Victorian Pencils: Tools to Jewels (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Deborah Crosby

by Deborah Crosby

A groundbreaking study of the development of mechanical and metal cased pencils in the nineteenth century. Illustrated with over 700 photographs, the book provides examples of the extraordinary variety of propelling pencils that were created between 1800 and 1920. Readers will be struck by the ingenuity of the inventors and creators of this (until now) forgotten form of decorative art. From metal cased pencils that are elegantly practical, to "magic" pencils that are more whimsical than functional, this book follows the progress of the mechanical pencil as it evolves from a usable tool to something more akin to jewelry. This history of mechanical pencils also includes definitions of terms, descriptions of various mechanisms, ornamentation and surface decoration, and the multitude of combinations created by nineteenth century pencil-case makers. Value ranges are also included.

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Michael Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

TO-DO full review later:

+++ A comprehensive book on an interesting technical topic written by an expert, Deborah Crosby, for people who want to understand the topic and also largely for a general audience.
+++ Excellent, broad and deep, selection of items. Amazing to see telescopic pens, multi-purpose tools, amazing artwork turning tools into jewelry (as the title promises)
++ Very good coverage of materials, techniques, styles
+ Good coverage of Sampson Mordan, many others
+ Good coverage also of early pencil makers
- Once some level of depth is reached, the reader will want for more. Perhaps a book double the size could do justice to all the technical material

[Peter Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice reference book profusely illustrated. One of the best coffee table books on collectibles that I have read. If you like well made fancy doodads unlike anything you'd ever see on the store shelves of the modern world then seek a copy of this out and take a look. You'll quickly find yourself headed over to Ebay to see if you can score one of these marvelous little writing instruments.