Pen: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 8, 2026

News •

With Pen and Ink, a Graphic Novelist Gets to Know a Dictator • Nov. 5, 2026, 5:00 AM ET (New York Times)

Photos and Videos

Diagram of a ballpoint pen cut in half lengthwise, showing internal parts including the plunger, back spring, barrel, clip, refill, front spring, point, and a close-up of the tip with the ball and ink tube.

Learn the manufacturing process of felt-tip pens

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Topics

soft-tip pen steel pen reed pen quill pen ballpoint pen fountain pen qalam Today in History—October 29: The Ballpoint Pen Arrives Pen drawing writing implement Pencil stylus Ink eraser Inkstand

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Key People

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Patrick Joseph Frawley, Jr.

American entrepreneur