Early innovator of writing instruments with undeniable cachet—as approachable as they are prestigious, as nostalgic as they are new—Cross firsts included the propel-repel mechanical pencil in 1879, a forerunner of today's mechanical pencils, and the Stylographic pen, also 1879, precursor of the modern ball-point pen. In 1930, the first Cross fountain pen was released. In the year 1946, the company introduced its signature design with the conical top, the Century, which remains one of the most widely recognized, and best-selling designs in modern history. With estimates approaching more than 100 million Century pens produced since its debut, its timeless style renders it a true icon of contemporary industrial design, a benchmark that others would emulate. Many professionals, who happily and securely perceive themselves to be more traditional than trendy, see the Century, and its successor, the Century II, as having an elegant éclat that cannot be bested.

In 1916, the company was sold to Walter R. Boss, who later brought his sons Ellery (in the 1920s) and W. Russell (in the 1930s) into the business. Ellery retired in 1966, and W. Russell, who later retired in 1985, was joined by his own sons, Bradford in 1958, and Russell in 1961. Cross entered the international marketplace in 1962, and in 1966, the now almost ubiquitous Cross desk sets were added to product line. In 1983, Mark Cross, Inc., a fine leather goods maker, was acquired as wholly-owned subsidiary. Thus was put into place the necessary organisation and facilities for the production of the now universally recognised Cross line of personal leather accessories. Cross became a public company in 1971, listed on the American Stock Exchange, with the symbol, ATX—almost a foretelling of the 2000 collection with the same name. Throughout the 20th century, Cross partnered with other manufacturers of finely tooled products, such as Victorinox, and Maglite, and with highly respected designers, such as Bill Blass. Only a small portion of a long chronology of pen and pencil issuance can be displayed here:

1993 Cross Townsend fountain pens and Selectip rolling ball pens to the international market in 18 karat gold filled, 10 karat gold filled, Black Lacquer, Titanium, Medalist
1996 Century II (international market) 14 Karat Gold Filled, 10 Karat Gold Filled, Blue Wood, Green Wood, Rose Wood, Black Lacquer
1999 Century II line (U.S. market) include 23 Karat Gold Plated, Black Lacquer, Medalist and Chrome. Technologies include ball-point pen, 0.5mm pencil, Selectip Rolling Ball Pen and fountain pen. Alhambra Mica Gray, Cinnabar Red and Cobalt products become part of the Century II line
2000 ATX in Basalt Black, Zirconium, Azurite Blue, Red Copper, Matte Chrome and Pure Chrome with chrome plated appointments
2004 Verve Selenium Blue, Merlot, and Platinum Plated
2005 Apogee line - Chrome, Titian Red Lacquer, and Black Star Lacquer

For over one hundred years, discerning customers have chosen Cross pens as their preferred writing instrument. Beginning with virtually every President of the United States, including President George W. Bush, and other U. S. Federal officials, such as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, great statesmen and diplomats the world over have signed official documents with Cross pens. John Steinbeck, Anthony Horowitz, and other renowned authors have penned their masterworks with Cross pens. Cross products have been used in many television programs, most recently, The Sopranos, Monk, Commander in Chief, and Justice. Cross products have also appeared in many outstanding films including, Silence of the Lamb, and Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker.

While other American-founded pen companies lost focus, or management vision, and either closed their doors, or consolidated operations overseas, A. T. Cross remained “in tune” with, and responsive to, the market; stayed in the United States, in its original locale; and kept a uniquely American style internationally vibrant and relevant. Today, more than 2000 corporations around the globe rely on Cross for their corporate needs, with pens especially designed for such notable firms as GE, Sony, NBC, BBC, Nestle, Boeing, Fiat, Fujitsu, Westin, Dell, AT&T, American Express, Lexus, and Jaguar.