Here's another interesting object from the estate of my maternal grandmother, Martha Marie Frederick Stark. As with some of the other items, I don't know if this is a Frederick or a Stark heirloom. My guess is Frederick.This is a small mechanical pencil or lead holder as the lead is held in the tip. You pull on the end with the small ring and the leaded point pushes out--no twisting is involved. The pencil was probably used by a woman. When it is not extended, it is small enough to fit into a purse. When closed, the pencil measures 2 inches--extended it doubles in size to 4 inches in length.
There is beautiful engraving all around the outside, but I cannot see any karat gold mark. Often these pencils and pens made by the same company were 14 karat or gold filled.
The makers mark is hiding on a part of the pencil that is only visible when it is extended. It took a little detective work and I found out who A.L. Co was....Aikin Lambert Company. Waterman acquired Aikin Lambert around 1932.
From an online vintage pen catalogue: 7156: Aikin Lambert pencil: smooth gold filled, clutch action, 12.7 cm long, uses 2 mm thick lead; Gothic "C" engraved on barrel, 2 mm test mark near crown.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $75
Thanks for sharing this beautiful treasure. I've never seen a mechanical pencil like this.
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