ASCO BY AURORA - BLUE LAPIS BUTTON FILLER

In the late 1920,s/early 1930's, when the pen market in Italy started to steadily grow, Aurora implemented a commercial strategy which led to the production of two sub-brand lines ( Olo and Asco) along with a number of minor brands and unbranded pens meant to be used as promotionals.

The intent was to exploit the entire potential of the market, offering pens for any type of writing need and any price range.

Aurora models represented the top line, Olo and Asco were good quality pens but less expensive. They had different features, with Asco being  more elaborate in terms of materials, finish and style and Olo being instead in most cases aimed at a less demanding share of the market.

Olo pens were primarily manufactured as button fillers in celluloid but the Olo line comprised safeties and lever fillers with rolled gold overlay, too.

Lever fillers and safety fillers are much less common than button fillers in celluloid. They are fitted with Olo nibs which are as beautiful and performing as the best Aurora gold nibs.

Asco pens were manufactured to recall Aurora models, especially the Duplex. The range of colors used for these models is really very wide, with some extremely beautiful color combinations which can be found only in this line of pens. 

This Asco pen in blue lapis celluloid sports a customization on the cap top ( AGIP was the  General Italian Petroleum Agency) and it is fitted with a very pleasant stub Asco nib.

Condition is excellent with only a minimal darkening of the lapis blue celluloid.