Here for National Pencil Day I'm showing a gold filled Redipoint. This pencil made in the United States circa 1935 - 1940.

  Today's haul from the Post Office: top piece is an unusual, ring chased Sheaffer's gold filled metal pencil This one was produced during the late 1940's - early 1950's. Middle piece is a nice 1920's, gold filled metal Sheaffer's pencil . Bottom pencil is a very fine, no name Victorian in sterling, produced sometime in the 1890 - 1915 period.

Here's a nicely made silver metal, stick pencil featuring an attached beetle guest. Probably British. Time of production was in the 1910'ish vicinity.  Piece is a long 6 1/8".  This one, unlike many resembling it, does not pull apart and invert to double as a dip pen.

  I'm showing today a very cool Victorian magic pencil representing a two faced head; maybe like the comedy/drama thing. The pencil was made by the American Aikin Lambert Company in about 1880. The piece is about 2 1/2" long compressed and 3 1/2" extended.

  Two early Montblanc hard rubber pencils circa in the neighborhood of 1928. The large pencil is a #11, as marked. It is 8 sided and 5 3/4 inches in length. The smaller pencil is rounded and 3 1/8 inches in length (no model number discernable).

  Here I'm showing a figural sterling pencil represented as a child's top by Walter Thornhill & Company of England. Circa 1873.  6 stages of length not counting the nozzle! The piece extends by pulling the nozzle (working end), away from the body.  To me, the number of stages that fit into the body of the pencil is simply amazing. And, it all works smoothly and precisely. Without the ring the measurements are 1 3/8 inches long collapsed and 3 1/4 inches fully extended. Due to the top heavy nature of the piece it is unsuitable as a working top toy or is that toy top? Dizzy yet?  :>)

  Four Camel mechanical pencils here in 3 different models.  Circa 1935. The company only lasted about 5 years as I recall. The black pencil has the maker markings inscribed on the side. The quality of the pencils is excellent except for the pitiful black thing.