This 18k yellow-gold mechanical propeller pencil was made in France around 1890. The handle contains a handy little calendar tool that can be used as a reminder about what day of the week corresponds with a particular date. The handle has a moveable rim with seven boxes, corresponding with the initials for each day of the week - in French, so the 'L' corresponds with 'Lunedi' - that can be spun around to align with the date of that particular month.
Its graphite fillings can be stored in a container at the top, of which the top has been engraved with 'v. E.'. . Luckily, these fillings can still be bought today, so a modern refilling will be included in your purchase, making it ready to use immediately.
The use of pencils dates back to the Roman period, when thin pieces of metal or lead with string wrapped around as a handle, called a stylus, would be used to write on papyrus. We therefore still call the writing tip of the pencil lead; it is however made of graphite. Once large deposits of graphite were found in 1564, in England, graphite was preferred to lead since graphite makes darker markings and is non-toxic. Graphite is a lot more brittle than lead so it was inserted into hollowed-out wooden sticks. This is how the pencil we all know and love made its appearance.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 8 to 14 cm / 3.15 to 5.50 inches long.
Weight: 11.50 grams.
Age: Late 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1890s.
Material: Acid tested as 18k gold.
Condition: In good antique condition, with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The pencil is still in working condition and will be delivered with several modern graphite fillers, so it will be ready for use.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties and VAT.