Here I'm showing a figural sterling pencil represented as a child's top by Walter Thornhill & Company of England. Circa 1873.  6 stages of length not counting the nozzle! The piece extends by pulling the nozzle (working end), away from the body.  To me, the number of stages that fit into the body of the pencil is simply amazing. And, it all works smoothly and precisely. Without the ring the measurements are 1 3/8 inches long collapsed and 3 1/4 inches fully extended. Due to the top heavy nature of the piece it is unsuitable as a working top toy or is that toy top? Dizzy yet?  :>)

  Four Camel mechanical pencils here in 3 different models.  Circa 1935. The company only lasted about 5 years as I recall. The black pencil has the maker markings inscribed on the side. The quality of the pencils is excellent except for the pitiful black thing.

  Fully hallmarked British, sterling combo pencil, knife and file. Probably by Asprey. Pencil extends as it is pulled out of the case and compresses when pushed back into place. Slick. Very high quality. Case is 2 5/16 inches long. Pencil extends to an almost practical 3 5/16 inches in length. Circa 1915.

  Here's a stubby Pelikan Auch repeater (top button activated) mechanical pencil.  3 5/8 inches long. Circa 2nd half 1940's.

  Here I'm showing an English silver, noname telescopic pencil with whistle. Pencil features a serious, swinging hanger with attached ring.  Circa 1890. Pencil is 3 inches long compressed measured with the ring and 4 3/8 inches long extended ready to write. Nice piece.

  Parker Duofold Streamline Junior mechanical pencil produced between 1929 and 1932. The color pattern of this pencil was not sold to the public. 4 11/16 inches long. Proper Parker markings are to be found on both the body and clip. Yup.

  I think these tiny Victorian slider pencils were produced mainly in England. The collar on this one is used to slide the attached working end in and out along the grove in the device. These pencils were made in many different styles. Typically they all measure about 1 13/16 inches long compressed and 2 3/8 inches extended (to the writing position). Diameter measurement is also very similar in all styles of this length.

  Here showing are three demonstrator mechanical pencils, circa 1940-1955. Top piece is a Parker utility pencil with cutouts top and bottom to view the operation of the mechanism. The middle and bottom pieces (Sheaffer Snorkel and Parker 51) demonstrate mechanical operation by a view through their clear barrels. Pencils of this design were never sold in their day. They were shown by sales staffs to educate retailers and or their customers as to the internal workings of the devices. Modern demonstrators (clear barrels), produced since the last part of the 20th century are designed and sold as a style enhancement gobbled up by customers.

  This one is a gold Sampson Mordan three stage telescopic pencil. Circa 1915 - 1920. Extended sections are pulled out from the pencil body with a continuous pull of the collar (opposite the ring). Procedure is reversed for storage. This pencil also features a perpetual calendar, customizable by a movable day of the week ring. Piece is 2 1/2 inches long when not in use and 5 1/2 inches long when used.

  Showing here is a nice grouping of lesser seen early Waterman hard rubber mechanical pencils, c. 1928 ish. I dig em.

  Here for your listening pleasure is a Sampson Mordan figural pencil represented by a sterling tennis racket. Circa 1890. Button slider activated. Pencil is 2 1/4 inches long compacted and 2 1/2 inches long extended when in use - as a pencil.