America, his signature 2-section and 3-section cases displaying artistic sculptural motifs.
1,000,000 Gold Pen Nibs
In 1848 The New York correspondent from the Charleston Courier newspaper furnished an update vignette about American Gold Pen manufacturing, clearly stating that the Albert G. Bagley gold pen factory was established soon after the invention and creation of Gold Pen nibs with iridium tipping applied in the 1830's.
The update expressed that although Mr. Brown was initially taught the production process, Albert G. Bagley was quickly the "most extensive manufacturer" of Gold Pen nibs, having working capital of $80,000 with weekly expenses of $1,000. Profits were stated to be 100%.
The update also illuminates that a firm named Platt and Brothers contracted both Brown and Bagley Gold Pen nib production early in the writing revolution, thus creating a monopoly for years. Platt Brothers and Company was established in
The manufacturing process at the gold pen factories was estimated to be less than 1,000,000 per year and demand was enormous.
The correspondent stated that Bagley made a rapid fortune.
The Platt Significance
The Platts began a jewelry business in 1834 and by 1835 had opened a Platt and Bro. Hardware, also selling jewelry and thimbles at 12 Maiden Lane. A Platt gold and silver refinery was in operation at 26 Thomas Street.
By 1851, George and Nathan Platt were operating a gold and silver refinery and bullion office at 4 Liberty Place.
The book titled “History of Maiden Lane” mentioned, on pages 64 - 65, that Platt and Bro., importers had been operating in 1840 at 12 Maiden Lane.
The relationship with Brown and Bagley, and likely other Gold Pen makers, was partially for access to gold and silver bullion, and the return/recycling of gold and silver scrap from manufacturing operations.
Weekly National Intelligencer
The United States Library of Congress (LOC.gov) opines about the Weekly National Intelligencer in this image.
Albert G. Bagley ingenuity and dominance in Gold Pen Nib and Patent Extension Case manufacturing was illuminated in a Washington, D.C. publication, the Weekly National Intelligencer, on July 5, 1851.
The article (click on the image) addresses Bagley’s Gold Pen Nib manufacturing steps and, with the exception of undisclosed trade secret steps, provides the steps of extension pen holder case production.
The article addresses the global extent of Bagley Gold Pen Nib and pen case distribution, and highlights that Mr. Bagley trained half of the labor workforce in the United States in the art of Gold Pen Nib and pen case manufacturing.
Finally, Bagley patent methods realized in various manufacturing machines is addressed.
Example Bagley Gold Pen Nibs
Gold Pen nibs were produced in yellow and rose gold. All are marked Bagley except the leftmost, which is a Kurtz & Monaghan, circa 1867-1870.
Bagley was a prolific producer of pen and pen/pencil products as well as fine gold nibs, He was quoted as using 800lbs of gold each year in 1866. Based on simple mathematical analysis, at 15 grams per pen holder, gold pen production would have been over 25,000 per year. This would not include silver pen holders. Annual gold pen nib production from 1846 to 1848 was over 25,000 per year according to New York Superior Court records reviewed.
In the Scientific American Vol 2. No. 1 September 26, 1846, Mr. Bagley advertised “Gold Pens!! – In consequence of the increased facility afforded by machinery for the manufacture of my GOLD PENS, I am enabled to furnish them to the Trade, at a much less price than they heretofore obtained them through my Agent. Those purchasing direct of the manufacturer will have the double advantage of the lowest market price, and the privilege of returning those that are imperfect. In connection with the above, I am manufacturing the usual style of PENHOLDER, together with my PATENT EXTENSION PENHOLDER with PENCIL. All orders thankfully received, and punctually attended to. A.G. BAGLEY, Sept 25, 189 Broadway, N.Y.”
Cross Pen Company of Rhode Island and Tiffany & Co. of New York were among numerous Bagley trade customers which included Agents operating across the country as retail outlets for writing accoutrements. Within the example images below, the Tiffany example exhibits a box marked Tiffany & Co. located at 36 bis avenue de L’Opera, Paris.
Bagley gold pens were among the finest produced in the world and his gold nibs, including Bagley’s Improved, Bagley's Improved 1 & 2, The Congress Pen, Bagley’s United States Pen and a variety of others marked in various manner have been found across the USA and internationally in many countries.
Bagley’s “The Congress Pen” Nibs
The Congress Pen was produced with several styles of marking the Gold Pen nibs.
Bagley’s “The Victoria Pen” Nib
The Victoria Pen was produced as a Gold Pen nib.
Production was limited and apparently rare, somewhat similar to the Bagley's United States Pen.
Although in poor condition, this may be the only extant specimen.
Bagley’s “The Victoria Pen”
Advertising for Bagley's The Victoria Pen is scarce, indicating the production may have been extremely limited.
William C. Marion
In 1852, William C. Marion joined the Bagley firm and soon rose to factory foreman.
Marion remained until 1885, assisting over the years A.G. Bagley, John Rendell and other innovators in the Bagley factory operation pen-making process. Mr. Marion created many of the so-called "fancy pen" models and other unique penholders, many of which are displayed on this website.
According to The Jewelers' Circular dated February 23, 1898, William Clayborn Marion, of Arlington, N. J., achieved special distinction in the manufacture of gold pens, a business he followed for fifty-two years. Born in Lexington, Ky., April 12, 1834, ... Mr. Marion left home at the age of fourteen and apprenticed himself to Andrew J. Berrian, a maker of gold pens at 75 Nassau Street, New York.
Mr. Marion remained there three years, and became so skillful in the art of pen making that he secured, at the early age of seventeen, a position as journeyman in the shop of Albert G. Bagley, on the corner of Duane and Centre Streets, New York. Mr. Bagley is credited with being the inventor of the gold pen. After his death the business changed hands, but Mr. Marion continued to act as foreman for thirty-three years, when the plant was purchased by Edward Todd.
Marion's announcement continued by stating: Mr. Bagley was long the leading gold pen maker of the world, and Mr. Marion not only became deeply interested in his work, but devoted much of his spare time after working hours to the study of difficult mechanical problems connected with the trade, and as a result of this close application he achieved a national reputation as an expert gold pen maker, orders for difficult work being sent to him from all parts of the country.
In 1884 Mr. Marion formed a copartnership with Gyulo Armeny and engaged in business on Nassau Street in New York City under the firm name of Armeny & Marion. Mr. Marion is without doubt or question the oldest living working gold pen maker in the world, his successful and active career extending over a period of more than fifty-three years.
Attribution: Willian Clayborn Marion genealogy timeline.
Gyulo Armeny was awarded
Under this copartnership Mr. Marion continued the practice of “TO THE TRADE” sales that had created worldwide demand for Bagley products.
Armeny & Marion Gold Pen nibs and pen holders may be viewed in the link below.
William C. Marion
As foreman of the Bagley Factory, Mr. Marion created many of the original designs of pen holders. He would also oversee unusual pen holder requests.
Marion was awarded patent No. 8,988 in 1876, assigned to Edward Todd & Co. for a design for writing pens. The accompanying drawing depicts a Centennial Gold Pen nib design.
Bagley Wholesale To The Trade
Tiffany & Co.
Albert G. Bagley factory production occurred to-the-trade for retailers and pen makers. Bagley products were exported widely.
The example is an 18k extension penholder marked BAGLEY, equipped with a Gold Pen nib stamped Tiffany.
Absent patent marks, the production date is not accurately known, however; detailing and other characteristics indicate that this is mid-1840's production.
Characteristics of the nib are consistent with Bagley production . Coupled with the extension Bagley penholder, this combination demonstrates that Bagley not only wholesaled to retailers in the mid-1840's, customers included Tiffany.
Tiffany & Co. reported in a Securities Exchange Commission Form 10-K filing regarding relationships with wholesale goods;
“A substantial majority of non-jewelry merchandise is purchased from others.”
The Cross Pen Co. No. 1
The A.T. Cross Company, established in 1846 in Providence, Rhode Island by Richard Cross, is one of the oldest writing instrument manufacturers in the United States.
Originating from a family of jewelers from the English Midlands, Richard Cross started the company by creating elaborate gold and silver casings for wooden pencils.
Although the official registration of the company might have occurred in or just after 1847, the birth of son Alonzo Townsend Cross in 1846 is considered the company's inception and is the source of its name, thus marking the earlier date as its foundation.
The to-the-trade example depicted is a Bagley marked pen holder equipped with a Gold Pen nib stamped The Cross Pen Co. No. 1 from soon after the founding of The Cross Pen Company.
The Bell Family of Texas
Bell & Bro. San Antonio, Texas
Established in 1812, no business in San Antonio is as deeply intertwined with Texas history as the Bell Jewelry Company.
This firm uniquely blends romance and sentiment with business, standing as the oldest continuous jewelry establishment in San Antonio and among the oldest, if not the oldest, west of the Mississippi. Its uninterrupted legacy dates back to 1812, when the company’s namesake first began crafting swords by hand for the government in Tennessee.
Samuel Bell, at just 14 years old, took up this trade out of patriotism, supporting his country. After the war, he pursued silversmithing full-time, specializing in crafting ornate sword handles adorned with gold and jewels, some of which were valued at up to $500. In February 1852, Mr. Bell moved his family from Knoxville to San Antonio, traveling by steamboat to New Orleans and then by stagecoach—a journey that took six weeks.
Bell chose Commerce Street for his first Texas jewelry store, setting up in a small brick building just east of Main Plaza. Here, with his five sons, he created handcrafted jewelry and silverware, melting down Mexican coins to fulfill any custom order. From this shop, the Bell family would often watch Native Americans, adorned with scalp locks, visit the plaza to receive their annuities from Major Tom Howard.
In those days, the Bell shop received many unique orders: saddle pommels and cantles covered in silver, bridles decorated with jewels, ivory-handled revolvers inlaid with $20 gold pieces (often arranged in the form of the Lone Star), and silver belts to hold these firearms. Among Samuel Bell’s most famous creations was an ornate pair of silver spurs worn by General Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto, crafted during Bell’s time in Knoxville.
After Samuel’s death, his sons—David, Powhatan, and Jessup M. Bell—continued the business as Bell & Bros. The company thrived, enduring through the Civil War and operating at what is now 327 West Commerce Street. In 1895, Mr. Hammond acquired the business, renaming it the Bell Jewelry Company, yet preserving the integrity and honor of a name that began its legacy in 1812.
The to-the-trade example depicted is a Bagley produced Gold Pen nib stamped Bell & Bro. San Antonio Texas 2.
The Bell Family of Texas
Bell & Bro. San Antonio, Texas
The to-the-trade example depicted is a Bagley marked pen holder mounted with a number 2 Bagley produced Gold Pen nib stamped:
Bell & Bro. San Antonio Texas 2
Bagley “B” Mark
Mr. Bagley embellished some of his earliest extension pen holders with “B”.
Bagley Factory Custom Orders
Combination 6-Tool Instrument
Custom orders were accommodated by the Bagley factory. Mr. Marion had many contacts and resources for fulfilling orders from around the globe and the To-The-Trade concept drove many opportunities to fulfill the boldest requests.
Depicted is a combination 6-tool instrument fitted with a Gold Pen nib called The Congress Pen. The instrument contains on one end a pencil, Gold Pen nib mount, and Quill nib mount, while on the opposite end resides a pen knife, tweezer, and file.
Writing Tool End
This tool could be used as a Gold Pen or as a Quill Pen and could also function as a pencil.
Cutting / Grooming Tool End
Each tool on this end are precision crafted, enabling use of each tool to perform any task necessary.
6-Tool Overview
Each tool is deployed by button slider. Fabricated in 18k gold, this item was produced as a bespoke instrument. Note that the gold button for the file slider is missing; however, the steel pin upon which the gold button was mounted is present.
Gold Calendar Pen/Pencil Combo
A small form factor 14k gold pen / pencil holder with an Albert G. Bagley New York Gold Pen nib mounted. This item is a rare American calendar combo.