I'm showing today an unmarked figural lobster claw mechanical pencil. The material is silver. Likely English in origin.  The working end is twist activated. The pencil was produced during the 1880 - 1895 period. The length is 1 3/4 inches long closed and 2 1/4" extended. Yes - diminutive. 

  Sometime during the mid-1920s into the 1930s, Sampson Mordan of England and Koh-I-Noor Hardtmuth of Czecholasvkia marketed mechanical pencils under both their names. Showing here are two examples. Both pieces feature each company's markings.

Recent mechanical pencil acquisitions. From left to right: Edward Todd, Eversharp, Omas, and Parker. Circa 1930's and 40's. The Edward Todd is much earlier.  Also, an Italian Fulgens branded pencil snuck into the Omas's in position 7th from the left.

Showing is a Sampson Mordan double-ended silver cedar holder(s). The color-coded collar sliders are blue and red. Finding proper wooden refills in those colors was probably always difficult. The outer pattern is called cable twist The piece dates to the end of the 19th century Body is 4 inches in length.

   Three A.T. Cross stationary implements. From left to right a letter-scale suspension mechanical pencil, a Peerless letter scale, and a simple stick mechanical pencil. All circa 1917 and thereabouts.

   A three-piece Victorian pencil haul from the recent Washington pen show. Top to bottom is an owl topped carpenters pencil, slider activated Mordan figural pipe, and twist activated figural acorn. All circa 1880 - 1895. For measurement perspective, the owl is 4 1/4 inches long in the extended position.

   A couple wooden pencils disguised as an early stick telephone. 3 1/2 inches tall. Big thanks to Sherry and Alan.