For today's listening entertainment I'd like to show a few painted mechanical pencils from the 1920s and '30s. I've included 2 fountain pens, sold as a set with their respective pencils. Alwite was a subbrand of Cross. Enjoy.

Box #1 and left to write are Eagle, Conklin, Alwrite/Cross, Alwrite/Cross, 5 thru 9 are Scheaffer's, then Waterman, John Holland and Conklin

Box #2, also left to write are Alwrite/Cross, Sheaffer's, Century, and Conklin.

  Two mechanical pencils today disguised as a wooden walnut left and a metal gold finish canon right. Both leads are deployed by twisting their respectable top loops. Circa 1885. Each is likely made in England or the United States.