Hello, fellow enthusiasts of Japanese mechanical pencils,
I’ve noticed that many collectors of Japanese mechanical pencils have a particular aversion to the older models from the 1930s and 1940s, which typically used standard leads of 1.18mm. During that era, 0.9mm leads emerged as a more convenient option for drafting, likely contributing to the popularity of thinner leads in drafting pencils throughout the 1980s. Pentel famously marketed 0.3mm and 0.5mm leads as ideal for drafting, while promoting the 0.9mm thickness as suitable for both general use and beginners.
This is precisely why these vintage 1930s and 1940s Japanese pencils are highly sought after. You can barely find one for sale on eBay, such as this listing:
(Best Maid red purple pre WWII larger Japanese made mechanical pencil (S797) | eBay)
(The seller is delightful, and I’ve purchased numerous pencils from him.)
Question: Any guess for how much this eBay listing will sell for?
I’ve expressed my admiration for this particular pencil, and it’s fascinating to observe two buyers currently engaged in a bidding war, with the price reaching as high as $80-so far. This competitive bidding reflects a shared appreciation among collectors for certain rare pencils. I initially placed my bid, hoping to acquire it for around $7 or $9, but despite my unsuccessful attempt this time, I’m glad to see that others recognize the value of such a unique find.
Interestingly, a company named New York Merchandise Co., Inc. registered the “BESTMAID” brand between the 1920s and 1940s, which was used for various products imported from Japan, although mechanical pencils were rarely included.
This particular pencil is indeed from the WWII era. The inexpensive plastic construction and minimal use of metal are telltale signs of its time. It features the “Front-Action Mechanism,” a design popular among promotional pencil manufacturers like Ritepoint and Jos. Lipic during the 1930s and 1940s.
