Markenzeichen werden gerne überarbeitet, um dem Zeitgeschmack zu entsprechen, eine Sortimentsänderung zu begleiten oder dem Unternehmen einen neuen, frischen Auftritt zu verschaffen. So gab es auch den bekannten Marskopf von STAEDTLER in einigen Varianten.
Der Marskopf in dieser ganzseitigen Anzeige stammt von 1963 und war die erste stark vereinfachte Form nach über 50 Jahren.
Der Unterschied zu den davor genutzten war recht groß, und so hielt man es vielleicht für nötig, ihn mit einer Werbekampagne bekannt zu machen.
Interessant finde ich, dass der aktuelle Marskopf nach der sehr minimalistischen Ausführung von 1973 wieder näher an der hier beworbenen liegt. Wie wohl der nächste aussehen wird?
I find this a very interesting subject. Excellent pick! If Staedtler hadn‘t changed its logo it could have become a real classic. This constant altering creates a certain modernity, rejuvenation. It introduces new energy. But so many changes also suggest too much marketing. Being unable to choose. Everyone will have a favourite. I wonder what would happen if Ford changed its calligraphy. They didn‘t change their logo for so many decades.
I’m happy to hear that you like it, Wowter! The history of the Mars head is unusual because the two early variants were used as a decorative elements but not as a logo; the variant from 1925 was the first official one. Yes, there have been quite a lot of changes, and in the 11 years from 1952 to 1963 there have been three different Mars heads but since 1973 the logos have been used longer. – The Ford logo is a true classic! It is certainly forbidden to touch the calligraphy ;-)
The 1973 version of Mars‘ head is the one that gives me the most Proustian rush. I have a few Traditions and a round Shorthand made in the Pontyclun factory which bear it.
It’s impressive that such small details can have such a pleasing effect even after many years! – By the way, it’s remarkable how rare it is to come across STAEDTLER pens with this logo today. A few years ago, they were still available in large quantities on eBay, among other places, but today you have to be lucky to find any.
I remember wondering what the funny blob on the pencil next to the name was, when I was a kid in school. I never realised it was supposed to represent the head of Mars, the God of War.
“[F]unny blob” is great :-)