Johann Faber was an involved family member of the A.W. Faber writing instrument empire during the second half of the 19th century. He left the family business in 1876 to form his own Johann Faber Company of Nuremberg, Germany.  Today I'd like to show an example of one of the new companies' products. This set of useful items was likely carried during the course of the day. It includes a pencil, dip pen, knife and toothpick. Johann Faber merged with A.W. Faber in 1929. Later, the company name was changed to the familiar Faber-Castell of today. This grouping was likely produced in the 1890's.

I'm showing today a simple sterling axe as mechanical pencil. Exceptionally well made. Produced by Sampson Mordan of London, England. The piece was made in the vicinity of the 1880's. Writing tip is deployed by a button activated slider channel. The pencil is 3 5/8 inches long closed and 4 3/8 inches extended. It's time to go chop some wood.

 

Sampson Mordan of London, England created this figural mechanical pencil; represented as a sword with sheath. Material is silver. The pencil dates to the 1880's period. The writing section is deployed by pulling the pommel (ball) away from the body. This extends the two stage telescopic writing section. The piece is then ready to write. Pushing in on the pommel returns things to the carry position. Sheathed the piece is 4 1/2 inches inches in length. Extended, the writing section is 5 5/8 inches long.

Today I'd like to show a figural mechanical pencil presenting the Budda in his classic sitting position. The piece was produced by the Leroy Fairchild Company of New York, New York. Circa 1880, give or take a couple years.. The pencil mechanism is deployed by pulling the ring away from the body. This action simultaneously induces an outward push of the tip section to the writing position. Magic pencil is the descriptive name for instruments of this type. The pencil is of all metal construction. Lengths without the top ring unit are 1 1/8 inches closed and 2 1/8 inches extended

  I'm showing today an English black enamel over metal mechanical pencil. Disguised as a walking stick but a little short. The writing tip is fixed position. The handle pulls out from the pencil body to reveal an attached metal toothpick. Circa 1880'ish. Almost exactly four inches long.

A couple pencil bridge sets.

  For your possible viewing entertainment I'd like to show a metal, grape cluster magic pencil. Likely sterling. Not for wine production - yet. The piece is unmarked. Well made. Likely English but possibly American. Circa 1880'ish. Length dimensions are 1 1/8 inches closed and 2 1/8 inches extended.