Pineider pens

Pineider

240 years ago, in 1774 Mr. Francesco Pineider opened his first shop in Florence, Italy, producing exclusive hand-engraved personalized paper, hand-worked by local artisans. Pineider soon became the stationer of choice for the European bourgeoisie who appreciated the uniqueness of its products and asked for made-to-order visiting cards and writing paper with elegant embossed characters, coats of arms and escutcheons engraved in gold, using a technique perfected by Renaissance goldsmiths.

In the nineteenth century Pineider created a series of elegant writing desk objects such as pens, inks, folders and accessories and leather products, made in Florence by master craftsmen. Cultured and romantic English, French and German travelers fell in love with Pineider when they would arrive in Florence, the typical destination of the nineteenth century Grand Tour. Legend tells us that Napoleon was among the travelers who entered the historical Pineider shop, which was appreciated by authors, artists and poets, such as Stendhal, Lord Byron, Percy B. Shelley, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Giacomo Leopardi and Charles Dickens. When Florence became the Italian Capital Pineider printed the first official guides to the city. Embassies, Ministries, State Offices and The Savoy Royal Family were customers of the Pineider shop. When, then, Rome became the Capital of the kingdom, the Savoy family then asked Pineider to open a new shop in the Eternal City to cater for the needs of the Royal household.

In the twentieth century Pineider made an appearance in all the world’s cities, thanks to the patronage of Sovereigns, public figures and arts and show business personalities. These are just some of the illustrious names on its roll of clients: Eleonora Duse, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Luigi Pirandello, Maria Callas, Liz Taylor, Henry Ford, Marlene Dietrich, Rudolf Nureyev, Luchino Visconti, among others.

Today, Pineider is a world-appreciated brand, which has maintained, during the centuries, the traditional methods which made Pineider a unique benchmark. The paper today is still worked by hand and is still coloured with natural pigments, the hand-engraving is still made thanks to Pineider master engravers and every single product is the result of traditional craftsmanship, using only the best quality materials.

In 2001 and in 2009 Pineider has been chosen by the Italian Government as one of the official suppliers for the G8 summit, held first in Genoa, and then in Aquila, Italy. The Pineider items selected (Pineider writing desk set, leather briefcases, leather desk pads and notebooks ) have been given as a gift to the Chiefs of the World, representing Italy.