MilitariaCollector
Full Member
- Dec 17, 2008
- 140
- 65
I found this sterling mechanical pencil during a house cleanout a few days ago. I wasn't even sure that it was a pencil, as the rounded tip looked like it was tarnished silver and was integral to the rest of it. However, it does write on paper. I have no idea how the pencil lead is changed though, as the lower part does rotate back and forth about 90 degrees, but the lead does not retract. The lower part also does not come off. Is anyone familiar with antique mechanical pencils, or perhaps even collect them? Can anyone tell me how the lead was changed on these? Also, can anyone tell me why this pencil has a loop at the top, as I've never seen one like this before. Perhaps a small rope was attached to the loop and this was part of a diary? Lastly, I am trying to identify the design on the shank of the pencil and the hallmark next to the word "sterling" on the lower part of the pencil. I've created an image in paint shop to recreate the hallmark as it is too small to photograph. The hallmark shows the letters "A" and "T" on either side of a large "X". Any help is appreciated!
