Cross

Cross: American pens since 1846

Richard Cross, who came from a family of English jewellers, started out in 1846 in Providence, Rhode Island, making gold and silver casings for pencils. His son Alonzo Townsend Cross gave the company its name: A.T. Cross. In 1916 Walter Boss, an employee, took over the company, and his family went on to lead it for generations. For the company's hundredth anniversary in 1946 the Century pencil was launched, the start of the Classic Century collection. In 1953 came the Classic Century ballpoint pen with the twist mechanism Ellery Boss designed for it. In 2026 Cross celebrates its 180th anniversary.

Cross pens are on the table at the White House too: US presidents have used a Townsend for official signings, and the Century II is the pen of those ceremonies. Every pen is inspected at least 120 times during production.

Which Cross pen is right for you?

• Classic Century: the slim classic with the conical top, as a ballpoint pen, pencil, rollerball or fountain pen.
• Century II: the same lines as the Classic Century, but wider and a little heavier. Our largest collection, also as a fountain pen and rollerball.
• Townsend: substantial, in Art Deco style with a double centre band. The pen of presidents.
• Peerless 125: the flagship, inspired by the first Cross fountain pen from 1889.
• ATX: modern and ergonomic, as a ballpoint pen, rollerball and fountain pen.
• Bailey: mid-sized with a grooved centre ring, an affordable gift, often with engraving.
• Bailey Light: the light entry model, ideal for students.
• Click (with a click mechanism) and Foundry: ballpoint pens and the most affordable way to start with Cross.
• Tech3+: three in one, with a black and a red ballpoint, a pencil and a stylus for your touchscreen.
• We also stock the Art Deco-inspired Calais, the Edge gel rollerball with its slide-to-open mechanism, and the Wanderlust.

An engraved Cross pen as a gift

A Cross pen is a classic gift for a graduate, an anniversary or a business contact. On almost fifty models, mainly from the Bailey, Century II, Click and Foundry collections, you can choose free laser engraving of a name or a short message. For most pens you can also add a premium gift box. Read more about engraving on our pen engraving page.

Warranty and refills

Since 1949 Cross has offered a Lifetime Mechanical Warranty on the mechanism of most of its pens, regardless of age. The Foundry has a two-year warranty. Engraving is not covered by the warranty, nor is damage caused by refills from other brands. That is why we recommend always using genuine Cross refills: ballpoint refills, Selectip refills for the rollerball and ink cartridges for the fountain pen.

Questions about Cross

What is the difference between Classic Century and Century II?

Both have the same shape with the conical top. The Century II is wider and slightly heavier, so it feels fuller in the hand. The Classic Century is slimmer and lighter.

Which Cross pen makes a good gift?

On a small budget a Click, Foundry or Bailey Light; with engraving a Bailey or Century II; as a gift for life a Townsend or Peerless 125.

How long is the warranty on a Cross pen?

Lifetime on the mechanism for most collections, two years for the Foundry. Damage caused by refills from other brands is not covered, so only use Cross refills.

Where can I buy a Cross pen?

At Penworld, online or in our shop in Antwerp. Order before 4 pm, shipped the same day. We ship across Europe and worldwide.