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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 American Sterling Silver
 Novelty Retractable Pencils
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| Author | Topic: Novelty Retractable Pencils |
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wessex96 Posts: 56 |
posted 05-14-2018 05:27 AM
  
 I have a couple of silver novelty buttoners that have retractable pencils incorporated. The pencil lead holder ends appear very similar in both and both have the same patent date stamped on them – OCT 8 78. So, presumably they are from the same manufacturer? Does anybody know who this is? The riding crop is also stamped STERLING-F [or perhaps STERLING-E?] but with no maker’s mark. Crosby's 'Victorian Pencils, Tools to Jewels' shows the identical item also stamped 'GORHAM', but I understand that this probably indicates Gorham was the retailer of the item rather than the manufacturer. IP: Logged |
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dragonflywink Posts: 993 |
posted 05-14-2018 11:17 AM
Hi Ian - Oct. 8, 1878 patent #208858 belongs to the button hook rather than the pencil, and it was issued to Joseph A. Smith of Deep River, Connecticut; the working end of the crab & net piece is shown in the patent, but the whip-handle hook seems a more whimsical form. J.A. Smith was a manufacturer of button hooks, crochet hooks, knitting needles, corkscrews, etc. from the 1860s until at least the 1920s - keep in mind that the patent number and/or date might also be placed on pieces manufactured by other firms using the protected element belonging to the patent-holder. You mention that the whip-handle piece is marked with an 'F', and it may well be a trademark used by pen and pencil manufacturer LeRoy W. Fairchild (shown in Rainwater) - interestingly, Fairchild was issued 1880 design patent #D11795 for a somewhat similar piece that also appears to be a button hook, though it's not mentioned in the text (to avoid patent infringement, perhaps?) Will post some images of the patents when I get a chance, bit short on time at the moment... ~Cheryl [This message has been edited by dragonflywink (edited 05-14-2018).] IP: Logged |
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dragonflywink Posts: 993 |
posted 05-14-2018 02:12 PM
 ~Cheryl IP: Logged |
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wessex96 Posts: 56 |
posted 05-15-2018 04:13 AM
  Thanks, Cheryl, for that info. I took a look in Rainwater and yes, I agree about LW Fairclough & Co being the probable maker of the riding crop. (Pity the patent did not cover the pencil mechanics!) Also I agree that patent 208858 nicely describes the fishing net buttoner end but does not really fit the riding crop. Could the date on the crop apply to another patent on the same day - or is that unlikely? IP: Logged |
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dragonflywink Posts: 993 |
posted 05-15-2018 10:55 AM
Suppose it's possible, but do believe it's unlikely to be another patent, and feel that the overall shape of the loop, though asymmetrical, along with the twist, is similar enough to be covered under the patent. I did run though the 1878 patents for anything related to pencils, lead-holders, or Fairchild issued on that date and found none. Spent a good part of my youth around horses and the accompanying tack, so will mention that the item depicted is not a riding crop, which wouldn't have a lash, but rather a hunting whip... They're both quite nice, enjoyed seeing them! ~Cheryl [This message has been edited by dragonflywink (edited 05-15-2018).] IP: Logged |
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wessex96 Posts: 56 |
posted 05-15-2018 01:05 PM
I should have realised about the whip – my sister-in-law rides horses at her farm! Thanks again for your checks, Cheryl. I have seen a number of novelty silver items that have the same type of retractable pencil included in their design and recently found that you can still buy leads that fit them. If you have an item of this type, you should look for a lead diameter of 1.18 mm. The leads I came across were made by German companies and can be bought quite cheaply. IP: Logged |
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June Martin Forum Master Posts: 1326 |
posted 05-15-2018 07:12 PM
Speaking of mechanical pencils, there is a wonderful book called The KB Collection of Pencils - Antique Mechanical Pencils that you may find of interest. IP: Logged |
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wessex96 Posts: 56 |
posted 05-17-2018 03:36 AM
Thanks June - I'll look out for a copy. IP: Logged |
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