Antique mechanical pencil lead

[Palimpsest]

Hello, I have purchased an antique mechanical pencil to be worn with a pocket watch and need some advise.

The pen has what I think to be a lead, but I cannot write with it. It’s color is golden, and while I can extend the lead by twisting the body, it cannot be removed from the pencil. Is this mean to be a “mock lead” and the pencil only has a decorative purpose? Is there a possibility of replacing the lead?

I really appreciate your help.

 

Edited December 3, 2021 by Palimpsest

[Stylomeister]

I can't be sure as I don't have any mechanical pencils from that era but that looks like the steel pin you will see in many mechanical pencil mechanisms from that time that is used to push out the old lead.  To insert a new lead you will need to get hold of correct vintage lead size (eBay is a good source) and retract the pin turning the mechanism the other way (I think).

[Seney724]

6 hours ago, Stylomeister said:

I can't be sure as I don't have any mechanical pencils from that era but that looks like the steel pin you will see in many mechanical pencil mechanisms from that time that is used to push out the old lead.  To insert a new lead you will need to get hold of correct vintage lead size (eBay is a good source) and retract the pin turning the mechanism the other way (I think).

I agree.  This is correct.