It turns out there was a trademark dispute over the name ‘Diplomat’ so the company renamed their Milan designed leadholder to ‘Linea’. And around that same time 1983-1984 they also Italianised the spelling of the company name to become ‘Parafernalia’.
…and that’s why the original first edition 1975 - 1983 ‘Paraphernalia Diplomat’ is so rare and special. The ‘Parafernalia Linea’ can be bought new today for AUD $89 (around USD $62). Not sure about the practicalities of their use but they sure do look striking and are great collectables.
And as you’d no doubt expected - I happen to have these two listed on my latest update here N, O, P, Leadholders
In your last lot of new items for sale, I am pretty sure a few items have some connection with models from the Kent/Uchida company: Niji 124 suspiciously looks like a clear Uchida Color Holder, while the black Pickett with round barrel is strikingly similar to a classic Uchida Drawing Holder S.
The Pickett from France, on the other hand, is most likely a rebranded Criterium 2013 by Conté-Gilbert-Blanzy-Poure; the Polygraph reminds me of another pencil I have (the grip section in particular), but I think the one i own is a thin-lead MP.
I agree on the iconic character of the Paraphernalia/Parafernalia Linea; I find it a bit too rear-heavy for my taste, but what a fantastic piece for a serious collection, especially the earlier model.
I have a red one with “parafenalia” etched around the barrel just under the springy sleeve…and a gray/silver one with a fancier logo in an oval surround that runs along the barrel just below the spongy thing.. First one is closer to the origninal version, I suspect…
@Leonov you are absolutely correct. A quick and controlled AI check revealed this “…there is a direct corporate, branding, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationship between Uchida, Niji, Kent, and Yasutomo. These brands share identical leadholder and drafting pencil profiles because they trace back to the same Japanese design portfolios and corporate distribution agreements.”
It just goes to show how little we (I) often know. I didn’t know that my trusty '70s Kent drafting board and machine were made by Uchida. In fact I’d never even heard the name back then.
Yes the Niji 124 is exactly the same pencil as the Uchida Color Holder. It’s fascinating how Uchida can market the same product under different labels at either end of the pricing spectrum. My recommendation - buy the Niji and place a ‘Uchida’ sticker over the name!
And you’d be entirely correct about the Pickett being a re-badged Criterium 2013 according to Les porte-mines – Le criterium au fil du temps and the Pickett has an eraser with a lead pointer in the end too.
I think perhaps the ultimate “clone storm” of the leadholder ( maybe all mech pencils) was/is the KIN 5611 variants…endless. Almost a running gag.. which one had the best paint job ( Dietzgen, Microtomic, Accutron?), etc. The other “joke” is how good they are…super durable, reasonable weight and balance..the paint will die first, then the knurling ( trust me) then move on…If you don’t believe me, I have oodles of 5611 that may have some cosmetic issues, but work just fine…for some postage, one can be yours…
VENUS had the lousiest paint job as far as durability, especially when coupled with the scraper, er spot view for lead degree..But the crackle version when new was really very nice..
Wow, what a bizarre name for a lead holder. It has much more of an electronic appliance vibe to it, much to do with Bulova having used that very name, their “Accutron” electronic watches, and SONY with “Trintron.”
The rOtring 800 2mm is also very durable, and has the advantage of a ratchet mechanism instead of gravity drop. But that knurled grip does have a tendency over time to easily lose the paint coating on it.
