When you think of a generic ballpoint pen, a Bic probably comes to mind. The manufacturer sells more pens than any other company in the U.S. Whether purchasing logo pens for company advertising, or stocking up on back-to-school supplies, many people pick a Bic.

Ballpoint pens are common today, but the first ones caused quite a stir. Reynolds International Pen Co. introduced the modern ballpoint to the United States in 1945. It had a metal barrel with a tiny ball bearing instead of a point. It did not leak, was guaranteed to need refilling only once every two years, and could write on paper, plastic, or cloth. People lined up to pay $12.50 a pop (about $170 today) for them.

With the rising popularity of ballpoint pens, an enterprising Frenchman, who was already making pen parts, decided to design a more affordable pen for the masses, using less expensive plastic. He purchased a patent for the ballpoint tip and went to work.

Voila! In December 1950 our hero introduced the Bic Cristal, an inexpensive disposable ballpoint; in 1959 it was brought to the American market. The pen was shaped like a pencil, had a plastic cap, and was initially priced at 29 cents; around $3 today but still a far cry from $170.

That French pen maker’s name? Marcel Bich. (Pronounced “beek”). In 1953 an advertising executive advised Bich to shorten his family name to ‘Bic’ as it was easier to remember and (properly) pronounce.

The Bic Cristal is still the best-selling pen in the world.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org