A counter pen is a

pen A pen is a common writing instrument that applies ink to a surface, usually paper, for writing or drawing. Early pens such as reed pens, quill pens, dip pens and ruling pens held a small amount of ink on a nib or in a small void or cavity w ...

designed to be affixed to the counter or table of an institution, such as a

bank A bank is a financial institution that accepts deposits from the public and creates a demand deposit while simultaneously making loans. Lending activities can be directly performed by the bank or indirectly through capital markets. Becau ...

or a

post office A post office is a public facility and a retailer that provides mail services, such as accepting letters and parcels, providing post office boxes, and selling postage stamps, packaging, and stationery. Post offices may offer additional serv ...

, typically by a chain,

ball chain Ball chain is a type of chain consisting of small sheet metal balls connected via short lengths of wire. The balls are hollow and have two small antipodal holes. These holes accept a short length of wire deformed on the end like a rivet so tha ...

or plastic cord, making it less likely that the pen will be accidentally or purposefully removed. A 1938 issue of ''The Bankers Monthly'' describes the concept: "The pen also gives a better write than the ordinary counter pen. The

ink stand An inkstand is a stand or tray used to house writing instruments, with a tightly-capped inkwell and a sand shaker for rapid drying. A penwiper would often be included, and from the mid-nineteenth century, a compartment for steel nibs, which replac ...

cannot be stolen, for it is fastened to the counter or desk. Besides, a chain between pen and stand prevents anyone from wandering away with the pen."

References

Pens {{Tool-stub

See also

References