Inexpensive mechanical pencils were created during the 2nd half of the 19th century. Many were made of wood, hard rubber and cheaper metal materials. They were often very creatively executed, well made, and stylish. Some featured seriously unique and fascinating mechanisms. In other words, they were and remain quite likable. Simply - they worked. Pictured from the top showing are: an Eberhard Faber, Eberhard Faber, American Pencil Company, A. W. Faber, A. W. Faber, Eagle Pencil Co., Eagle, Eagle, and L & C Hardtmuth. All shown here were made in America with the exception of the Hardtmuth. The Hardtmuth was produced in what is now the Czech Republic. Yes, Faber's were produced in Germany and America.