Sharpie

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Sharpie:

Sharpie markers have been going strong since 1964

The original Sharpie marker was introduced in 1964 by Frederick W as a fine point all-surface black pigment ink permanent marking pen. Today, traditional permanent Sharpies are sold in seven varieties, according to the shape and size of their tip(s), ranging from "Ultra Fine" to "Magnum". They also come in over 40 ink colors, along with a single variety in metallic silver for marking on dark surfaces. Metallic gold and copper versions were introduced as well, but these have been discontinued due to problems with the ink formula.

In 2004, Sanford released a new line of Sharpies that have a button activated retractable tip rather than a cap. Sharpie Paint markers were also introduced. In 2005, the company's popular Accent highlighter brand was repositioned under the Sharpie brand name. A new version of Sharpie, called Sharpie Mini, was launched; the markers are half the size of a normal Sharpie and feature a clip to attach the Sharpie to a keychain or lanyard. As of 2002, 200 million Sharpies had been sold worldwide.

For a more detailed history on Sharpie pens, please click 'MORE' button at the foot of the page.

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Here we havesome more detailed history on the Sharpie pen brand.

1857

Frederick W. Redington and William H. Sanford, Jr. found Sanford Manufacturing Company in Worcester, Massachusetts. The company focuses on producing and selling ink and glue.

1866

The company expands and relocates to Chicago.

1899

After narrowly escaping the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Sanford's original factory succumbs this time to yet another disastrous fire. By 1900 Sanford has rebuilt its headquarters in downtown Chicago.

1927

In celebration of Sanford's 70th birthday, the company commissions Norman Rockwell to create a painting for advertising use. The ad appears in several magazines with the caption, "It's lucky for you, child, your Gran'dad wrote this will with Sanford's Ink!"

1930's - 1940's

Sanford continues to grow. Quality products and strong distribution help the company prosper, even through the Great Depression. In 1940 the company changes its name to Sanford Ink Company.

1964

Sanford turns its focus to the emerging marker business and introduces the Sharpie marker. The Sharpie Fine Point black marker becomes the first pen-style permanent marker. It writes on almost any surface from glass, wood and stone, to plastic, metal and, of course, paper. NBC talk show hosts Johnny Carson and Jack Parr are some of the first celebrity endorsers.

1979

A new style tip is introduced in four colors, the Sharpie Extra Fine Point marker.

1989

The Sharpie Ultra Fine Point is introduced. With its slim barrel, metal pocket clip and precise tip that produces clean and accurate lines, the Sharpie Ultra Fine becomes the first marker to truly write like a pen.

1991 - 1997

The popularity of Sharpie markers continues to soar in the 1990's due in part to the $5 billion memorabilia industry. Autograph seekers and celebrities alike use Sharpie markers on everything from posters and trading cards to balls and jerseys.

1997 - 2002

Over this six-year stretch, five different Sharpie markers make debuts. Sharpie markers are also introduced in a variety of new colors, including Aqua, Berry, Turquoise and Lime. By the end of 2002, over 200 million Sharpie markers have been produced, enough for approximately two Sharpie markers for every household in America! Sharpie gains added notoriety with its successful advertising and marketing campaigns. Sharpie jumps into sports marketing by sponsoring PGA golfers Arnold Palmer, David Toms, Chad Campbell and Gary Player. Sharpie becomes the title sponsor of NASCAR®'s most popular event, the Sharpie 500, as well as sponsoring NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Kurt Busch. Terrell Owens and Sharpie score a touchdown -- an unexpected, now famous end-zone celebration in 2001 results in approximately $5 million in publicity.

2002 - 2005

New Sharpie products really gain momentum during this time with the launch of 6 new Sharpie product lines, and the introduction of 12 more colors, bringing the spectrum of Sharpie to 24 bold colors! An American icon celebrates 40 years...Sharpie celebrates its major milestone by teaming up with Kurt Busch and renaming the home of Sharpie - Shelbyville, Tenn., to Sharpieville USA for the day in March and working with athletes and celebrities in the kick-off of "Autographs for Education", a program where Sharpie teams up with sports figures to support community-based educational organizations. Only the most trusted highlighter deserves the most recognized name in marking. Accent Highlighters are repositioned under the Sharpie name.

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