Who Was Ephraim S. Johnson?

[jonveley]

I'm researching for an article at Leadhead's about the "Pearl" Victorian pencil, which has a patent date of December 5, 1871. George Kovalenko helped me track down the patent, which was issued to Ephraim S. Johnson. There's no assignee named on the patent.

 

Since the patent was for the laminating method rather than the pencil itself, I was wondering if anyone knew who Ephraim Johnson worked for. The pencil strongly resembles a Mabie's Patent or a Fairchild, but I'd like to get a better handle on this before I post an article.

 

Any thoughts?

[Vintagepens]

E. S. Johnson (as the firm's products are usually marked) was a major producer of gold nibs and writing instruments of all sorts. E. S. Johnson dip pen nibs are as commonly found as those of Fairchild; the two firms eventually combined, with items thereafter bearing the F/J mark.

[jonveley]

Thank you, David!

[jonveley]

I published the article today at Leadhead's. It's tagged under "Pearl."

 

Link to the blog is just below. Comments welcome!

[pen2paper]

comments?

1st, it's beautiful, and more so as the pencil opens.

Next, the size is much larger than I expected for a Victorian pencil!

 

A friend of mine inherited her grandmothers retractable silver pencil, Edwardian era, which was found with her garment button collection.. the pencil is engraved with her maiden name which dates it to years as a schoolteacher. The particular charm to us, was that it was clear that the detailed study notes of the extensive button collection, where made by this sweet silver pencil on its chain. grandnother was a founding memeber of one of the earliest button collectors societies, 70+ years rich with history.

I do have photos of this pencil, waiting in hopes that there might be someone here in FPN, who would develop interest in old pencils, and might enjoy weighing in with some thoughts on its specifics? : D ???

 

And thank You for sharing!

Edited January 10, 2012 by pen2paper

[jonveley]

comments?

1st, it's beautiful, and more so as the pencil opens.

Next, the size is much larger than I expected for a Victorian pencil!

 

A friend of mine inherited her grandmothers retractable silver pencil, Edwardian era, which was found with her garment button collection.. the pencil is engraved with her maiden name which dates it to years as a schoolteacher. The particular charm to us, was that it was clear that the detailed study notes of the extensive button collection, where made by this sweet silver pencil on its chain. grandnother was a founding memeber of one of the earliest button collectors societies, 70+ years rich with history.

I do have photos of this pencil, waiting in hopes that there might be someone here in FPN, who would develop interest in old pencils, and might enjoy weighing in with some thoughts on its specifics? : D ???

 

And thank You for sharing!

 

Let's see the pics! I'll give Nemecek a buzz to watch for it, too. We'll get it sorted out for you..

[pen2paper]

[pen2paper]

 

Here you go!

Thanks for taking a look.. I know my friend will be thrilled with any information you are able to supply.

[Vintagepens]

The silver magic pencil in the pictures appears to be either a Fairchild or Fairchild/Johnson. It is missing the nozzle which holds the lead. Unfortunately, replacements are very hard to come by, as there was no standardization of sizes.

[jonveley]

Often if there is a name imprinted on them, you aren't going to be able to make it out without a loupe. Usually it is found on the pull out section.

[rhr]

It looks a lot like this patent for a telescopic button hook, which would be a much more appropriate go-with for a button collector. This patent was unassigned, but it was used by Mabie Todd & Co. on their telescopic button hooks. They also made similar pencils.

 

George Kovalenko.

 

Edited January 12, 2012 by rhr

[Vintagepens]

George, it is most certainly not a button hook. The protruding rod is the push-rod that propels the lead through the now-missing nozzle. The nozzle screws in, so can easily also be screwed out, and lost.

[pen2paper]

Thank You All for your information, and discussion.

And Jon so kindly inviting your inquiry thread to segue to this identification.

 

Regarding this pencil, it was titled "mystery tool" by the inheritor. I recognized it as most likely a propelling pencil. It was stuck in closed position, after being in storage with the collection for many years. Once open, it did appear to be propelling pencil,

however I deferred opinion, as it might have been a similarly constructed device. Pens, and pencils are not my specialty - just basic enthusiast level.

George, my heart skipped a beat when you suggested button hook, I collect those, and one of the few examples I'm missing is propelling : ) I'll try to add a basic competitive tray photo of mine. But, back to the inquiry for my friend.

 

As to the missing piece: Collection notations were all made in pencil. This pencil, lanyard still attached, was stored with the collection, our conclusion was that this pencil was used. However, another possibility exists. Either the owner intentionally removed, or lost the nozzle, and then continued using the push-rod as/or also as an awl, to punch holes through the railroad board, upon which the collection was mounted.

Q: would the push-rod metal (brass/copper?) been sturdy enough to sustain repeated use pushing through railroad/mat board, and remain in the condition you see in the pictures? This is not an idle question, as it would have then been significant to the collection in another collection oriented use.

 

This is my educational competitive tray, limited to 12, intent to tell the story of garment fastening "buttonhooks" dates, materials, pictorials, manufacturers marks, construction, etc. I should be updated with a corset hook, pattern, and three I don't have: enamel, multi-tool, and fine quality propelling. Some day - I dream for one with a pen : )

Thanks All!

 

[jonveley]

I would expect that using a pencil as you have described would damage the internal mechanism beyond repair beyond it hurt the pushrod itself. On a typical "magic pencil," the tip extends out in one direction when the back is pulled out, usually with a very aggressive screw thread. Pushing hard against the tip as you have suggested would strip those threads, I should think.

 

Not that I've ever tried it or would ever plan to do so!

[rhr]

George, it is most certainly not a button hook. The protruding rod is the push-rod that propels the lead through the now-missing nozzle. The nozzle screws in, so can easily also be screwed out, and lost.

David, don't misunderstand me. I did not say the silver pencil was a button hook. I merely said that it "looked like" the button hook in the patent. In appearance, and possibly in the internal mechanism, it's similar. As for how easily the nozzle can be screwed out and lost, tell me about it. I have a large-sized RHR pen and pencil case that came to me with the nozzle missing. At least it looks good with the nib extended.

 

George Kovalenko.

 

[rhr]

George, my heart skipped a beat when you suggested button hook, I collect those, and one of the few examples I'm missing is propelling : ) I'll try to add a basic competitive tray photo of mine.

Ah, ha! At last we found something for you that's close to your heart. Now, we'll have to try to find you an example of one. If you have David Moak's Mabie Todd book, there are some telescopic button hooks pictured there on p.32. Perhaps one of the two Davids might help you find one.

 

And Jon, another of my large RHR pencil cases appears on p.19, this one complete with nozzle. It's also pictured here with the nib extended.

 

George Kovalenko.

 

[pen2paper]

I would expect that using a pencil as you have described would damage the internal mechanism beyond repair beyond it hurt the pushrod itself. On a typical "magic pencil," the tip extends out in one direction when the back is pulled out, usually with a very aggressive screw thread. Pushing hard against the tip as you have suggested would strip those threads, I should think.

 

Not that I've ever tried it or would ever plan to do so!

Huge thanks jon, then is solved "the mystery". The propelling pencil used by the then unmarried school teacher, was then used to supply critical explanation on each of her collector study cards.. BTW, the inheritor is also a teacher, and we marveled at the depth of study, no cyber-speed inquiries then! Pre-WWII the founders of this early button society spent long hours at the cavernous Detroit Main Library, among others. Lengthy letters exchanged internationally as they they also traveled extensively in their studies; readily, Enthusiastically : ) sharing their finds!

As easy as it is to find information, now.. having read about some of their adventures, I'd much rather be among their good company "in the hunt" : )

 

 

 

[pen2paper]

George, my heart skipped a beat when you suggested button hook, I collect those, and one of the few examples I'm missing is propelling : ) I'll try to add a basic competitive tray photo of mine.

Ah, ha! At last we found something for you that's close to your heart. Now, we'll have to try to find you an example of one. If you have David Moak's Mabie Todd book, there are some telescopic button hooks pictured there on p.32. Perhaps one of the two Davids might help you find one.

 

And Jon, another of my large RHR pencil cases appears on p.19, this one complete with nozzle. It's also pictured here with the nib extended.

 

George Kovalenko.

 

Nooo, I do want that book so much.. not in my current budget.

I do regularly watch for the propelling devices..

Now, If I can find an enameled propelling button hook/ pen, (I've seen them), I'm done, and floating happy!

 

Q: is there a photo of this "Nozzle" ? It could be that the nozzle is loose among the collection, unnoticed.

It would be a triumph to restore the pencil to working order with the original piece.

 

I'm excited to call my friend with the news, but will wait until I know what we're looking for.

 

 

 

[rhr]

Q: is there a photo of this "Nozzle"? It could be that the nozzle is loose among the collection, unnoticed.

You can see the nozzle, a tiny, fine-tapered, gold-filled cone, on the pencil in pictures 2 and 4 of Jon's blog post about his "Pearl".

 

George Kovalenko.

 

[pen2paper]

Q: is there a photo of this "Nozzle"? It could be that the nozzle is loose among the collection, unnoticed.

You can see the nozzle, a tiny, fine-tapered, gold-filled cone, on the pencil in pictures 2 and 4 of Jon's blog post about his "Pearl".

 

George Kovalenko.

 

Thank George : )

So the nozzle is just the smooth cone? or also includes the ribbed area? which I assume twists to allow the graphite in, and to stay?