Posted 11 months ago
fhrjr2
(26 items)
I am having a time with this mechanical pencil. It is square, has a pocket clip and is numbered (like a ruler) on one side. Marked:
Germany
U.S. Zone
Besides not being able to locate one like it, the numbering on it has me puzzled. The ruler is in inches and the last number to the right is 12. To the left it goes down to the 8 inch mark but no number 8. It is calibrated in one eights of an inch and the numbers 9, 10 and 11 are there. I had thought perhaps there was an outer sleeve with the rest of the ruler that would connect, however the round end toward the tip is larger than the square so connecting a sleeve or extension won't work. The eraser end has a screw on cap.
I wonder what it may have been used for, who made it, does it have a special name? etc. I would say the main body is stainless steel although it isn't marked.
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Very beautiful!
Just a guess, maybe a kind of plotting pencil?
Thanks for the loves mrmajestic & mikko.
Plotting and drafting both came to mind but the numbering on it bothers me. I also wondered if might have been an error or reject. Now I just need to find out. I wish it was marked by a maker.
Hi! I think that I might have found your beautiful pencil on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-3-VTG-Antique-pen-pencils-Floaty-pencil-Ruler-Pencil-Fountain-Pen-/251084952608?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a75d45420
Your instincts were right on target, sir! Seller describes it as a vintage "Rofeco Germany U.S. Zone expandable Ruler Pencil". Has a ruler on one side, which can be pulled out to achieve a 12" ruler. Only markings on pen: Germany, U.S. Zone on the side. eBay item comes with original box. Like most things on eBay now, appears to be selling far below its real value. Hope you enjoy your beautiful pen now. Regards, miKKo
Fantastic and thank you. Now to figure out how to open it. I can see in one of the link pictures that the tip of his pencil is pulled out a bit. This one has been packed away for years so may not open anymore.
I did look on eBay but didn't look under antiques because by definition it isn't an antique. Although anymore people seem to use the word antique for anything older than they are.
I appreciate your efforts and the link.
I got the darn thing to open. It comes out telescoping fashion (from the lead end) and there are three pieces to it total. I will see if I can get a clear picture of it opened.
Thanks to mikko finding the name I was able to locate more of them with a bit more information. I was reluctant to try opening it without being sure how for fear of breaking it.
Very nice!
Manufactured between 1945-1950.
Thanks packrat for the info and the loves.
Thanks AR8. I don't always use eBay for accurate pricing. I also stopped using it for selling anything a few years ago.
I found another pocket knife along with this pencil. Stuff that was packed away years ago by relatives. The little knife is an A. Field Co. also from Germany. Little pearl handle job. One of the four blades missing but I will clean it up before long. Also found a WWII bronze star in it's original case. Makes me wonder how long this stuff has been packed away.
Post the BSM when you have the time-- always like to see medals!
Scott