Mechanical Pencil Or Lead Holder That Takes 1.5Mm Lead

[muteboy]

I realize this is a pen forum, but as a pencil could be classed as related paraphernalia, I thought I'd ask.

 

Does anybody know of such a thing as a 1.5mm lead holder or mechanical pencil? The reason I ask is that I found in my father's effects a tube containing 100 1.5mm pencil leads. I think they were issued by the General Post Office in the UK in the 1960's, where he worked (The GPO later became the phone company). I would really like to put them to use, but I can't find a holder. I bought a Staedtler Mars 780, which takes 2mm, just in case, but they slide right out.

I just bought a cheap Faber-Castell 1.4mm pencil and some tiny diamond-coated needle files. Maybe I can file out the mechanism to fit the 1.5mm leads.

Any ideas?

[kidde]

You will need a pencil in that size. The work required to alter one is tedious and must be exact.

However, I have a Steadtler 2mm lead holder from the '60's with a four finger clutch that will grip 1.1mm leads, but the imprint is worn away and I couldn't even guess which model it is.

 

Paul

[muteboy]

You will need a pencil in that size. The work required to alter one is tedious and must be exact.

However, I have a Steadtler 2mm lead holder from the '60's with a four finger clutch that will grip 1.1mm leads, but the imprint is worn away and I couldn't even guess which model it is.

 

Paul

 

Thanks, I figured as much. Oh well, I'll try anyway, now the bits are on the way.

 

Any chance of a photo of your Staedtler? Then I can look for it on http://leadholder.com/.

Edited July 10, 2014 by muteboy

[schlicter]

hello. I recently purchased a very small sterling silver pencil, less than 3" long, and extremely thin. ends up it takes 1.55mm lead. I saw your posting and wondered if I could purchase or get some of your leads and put them to work? thanks. vic in Maryland, usa

[Wendell]

The 1.5 mm lead was commonly used by British mechanical pencils in the late 19th century. An antiquarian dealer may know where to find 1.5 mm leads.

 

The Fedra company in Germany used to make 1.5 mm leadhoders. I think Retro 51 recently made a few mechanical pencils taking 1.5 mm lead.

 

There is a Chinese company making 1.5 mm leads, but I don't know where to buy their products retail.

 

David Nishimura sells the leads.

http://www.vintagepens.com/catill_nibs_parts.shtml#8960

Edited February 15, 2015 by Wendell