A. T. Cross (Alonzo T. Cross), has been making mechanical pencils for a very long time. The name of course, was at some point shortened to 'just' Cross. Shown here are likely some of the company's earliest pencil efforts. Two or three of the examples showing are marked A.T. Cross. Two or three are inscribed with Cross patent dates for August 29, 1882 and April 8, 1884. More than one of these are unmarked but are very likely Cross. Materials are hard rubber and gold filled finished metal. The longest piece is 4 15/16 inches. Red hard rubber rules!

  Waterman's Lady Patricia model mechanical pencils in sterling and gold fill overlays. Made in the United States. Circa 1930's. 4 1/4 inches in length.

  For some pencil people it does not get any better than this. Showing here is a metal store display sign, circa 1920's. The pencil featured is from the Sheaffer's Lifetime model lineup. The model design featured various sizes, materials and finishings. The sign is fifteen inches long. Thank you Daniel Kirchheimer!

  In the 1920's Sheaffer's, Cross, Grieshaber and maybe a couple other companies created hand painted (usually over metal), examples of their standard line of production mechanical pencils. Shown here are four examples of the Sheaffer's Lifetime, metal, short ring top pencil.

  For some pencil people it does not get any better than this. Showing here is a metal store display sign, circa 1920's. The pencil featured is from the Sheaffer's Lifetime model lineup. The model design featured various sizes, materials and finishings. The sign is fifteen inches long. Thank you Daniel Kirchheimer!

  Today I'd like to show a Sampson Mordan Muscovy duck head, figural mechanical pencil. To operate, pull the ring end away from the body and watch the lead nozzle simultaneously extend out the other side. The mechanism is referred to as a 'magic pencil' Circa 1880 - 1890. The duck is 2 1/8 inches long compressed and 3 7/8 inches in the writing position.

Showing is a slider mechanism, Victorian mechanical pencil. Featured is a bear holding a ball on top of the finial. Piece also features a perpetual calendar. No engraved makers marks. Circa 1885 -1905 Length in the closed position 3 1/2 inches and when extended 4 1/4 inches.