Antique Over 100 Years Old Eberhard Faber Hexagon Gilt Pencil #570 With Eraser. For Sale

Over 100 years Old!

Circa 1918

-------------------Note:This pencil came in a lot with few of the same pencil, but I am only selling one of these pencils in this listing, not necessarily the exact photographed one in this this listing.Main Info:This pencil is over 100 years old.Neitherthe word \"Hexagon\" nor the word \"Gilt\" are shown anywhere on the pencil, but were shown in the catalog that advertised this model number in 1906, as well as in other ads and catalogs. Be aware that the word \"gilt\" referred to the golden color in the early days of producing pencils (used a lot in the 19th century and in early 20th century).Condition:Unknown, unsharpened, bent barrel, imperfect color, and many deficiencies.Selling term:

• As is, as photographed, and without return.
• The ruler shown in the photos is not included in this listing.
• Pricing is due to rarity, not due to condition.

An investigation into thehistory of the listed pencil (i.e., subject to incorrectness and/or inaccuracy):

NOTE: I researched the available platforms and found no evidence for the listed pencil to be ever photographed with an eraser or an eraser ferrule.

• As early as 1870, A. W. Faber advertised their \"Hexaon Gilt\" pencils. Resources indicate that by the end of the 19th century, the same manufacturer was also promoting both \"Round Gilt\" and \"Hexagon Gilt\" pencils. The \"Gilt\" pencil was marketed as having a gold-colored imprint. However, I could not find any photographs to verify the claim that any of the \"gilt\" pencils advertised by A.W. Faber included an eraser ferrule. It was only later, in the early 20th century, that Hexagon Gilt pencils were advertised by Eberhard Faber, with a few also offered by Johann Faber (still without furrules or erasers). This early history suggests that Eberhard Faber may have used the slogan \"Hexagon Gilt\" to capitalize on the success of pencils previously sold by their competitor, A. W. Faber.

• In the 1906 Eberhard Faber catalog, the \"Hexagon Gilt\" pencils were introduced under Model No. 570. These pencils featured a rosewood polish, a gilt (gold-colored) imprint, and offered all lead grades from 1 to 6. Notably, the No. 2 pencil was photographed without an eraser or an eraser ferrule. The catalog also reiterated the term \"Gilt Tip\" for other models that included eraser ferrules, which certainly meant they had erasers as well. This confirms that the term \"Tip\" in the catalog referred to a pencil\'s ferrule.
• Throughout my research, I found no references to \"Gilt Tips\" or \"Gilt Ferrules\" for any \"Hexagon Gilt\" pencil advertised by Eberhard Faber in the early 20th century or by A. W. Faber during the 19th century. This suggests that the pencil with the eraser and eraser ferrule is very rare and likely the first of its kind to be seen in modern times.

• On June 13, 1907, a news item announced a proposal to purchase 12 gross of the \"Hexagon Gilt\" pencils. This advertisement specifically referred to No. 2 grade pencils of Model No. 570 and did not include any information about an eraser.

• Another advertisement appeared on June 24, 1909, proposing the purchase of 15 gross of the same manufacturer’s pencils, with the same grade and model number. In this ad, Johann Faber promoted their \"Hexagon Gilt\" pencils in grades 2 and 3, while A. W. Faber advertised multiple types of \"Hexagon\" pencils (excluding the \"Gilt\" designation).

• This history indicates that three \"Faber\" manufacturers—A. W. Faber, Johann Faber, and Eberhard Faber—have advertised \"Hexagon Gilt\" pencils at various times in the past.

• In their 1923 catalog, Eberhard Faber advertised the \"Hexagon Gilt\" pencils under a new model number (Model No. 670) and offered only grades 1 to 5. They called for a return to the \"old days,\" claiming that the Hexagon Gilt pencil was the \"first high-quality pencil marketed in this country [the United States].\" The catalog featured a photograph of the pencil that does not show an eraser, nor did it mention a tip, ferrule, or eraser for this new variation of the \"Hexagon Gilt.\" To clearly differentiate between model 670 (with \"HEXAGON GILT\" imprinted on the barrel) and the earlier model 570 (which lacks this imprint), the words \"HEXAGON GILT\" were only imprinted on barrel of Model 670 (i.e., as photographed in the 1923 catalog).

All of the investigated history above suggests the following about the \"listed pencil\":

• The listed pencil may be a variation not to predate the earliest mentioning of it by E. Faber in 1906.

• The listed pencil could also be a prototype created during the \"old days\" before 1923, likely between 1909 and 1920, either a bit earlier or a bit later. But most likely in 1918 as shown in the ad included in the photos.

• The listed pencil potentially represents the highest quality produced by E. Faber in the early 20th century.

• I personally believe, though without any proof, that this variation of the Hexagon Gilt by E. Faber was of exceptional quality at the time it was made. This predates the introduction of the well-known Van Dyke 601 pencils, which were featured in a 1923 catalog, and later the more famous Blackwing 602 pencils, which likely began production during the Great Depression.

• However, I finally found one 1918 ad with Eberhard Faber advertising the \"Hexagon Gilt\" with tips and erasers!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can see this 1918 in the photos. Probably, if I have been looking using the word \"Eberhard,\" then I would have never found this ad! :)

Note:

All historical information mentioned above may contain inaccuracies or unintentional misinformation. Researching a pencil that is over 100 years old can be quite challenging.