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I am searching for information about 1930-40s mechanical pencils.


I have 3 interesting examples inherited from my father from whom I have also inherited my love of collectable pens.




1. “GOLD” mechanical pencil inscribed


“Fyne Poynt'


MABIE TODD CO. LTD.


MADE IN ENGLAND”



2. “SILVER” mechanical pencil inscribed


'The “Conway" No. 60


MADE IN BRITAIN


STIRLING SILVER’



3. “STAINLESS STEEL” mechanical pencil inscribed


The “Conway No 50.


MADE IN BRITAIN



1 & 2 Seem to take 0.9mm leads but the the sterling silver Conway 60 drops that diameter lead. I dont know if it is damaged or I should try a different lead.


Do you know where I can obtain more information about these elegant writing implements?


(apologies for the photo quality, just used my iPhone and low res.)


post-70331-0-53454200-1455711996.jpg

post-70331-0-36764900-1455712016.jpg

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Thanks for the reply.

 

Interesting site, strong U.S. focus . Seems to be little info out there on "The Conway" though obviously a prolific MP in the heyday of empire.

 

Will try the 1.1 lead . I think you are right.

 

I did find some good history of Mabie Todd as follows:

 

http://www.mabietoddpenlists.co.uk/page14.html

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  • 2 weeks later...

Some of the vintage dip pens I collect have mechanical pencils built in. When I can't find a lead the right size for one of them, I use a modern lead that's a bit too small and pad the holder with a sliver of plastic foam (cut from an earplug). I find this generally works well (depending on the type of mechanism), and it allows me to use a wide range of lead grades.

http://i.imgur.com/utQ9Ep9.jpg

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  • 1 month later...

I was first interested in vintage pens until I learned that most used 1.1 mm lead.

This is just too broad for me.

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