Recent additions to a Chilton mechanical pencil stash. Circa 1930's. Country of origin United States.

  I'd like to show today a pair of 19th Century writing instruments. First off (bottom position in first picture), is a metal, silver finished pen with telescopic case. Yes, nib's or tips were referred to as pens in those days. The second piece - same material - is a slightly more conventional mechanical pencil. Both feature an inscribed United States, February 13, 1883 design patent protecting the three chased ring design. The patent assignee was Eberhard Faber (today known as Faber Castell). The pen with case in the carry position is approximately 4 1/8 inches long. Unextended and ready to write the pen is 5 3/8 inches. With full extension to write the piece is 6 7/8 inches. The pencil is a solid 4 1/8 inches long. A picture is included to show the double ended pen outside of it's case. The pen of course could have been produced by a third party.

Eclipse Fountain Pen Company of New York City also produced mechanical pencils. Showing here are four examples from their 1920's lineup. Each piece is shrouded with a gold filled filigree overlay. The largest comes in at 5 1/2 inches in length The three shorter examples are 5 1/4 inches.

  Part of the unique experience in collecting old Victorian pencils is the ingenious, sometimes unique ways the devices work. Clockwise from the top are five distinctly designed champagne bottle mechanical pencils, each using a different tip deployment method.

From the top is a solid mounted push / pull telescopic
followed by a bottom ring twist activation mechanism
followed by a push / pull activated magic pencil
followed by a button activated gravity based dropper
Center position is a pull out / push in external collapsible

All pieces are silver based metal and were produced circa 1885 - 1895 .
Sizes closed range from 1 3/4 inches to 2 3/4 inches.