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Swan Pen 10/6 In 1897

chunya

By chunya
in Great Britain & Ireland - Europe

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chunya Collectors Item

chunya

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I've had this London Illustrated News since the late 1960s and when flicking through it for the umpteenth time over the years only really registered for the first time this small advert for Swan Pens. The newspaper dates from 16th October 1896 and I must admit that I'm surprised at just how expensive these pens were, even the very cheapest at 10 shillings and 6 pence was an awful lot of money back then.

 

What also struck me about the advert was just how understated it was .... no hard sell, no fantastic claims (you should see some of the other ads in the paper!) just the barest facts.

 

fpn_1533734915__dsc09334.jpg

 

 

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Cob Collectors Item

Cob

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Yes! Mabie, Todd, a high-class outfit.

 

10/6d in today's money would be about £62.. Have a look to see what a gold-nibbed pen costs today! And I'll bet that the pen at '25 bob' ( = 25/- = £150 today) was something quite special

 

Rgds

 

Cob

fpn_1428963683__6s.jpg “The pen of the British Empire” fpn_1423349537__swan_sign_is.jpg


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chunya Collectors Item

chunya

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But most are still working !

Well, most of the ones that have survived are ... :)

Edited by chunya
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northlodge Vintage

northlodge

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. The newspaper dates from 16th October 1896 and I must admit that I'm surprised at just how expensive these pens were, even the very cheapest at 10 shillings and 6 pence was an awful lot of money back then.

 

.

 

 

I once owned a Sheaffer 'Loan pen' from a bookseller in Winchester. It dated to about the mid-1920's when pens were so expensive you only had one. As such if yours had to go away for repair you were loaned a temproary replacement..... All pretty much like a car is today.

 

That 10/6 price point was an important market position for many years (1896 - 1939 it would seem)

 

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peterg Vintage

peterg

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A better way to look at it is nearly three days pay for the average worker which would put it closer to £200 in today's money.

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chunya Collectors Item

chunya

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Complete Illustrated catalogue sent post free on application

 

Can I have one, please?

 

Simple

 

Step 1: Buy a Time Machine

Step 2: Go back in time

Step 3: Send your details to 3 Exchange St. Manchester

Step 4: Hope the Time Machine works for the return trip

 

... and while you're there, could you pick up one of these for me? It'll only be a shilling for a pack.

 

[

 

fpn_1533821338__dsc09335.jpg

 

 

:)

Edited by chunya
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eachan Rare

eachan

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Problem is my house wasn't built then so I wouldn't have an address.

 

The idea behind these self-sharpening pencils is still used for china marking pencils. You can still find Blaisdell pencils online but, like everything else, the cost has gone up.

Regards,

Eachan

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chunya Collectors Item

chunya

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Problem is my house wasn't built then so I wouldn't have an address.

 

The idea behind these self-sharpening pencils is still used for china marking pencils. You can still find Blaisdell pencils online but, like everything else, the cost has gone up.

 

That's interesting to know .... but what I don't get is how (as claimed in the advert) it can always have a perfect point? I think Advertising Standards might have something to say about that.

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