Introduction of autopens, the biro and felt tips

Autopens were introduced in the 1950’s. Autopen autographs came to the fore in the 50’s and are used widely in the US, particularly Presidents and Apollo astronauts. Some people have more than one autopen example which makes life trickier.

Biro came in during the Second World War to enable pilots, etc. to write more easily in the air – felt pens came in just after the war.