Matchbook – The Carter’s Ink Company

Carter’s History  – A Timeline  (Thanks mainly to Wikipedia)

Carter’s Ink – Fountain pens Matchbook. Credit: eBay seller thepaperking3

1858: William Carter Company founded. Sold paper and repackaged other companies’ ink as his own.

1860: His brother, Edward Carter, joins the company, now called William Carter and Bro.

ca. 1862: Ink manufacture began. Another brother, John H. Carter joins the company, now called William Carter and Bros.

1865: Cousin John W. Carter, joins the company, now called Carter Bros. & Company.

1868: Ink sales now so large it moves into its own building.

1872: The “Great Boston Fire of 1982″ destroys all the company’s buildings.

1872: John W and head salesman John Dinsmore buy the ink division and start a new firm, Carter, Dinsmore and Company.

1884: Carter, Dinsmore and Company is now the largest ink producer in the world.

1888: James P dies and John W drowns. The unincorporated business incorporates as The Carter’s Ink Company.

1889: John W’s son, Richard, graduates Harvard and joins the company.

1903: Richard becomes President and continues his father’s commitment to research and development of inks, glues and related products.

ca 1925: Carter introduces a line of Fountain Pens. Probably most famous for their 1929 introduced Pearltex line.

1932-8: Carter leaves the fountain pen business to concentrate on inks.

1949: Samuel Wonders elected President.

1975: The company is sold to Dennison, now Avery Dennison.

Carter’s Ink Advertisement

If you have wonderful images of Carter’s pens, ink bottles or ephemera (or links), let us know so we can add them to the post.  Thanks very much.