Dur-O-Lite Mechanical pencil w/ retractable knife?

May 28, 2008

Durolite mechanical pencil with ? Quill / Nib knife?

I cannot find anything like this on the web. I am hoping that someone can tell me what the retractable knife is for, type of covering on the pencil, and approx. date.

I found some sites that delved into the different spiral type pencil mechanism on some Autopoint and Dur-O-Lite pencils, but nothing like this top.

First, I just probably preface by saying I am a real newbie in this area but I have been reading for almost a month – researching old pens, pencils, etc. I tried to research pen knives, paper knives and quill knives, too, but that is where I got really really lost.

I really do not understand the sharpening mechanisms. I have heard them called paper knives, quill knifes, penners, . . . very confused. And today, I just read about ink eraser knives . . . Help!

I would like to be able to use the correct terminology and frankly, I am rather intrigued. I love this mechanical pencil. The covering is just beautiful. Any information would be much appreciated.

The covering is beautiful. It is pearl and gray striped. In the striping are the following marks: FREEMAN SHOES FOR MEN, E. D. ADAMS.

I did find some Durolite information, and the mechanical pencil has the neat strange spiral mechanism for the lead, but it is the top that has me wondering. It has a retractable knife on it. Is it a quill knife, or a paper knife, or _____?

The company marking is around the top “silver” band that looks like it is decorated with crescent moons. It says: DUR-O-LITE MADE IN U.S.A., MELROSEPK ILLINOIS, PATENTED & PATS PEND.

When the blade is retraced the length is 5 5/8ths inches.

When the blade is extended the length is approx 6 3/8ths.

(It might actually extend further, but I was afraid to push it to the very top.)

Does anyone have a guess as to what the top knife was used for, the type of covering on the pencil, and an idea of date?

It also looks like it has a different type spiral mechanism than other Dur-O-Lite pencils?

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u268/designbydecade/pens/durotopcloseda.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u268/designbydecade/pens/duroknifeb.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u268/designbydecade/pens/durotipona.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u268/designbydecade/pens/duropencillonga.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u268/designbydecade/pens/duromidname.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u268/designbydecade/pens/durofullstraighta.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u268/designbydecade/pens/durofullextendb.jpg