In a world where the spotlight often shines on giants like Coca-Cola and Ford, companies that have traversed history from horse-drawn carts to space rockets, there are those who find themselves drawn to a different narrative. A narrative that pays homage to the fading brands, the ones that quietly exit the market without grand farewells. Whether it’s the gradual vanishing of names like Ravalgaon and Nutrine or the decline of Chelpark ink pens, there’s an inexplicable fascination with the life and demise of these brands.
Unveiling a piece of lesser-known history, Reynolds, as a company, had its origins in the United States. The cryptic ‘045’ embedded within its name signifies the pivotal year of 1945, marking the time when the company began to make waves across America. With time, this brand ventured into the Indian market, eventually becoming an icon in its own right. Much like Bata, while Reynolds didn’t take its first steps in India, it undeniably embodied the essence of an Indian company. For generations, it intertwined itself within the Indian education and professional ecosystem.
Amidst the plethora of alternatives, Reynolds stood out for its distinctive attributes. Its competitors often suffered from leakages, leaving pockets stained with ink. There existed more upscale options – Parker, Pilot, and Mitsubishi – the latter leaving one to ponder why a car manufacturer was delving into pen production. However, these pens struggled to withstand the rigorous demands of the Indian education system. This system required writing copiously, day in and day out. From classroom notes to homework, assignments, and exams, the Indian student’s life was etched in ink. Even letters, applications, diaries, and the dreaded impositions – a form of writing-based punishment – added to this writing-intensive lifestyle. Reynolds pens offered a solution, a blend of quality and affordability that spared both pockets and pride from turning blue.
In the endeavor to meet the unique demands of the Indian education system, other brands introduced a pen or two tailored for this purpose. However, Reynolds took it a step further, presenting a comprehensive range. At the forefront was the 045 Fine Carbure – akin to the Sachin Tendulkar of pens. Its refill remained impervious to leaks, its ink resistant to smudging. The pen’s utility transcended writing; its lightweight design turned it into a makeshift ‘rubber-band rocket propeller,’ and the cap became a weapon for impromptu ‘cap-fights.’ With a sense of patriotism, students often erased letters from the pen’s body, leaving behind the word ‘INDIA.’
True connoisseurs of the brand would recall the kaleidoscope of colors that Reynolds introduced – purple, green, and brown variants that graced paper with vibrant strokes. The Jetter pen, known for its robust ‘click-clack’ sound, found favor among teachers. It bestowed users with a semblance of being a debonair James Bond. The Trimax, on the other hand, emerged as the ultimate exam companion. While it may not have improved one’s grades, it certainly facilitated swift completion of exams, enabling students to exit the hall with a triumphant air akin to Stone Cold Steve Austin. And then came the Racer Gel, an epitome of smooth writing and doodling, embellished with trippy designs, as if anticipating that students might introduce a psychedelic touch to their study routine.
As the years have progressed, and technology has reshaped the way we engage with written words, pens have taken a backseat. With the prevalence of Word documents, PDFs, and digital writing platforms, the traditional pen’s significance has dwindled. Even the author, in writing this very column, turned to an iPad for the task. In a recent visit to stationery shops, a familiar truth emerged – pens, in general, are fading into obsolescence. Inquiries revealed that Reynolds pens, once a staple, were no longer gracing the shelves.
For today’s youth, the name Reynolds might evoke thoughts of actor Ryan, but for those of an older generation, it conjures memories of a trusted childhood companion. When viewing the Indian Test cricket team donned in whites, with a distinctive blue cap, it’s as if they are personifications of the Reynolds 045 Fine Carbure ball pens from days gone by.
News Mania Desk / 26th August 2023
