“No Cap!”’

[Life, June 10, 1946. Click for a larger view.]

After reading a BBC history of the ballpoint pen, I had to go looking for Reynolds. All I can say is that the claim of a four- to fifteen-year supply of ink fills me with existential dread. Notice (bottom left) that the pen is gendered — not unusual in the twentieth century.

The Reynolds name is still around, as an Indian brand owned by Newell Brands. And look closely: the Reynolds Xpres-Dri gel pen appear to be a Paper Mate Ink Joy with slightly different packaging. The tell-tale Paper Mate hearts remain. Newell owns Paper Mate too.

Related reading
All OCA pen posts (Pinboard) : Photographs of the Reynolds 400

[Gendered pens: among others, the Parker Compact Jotter (“for girl-size hands”), the Parker Lady Duofold, the Lady Sheaffer, the Sheaffer PFM (Pen for Men).]