Vintage Mechanical Pencils

[Bruce Bailey]

I am searching for information about 1930-40s mechanical pencils.

I have 3 interesting examples inherited from my father from whom I have also inherited my love of collectable pens.

1. “GOLD” mechanical pencil inscribed

“Fyne Poynt'

MABIE TODD CO. LTD.

MADE IN ENGLAND”

2. “SILVER” mechanical pencil inscribed

'The “Conway" No. 60

MADE IN BRITAIN

STIRLING SILVER’

3. “STAINLESS STEEL” mechanical pencil inscribed

The “Conway No 50.

MADE IN BRITAIN

1 & 2 Seem to take 0.9mm leads but the the sterling silver Conway 60 drops that diameter lead. I dont know if it is damaged or I should try a different lead.

Do you know where I can obtain more information about these elegant writing implements?

(apologies for the photo quality, just used my iPhone and low res.)

[Uncle Red]

One place to look for info is here

 

http://www.jonathanveley.com/mechanical-pencil-museum

 

the Conway 60 may take the 1.1 lead size. You can get leads that size for Yard O'Led pencils and about that size (but probably close enough) from Worther and Retro 51

[Bruce Bailey]

Thanks for the reply.

 

Interesting site, strong U.S. focus . Seems to be little info out there on "The Conway" though obviously a prolific MP in the heyday of empire.

 

Will try the 1.1 lead . I think you are right.

 

I did find some good history of Mabie Todd as follows:

 

http://www.mabietoddpenlists.co.uk/page14.html

[Goudy]

Some of the vintage dip pens I collect have mechanical pencils built in. When I can't find a lead the right size for one of them, I use a modern lead that's a bit too small and pad the holder with a sliver of plastic foam (cut from an earplug). I find this generally works well (depending on the type of mechanism), and it allows me to use a wide range of lead grades.

[WriterProspect]

I was first interested in vintage pens until I learned that most used 1.1 mm lead.

This is just too broad for me.