Vintage Celluloid Mechanical Pencil
This is a vintage mechanical pencil featuring a vibrant marbled or swirled celluloid barrel. The color scheme is a classic 'Tiger Eye' or tortoiseshell aesthetic, blending deep amber, golden yellow, and black veins in a chatoyant pattern typical of early 20th-century writing instruments. The body is tapered at both ends, showcasing a streamlined Art Deco-inspired silhouette common in the 1930s and 1940s. It features gold-toned metal hardware, including a pocket clip and a conical tip. The condition shows significant signs of age and use; notably, there is heavy brassing and oxidation on the metal tip, where the original plating has worn away to reveal a darkened base metal with a textured, pitted patina. The celluloid barrel appears intact without major cracks, though surface micro-scratching is visible. The clip shows some slight misalignment and surface wear. This piece exhibits the high-quality material craftsmanship of the mid-century era, likely manufactured by a major American firm such as Sheaffer, Parker, or Wahl-Eversharp, though no branding is immediately legible in the current view. Its value is driven by the desirable marbled pattern and the historical appeal of the celluloid material.
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Estimated Value
$45.00 - $65.00
Basic Information
Category
Vintage Writing Instruments
Appraised On
January 30, 2026
Estimated Value
$45.00 - $65.00
Item Description
This is a vintage mechanical pencil featuring a vibrant marbled or swirled celluloid barrel. The color scheme is a classic 'Tiger Eye' or tortoiseshell aesthetic, blending deep amber, golden yellow, and black veins in a chatoyant pattern typical of early 20th-century writing instruments. The body is tapered at both ends, showcasing a streamlined Art Deco-inspired silhouette common in the 1930s and 1940s. It features gold-toned metal hardware, including a pocket clip and a conical tip. The condition shows significant signs of age and use; notably, there is heavy brassing and oxidation on the metal tip, where the original plating has worn away to reveal a darkened base metal with a textured, pitted patina. The celluloid barrel appears intact without major cracks, though surface micro-scratching is visible. The clip shows some slight misalignment and surface wear. This piece exhibits the high-quality material craftsmanship of the mid-century era, likely manufactured by a major American firm such as Sheaffer, Parker, or Wahl-Eversharp, though no branding is immediately legible in the current view. Its value is driven by the desirable marbled pattern and the historical appeal of the celluloid material.
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