exploring the art and science of pencils since 2005
Continuing from the previous post, we open up the tin. I would say there is a lot of evidence of pride in the product:
The paper flaps have all sorts of fascinating information about the MARS line. I like the list of the “most important” products:
The pencils, finished in black, perhaps have less show than we might expect, yet still look great:
Pencil packaging graphics were truly amazing some years ago. This post is more a look at some particular artwork rather an exploration of the pencils.
The seams of this box have largely disintegrated:
One side of the bottom has a label:
While the box itself has some nostalgic appeal, a gem is hidden on the inside lid:
Notice the “since 1662” phrase also. Staedtler now claims an 1835 origin.
The tins of pencils are themselves quite something:
I am glad to see the artist’s initials, “W.H.”
Due to the relatively large size of these images, I’ll wait until the next post to show the inside of the box.
From deep inside the pencil talk vaults, the Staedtler Mars Lumograph Duralar.
The box shows many signs of age. The half gross of 2830 pencils are in the K3 grade.
Despite many advancements in the ability to render images, modern graphics are less detailed than this 20th century beauty:
The box has some printed material:
No complaints necessary! We love these pencils.
Also an ad for a sharpener:
Unfortunately an overhead tree took away some of the focus:
The gold trim is very nice:
Nice lettering:
The insert is beautiful, and could probably be made into an excellent bookmark if printed on heavier paper:
The bottom piece of paper has tables of pencil grade recommendations:
The sterling silver Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil.
Two knowledgeable pencil talk readers in particular have regularly sung praises for this writing implement, and those comments assisted me in deciding to purchase one in February.
The pencil and extender come in a cloth pouch inside a wood box.
Apart from the material, the “double crown” of the cap is possibly the feature most different from other versions.
The excellent spring clip has some hallmarks:
Disassembled:
And a closer view. Note that the eraser cap is also sterling.
It seems to call for a nice journal.
And a family portrait. One of them definitely seems to not belong!
Regular readers will have heard some of this before – I love the way Faber-Castell has paid tribute to the woodcase pencil in this series. Creating a fantastic pencil and a companion for it that allowed entry into the top writing implement shops in the world’s major cities is a wonderful act that has helped preserve the pencil.
2011 will be Faber-Castell’s 250th anniversary. Perhaps they will unveil a new perfect pencil or even something completely new?
Further reading: Perfect Pencils at pencil talk
Charlie Brown had a pencil pal. This pencil pal was originally a pen pal, but Charlie Brown had a lot of troubles with his fountain pen and started to use a pencil, occasionally making attempts to pick up the pen habit.
The story line appears over a decade or more. According to Peanuts Wiki, a return letter from the overseas pal has appeared in the strip: “In the letter, the Pen Pal revealed that he or she had read Charlie Brown’s latest letter to his/her class, and that they all agreed he must be a nice person and someone who is pleasant to know. In response to which, Charlie Brown uttered a vigorous “Ha!” to Lucy.”
Over four decades after their original publication, the craft and perception shown in these cartoons still amazes and delights.
Penmanship is a frequent theme in the cartoon, and the characters (and their off-panel teachers and parents) often communicate with one another via notes and letters.
Recommended reading: “Schulz and Peanuts” by David Michaelis.
Have you heard of the Wagner Pencil Co.? Based in Bakewell, Tennessee, they are mentioned in the Chattanooga Times Free Press for achieving an industrial safety award.
The safety award is impressive, but for pencil talk readers, the story of this company is probably even more interesting. I admit to not having previously heard of them. They appear to make advertising rather than retail pencils, which is probably why they are not in the spotlight.
What is most impressive is that they make their own slats from Eastern White Pine, and produce 75,000 to 100,000 pencils a day with a plant staff of twenty-three. They appear to be remarkably self-sufficient.
If I can learn more about them, I will report back.