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.

  This metal Sheaffer's sign showed up at the recent Philly pen show. It quickly grabbed a serious mechanical pencil collector. Very likely, it was displayed for many years in a stationary shop. 'The 'Waspalumin Carrier (innards of the pencil)' phrase likely dates the piece to the 1920's. Approximate dimensions are 8 inches in length by 3 1/2 inches in width. It had a hard life.  😀

  Montblanc of Germany has created many mechanical pencils during the history of the company. Showing here is their smallest model produced to date. The pencil was designated and marked the 001 model. Dimensions are 2 3/8 inches in length and 1/8 inch in diameter.The barrel is rounded in shape and made of hard rubber. Circa late 1920's - early 1930's.

  Johann Faber was an involved family member of the A.W. Faber writing instrument empire during the second half of the 19th century. He left the family business in 1876 to form his own Johann Faber Company of Nuremberg, Germany.  Today I'd like to show an example of one of the new companies' products. This set of useful items was likely carried during the course of the day. It includes a pencil, dip pen, knife and toothpick. Johann Faber merged with A.W. Faber in 1929. Later, the company name was changed to the familiar Faber-Castell of today. This grouping was likely produced in the 1890's.

I'm showing today a simple sterling axe as mechanical pencil. Exceptionally well made. Produced by Sampson Mordan of London, England. The piece was made in the vicinity of the 1880's. Writing tip is deployed by a button activated slider channel. The pencil is 3 5/8 inches long closed and 4 3/8 inches extended. It's time to go chop some wood.