The Ballpoint Pen Goes on Sale

Setting the scene

Fountain pens smeared and needed refilling; Hungarian journalist László Bíró and his brother György developed a pen that used a rolling ball and quick-drying ink inspired by newspaper presses.

What happened

Bíró ballpoint pens reached stores in 1938, first in Argentina after the brothers fled Europe; the design later licensed to companies including Reynolds and Bic.

Why it still matters

Cheap ballpoints filled office drawers and student backpacks, making disposable writing tools universal. Memorable detail: early models still leaked until manufacturers perfected the ball-and-socket fit.

Background

Cheap pens later filled office drawers worldwide.