Cross pens are manufactured by Lincoln, Rhode Island based A.T. Cross Company (NASDAQ: ATX), the oldest U.S. based purveyor of fine writing instruments. http://www.cross.com/companyinformation/history.aspx?cat_name=Our_History Founded in 1846 by Richard Cross, the firm went on to become a recognized trailblazer in its product field, introducing for example in 1879 forerunners to both the ballpoint pen and the mechanical pencil. http://www.cross.com/CompanyInformation/ProductHistory.aspx?cat_name=Product_History Cross passed down his knowledge to son Alonzo Townsend Cross and eventually, in 1916, the company was sold to employee Walter R. Boss, whose grandsons work there today.

A.T. Cross Company makes a wide variety of ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, fountain pens, pencils and assorted product sets. In 2006, the firm's Verve pen was prominently featured in a scene from the MGM movie "Stormbreaker", during which 14-year-old British teen super spy Alex Rider makes use of one to escape danger. http://www.cross.com/companyinformation/newsitems/aboutcross_wn05_06stormbreakers.aspx In conjunction with the movie, the company released a special edition new gold-tone version of its Verve Radial Chrome model.

One of the hallmarks of Cross its its lifetime perpetual guarantee for all pen products, http://www.cross.com/customerservice/warranty.aspx?cat_name=Warranty which promises that "all writing instruments are unquestionably guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age." The company has also been able to cautiously expand its original product lines to other areas such as eye wear and personal journals, resulting in healthy first quarter 2010 profits and an increase in sales for that period of 11.5%. http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=189520

The most expensive item offered by Cross is its Classic Century 18-karat gold ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil, which retail for $1,400 U.S. each. http://www.cross.com/catalog/penlisting.aspx?cat_name=Shop_All_Pens_And_Pencils The company also carries a platinum plated Townsend ballpoint pen for $425 U.S.

A.T. Cross was particularly active in 2008 with new pen and pencil model offerings, and in 2009 the company opened its first airport-located retail outlet at Salt Lake City International Airport in partnership with HMSHost. http://www.cross.com/companyinformation/news.aspx?cat_name=Press_Releases Last year, A.T. Cross also launched a line of co-branded pens with FranklinCovey available at Staples stores. http://www.cross.com/CompanyInformation/NewsItems/aboutcross_nr_033.aspx