Trying To Date An (Unusual) Mechanical Pencil.

[ozjourno]

Hello,

I picked up this sterling silver mechanical pencil for a tenner while browsing antique shops in northern England while on holidays. I don't collect pencils as such but I couldn't resist because it's just so pretty.

It's hallmarked W.V @ S for William Vine and Sons and I can find some info about the company from about 1880 to 1930. There are three date hallmarks in order: an anchor, a lion but I can't make out the third even with a lupe.

 

Is anyone out there familiar with this style of pencil? I haven't seen one that tapers like this and would like to know how old it is. It's quite long too, about 17.6 centimetres, or six and three quarter inches, which, with the shape, makes me suspect it may at one stage have been paired with a dip pen.

 

[MYU]

Very curious -- nice pick-up! It looks like it was part of a desk set and would be inserted into some kind of slot for storing. Is this more or less a lead holder? Does it use a twist mechanism to advance the lead? I'm imagining it's probably 1.1mm or larger.

[ozjourno]

Very curious -- nice pick-up! It looks like it was part of a desk set and would be inserted into some kind of slot for storing. Is this more or less a lead holder? Does it use a twist mechanism to advance the lead? I'm imagining it's probably 1.1mm or larger.

 

Hi MYU, yes it does have twist a mechanism to advance the lead and it's all working. The shaft that advances the lead appears to be brass. It has a diameter of 1.42 mm and there's a tiny bit of play between the shaft and the holder. I dont know a lot about pencils but I think it would need a lead about 1.5 mm for a snug fit.

[MYU]

Hi MYU, yes it does have twist a mechanism to advance the lead and it's all working. The shaft that advances the lead appears to be brass. It has a diameter of 1.42 mm and there's a tiny bit of play between the shaft and the holder. I dont know a lot about pencils but I think it would need a lead about 1.5 mm for a snug fit.

 

Nice to have a working piece of history like that. Would be great if you could find an old silver pen desk set that would hold this pencil. Probably not the most comfortable pencil to write with, but it's a great conversation piece and desk decor.