In 1905, the world saw the birth of the Onoto Patent Self-Filling Pen — a fountain pen that would change the way people wrote, travelled, and thought about ink forever.

To mark 120 years since Onoto’s beginnings in 1905, we present two new models that honour the heritage of British fountain pen design. Both new editions are inspired by the classic ‘N’ type Onoto — the long-barrelled form that defined the early success of the brand. Each pen is crafted in England and pays homage to the spirit of 1905 while embracing the standards of 2025.

The Onoto Heritage 120 Years Anniversary Edition

The Onoto Heritage pen is a carefully considered anniversary edition that reflects both the origins of the brand and its evolution over time. Crafted from vintage-style ebonite, the pen echoes the material used in many of Onoto’s earliest models. The barrel carries the familiar engraving “Onoto the Pen – Made in England”, now accompanied by the dates “1905–2025” in quiet recognition of 120 years of history.

It features the classic “line and dot” pattern — a design that was widely popular on early Onoto pens and remains much loved by collectors today. Carefully recreated using diamond engraving techniques, this pattern brings a sense of familiarity and quiet elegance to the pen.

Near the end of the barrel, a finely textured grip band recalls the practical details found on vintage models — once added for function, now appreciated for their character.

Rooted in Edwardian design, realised with modern precision, the Heritage model links past and present through thoughtful craft rather than ornament.

The Onoto Heritage 120 Years Anniversary Edition is available in two versions: one with heritage plunger design and the other with a modern converter. Each version is limited to 120 pieces.

The Onoto Heritage Timeless

Simple in form, focused on purpose.

This anniversary model follows the same N-type silhouette as the Heritage edition, but without any decorative pattern. It is also crafted from vintage-style ebonite, offering the same warm feel and organic texture prized by early Onoto collectors. The barrel is unadorned, bearing only the original engraving: “Onoto the Pen – Made in England”.

A finely textured grip band near the end of the barrel adds both grip and historical reference — a quiet detail carried over from early Onoto pens.

For those who appreciate clarity over ornament, the Onoto Heritage Timeless offers a restrained, purposeful take on the anniversary theme. It comes fitted with a converter as standard, and can also be upgraded to a traditional plunger-filling system.

Limited to 999 numbered pieces.

A Milestone Rooted in History

As told in The House That Thomas Built, Onoto’s story is part of a larger legacy — of printers, inventors, craftsmen and engineers, whose work shaped how people wrote across generations and continents.

When Onoto’s first self-filling pen was introduced in 1905  by Evelyn de la Rue and George Sweetser, the original Onoto Patent Pen represented a quiet kind of British ingenuity: one that solved problems elegantly, and without excess.

The 120th Anniversary Collection honours that legacy.

Both models are based on the early N-type form, with details drawn directly from historical designs. Together, they mark 120 years of British fountain pen history — not as a conclusion, but as a chapter still being written.

Write the next chapter with Onoto.