A quarter century
ago, in 1982, three like-minded Italian visionaries, Nino Marino, Ciro
Matrone, and Mario Muscente
established
a new design shop and factory for crafting exceptional writing instruments
of refined elegance. With the purpose of recalling the, both understated
and vigourous, glamour of the '20s and '30s, the early years were devoted
to producing pieces made of precious metals, celluloid, and ebonite.
Securing such substances had the added effect of leading the company,
willy-nilly, into broad international markets.
While virtually all other manufacturers were committed to, and using,
either converters, twist-filling (inner piston) mechanisms, or cartridges,
Delta took the bold step of reintroducing the lever-and-rubber-sac
system for drawing ink into the fountain pen. Due to commonly-held,
preconceived notions about the efficacy of the lever-and-sac apparatus,
Delta reserved this "old-fashioned" method for special
limited editions only—as exampled by a current limited
edition, the Giacomo
Puccini.
From the beginning, the firm's research and developement department
dedicated itself to the study, production, and use of rare and demiurgic
materials, an
early result of which was the Extrema Collection, the world’s
first writing instruments made of carbon fibre and titanium. In the
coming years Delta would debut historically exigent, sometimes even
prescient, pieces.
In July, 1994, as a sponsor of the "G7 Summit", held in
Naples, Italy, Delta offered the seven leaders (Chirac, Chrétien,
Clinton, Dini, Kohl, Major, and Tomiichi) The G7 Limited Edition,
a three-piece set comprised of 1994 pieces. On September 7, 1998 the
mayor of Venice received and declared the VENEZIA-limited edition,
the official pen of the city of Venice.
One of Delta's most important collections to date, JVBILAEVM 2000
was created to celebrate the year 2000 when the holy year of Jubilee
(a Biblical term, mentioned first in Leviticus 25:1, of the Christian
Old Testament, for a recurring year of forgiveness, amnesty, and deliverance)
coincided with the beginning of the 3rd millennium. As the chirographics
company located closest to the Vatican, Delta leadership felt compelled
to be the first to create such a pen, and its sense of obligation
was fully validated by the result.
Delta experienced—and is experiencing—success with other
important limited edition writing instruments as well. Among them
are the Segovia, Venezia, Pompei, Colosseum, and others, celebrating
the great cities and landmarks of Italy herself, historical locations
and treasures that form the heritage of many modern nations and traditions.
Tribute did not, however, confine itself to direct commemoration of
people and things Italiano; the Nazareth 2000, the
Isaac Newton, Napoleon
Bonaparte, and Native
American speak of an esteem for other peoples and states
with whom common humanity and achievement is shared.
Though still relatively young, compared to some of her sister designers
and manufacturers, Delta established, and has maintained, an array
of collections that commands respect and appreciation from all, with
the Dolcevita
forming the core. Indeed, the Papillon
is a extension of the Dolcevita,
as is the Soiree,
and, of course, the Mini
and Stout
branches of the collection family. A recent addition is the Vintage,
low in cost, yet luxurious in design and colour, with simple durability.
Delta products display design and craftsmanship that evoke a common
fascination for all that it is unique. Most traditional of ink filling
systems, the lateral lever system, fitted into special materials such
as the finest of resins, celluloid, and precious metals, combines
with utter respect for classical rules of taste, and a deep commitment
to reviving and expanding love of the handwritten word. A
one hundred percent Italian business set up by the most artistic of
craftsmen, Delta, Artigiani della Scrittura continues to dedicate
itself to producing its renowned, high-quality writing implements,
some of which qualify as true masterpieces. Continuing its richly
varied line is an ever-expanding series of limited and special editions,
all of which further cement Delta's commitment to culture, history,
and grace: the Lucky,
the Giacomo
Puccini, and the Enrico
Caruso, from 2007, and followed in 2008 by the Israel
60, and the Giuseppe
Garibaldi.
All pen and pencil fanciers should keep close watch on this vibrant
young company. For continued innovative thinking, marrying the best
of bygone days, and the latest technologies, no other craft house
is better suited to providing pieces that leave the workshop, already
become priceless works of art, and collectors' items.