History of ...
History of Floating Action Goods
▲ Early floating pen (1950s)
"Floating pen"...?
When you tilt the pen, the characters move and change in the oil.
The girl gets naked...!?
The familiar ballpoint pen that everyone has used at least once.
This highly original item allows the creator to infuse the approximately six seconds of "floating time" with their own thoughts.
Even now, "the pen I want to keep even when I can no longer write with it"
It is also popular as a collector's item.
There are collectors all over the world, and exchanges across borders are also active, with rare pens being traded at high prices. Even now, more than 70 years later, they are still popular products that are used in various situations, such as souvenirs at tourist attractions around the world, character and artist goods, and corporate novelties.
In fact, all of these ballpoint pens can be made to order with original designs.
You can give it to someone special with your own "★★★".
Stationery has a wonderful, slightly hidden process.
"A six-second story told by a ballpoint pen"
Now, what shall we put in it?
ESKESEN
Eskesen was founded in 1946 in St. Merløse, a small rural town located about an hour’s drive west of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.
In 1950, the first company to place an order for the "Floating Pen" was the oil company Esso. They used oil as a visual representation by incorporating a floating drum-shaped object into the pen, creating a design that uniquely showcased the company's identity. This marked the birth of an original, one-of-a-kind concept.
Eskesen further developed this idea, pioneering the technology that allows printed film to float inside the pen barrel, a feature we recognize in today’s Floating Pens.
It may come as a surprise, but Floating Pens sold worldwide, including in Tokyo, Hawaii, and Paris, were all manufactured exclusively at the company’s factory in Denmark.
Yes, even the famous “Tip and Strip Pens” were part of their lineup. Isn’t it remarkable to think that these pens are Nordic stationery with over 70 years of history?
If you happen to own a "Floating Pen," take a look at the clip section on the slender long model or the top of the slightly thicker new style.
You’ll find the words "MADE IN DENMARK" and the Eskesen logo engraved.
These markings are the proof of an authentic "Floating Pen" made by Eskesen in Denmark.
In 2024, Eskesen’s business was transferred to Retrobank Ltd., a long-time partner in Japan, ensuring that its craftsmanship and spirit would live on.
Starting in 2025, production will commence in Japan.
※ "Floating Pen" is a product name for ballpoint pens within Eskesen's "Floating Action Goods" lineup.
The factory in 1948
Founder P.ESKESEN
ESKESEN A/S
Susanne Christensen / Thomas Koefoed
The factory in 2015
(Denmark/Store Melrose)
Retro Bank
Retrobank Ltd. was established in Tokyo in 2000 by its founder, a collector and enthusiast of ESKESEN floating ballpoint pens.
With the aim of spreading the appeal of ESKESEN pens in Japan, we have focused on the ESKESEN floating pen business since our establishment, while working on measures against Chinese counterfeit products and strengthening our brand strategy. As a result, we have been able to build a strong partnership over the years.
In 2024, a business transfer agreement will be signed with ESKESEN.
This means that production of ESKESEN floating action goods will begin in Japan from 2025.
Although the place of production will change from "MADE IN DENMARK" to "MADE IN JAPAN," the spirit and history of ESKESEN will continue to be passed down. We will continue to cherish and nurture the value of the ESKESEN brand.
Summer 2024 at Eskesen Factory
(Denmark/Store Melrose)