A.W Faber's "Winner" pencils were introduced by the US incorporation of the A.W. Faber Castell company when, during WWII, the imported "Castell" drawing pencil leads were no longer available. After the war, the US "House of Faber" re-established business ties with the German parent company and Castell pencils were re-introduced into the USA. Post-WWII Castell advertisements celebrated its return.