I'm showing today a tray of wood grained mechanical pencils. All were likely made in England The pencil materials are mostly hard rubber. A few are made of the plastic material of the day. All were produced during the mid 1920's through the late 1940's The lead mechanisms are twist activated excepting for fourth position from the right. That pencil is top button activated. For sizing comparisons the display box is eight inches across by six inches in height Position second from the right features two like material containers for extra leads.

   A recent haul from the Post Office. 

  I'm showing today two sterling mechanical pencils produced in the form of bugle musical instruments. Both circa 1880. Both deploy the writing tip by turning the mouthpiece clockwise and then after use counterclockwise. The pencil pictured on top was produced in Birmingham, England. The maker name is washed out. The lower piece was made in London, England by the firm of Swaine & Adeney. Each is approximately 3 3/4 inches long closed and 4 1/2 inches long extended.

Today I'd like to show a sterling mechanical pencil in the shape of a clam. Nicely made. Circa 1880. Likely made in America or England. Dimensions are 1 1/8 inches long by 1 inch across by 1/2 inch deep. Extended the piece is 2 1/4 inches long. Bon appetit!

Showing today are two Victorian mechanical pencils with built in whistles. The gold piece is marked Sampson Mordan. Silver piece is unmarked and likely Mordan. Both were produced in the last quarter of the 19th century. Length measurements without the stirrup and ring for the gold piece are 2 1/4 inches closed and 3 1/4 inches extended. The silver unit is 2 1/2 inches closed and 4 inches extended.