Schwan-STABILO’s website says the company was founded in Bavaria in 1855. Today, they are a successful conglomerate with 2800 employees, and their main revenue source is from cosmetic pencils.
Their highlighters and markers are what one might see in an office supply store in Canada. Graphite pencils are not typically for sale at local retailers.
The Othello 282 has very unusual colouring – solid forest green, with the hexagonal edges pinstriped in a light green. They look like pieces of candy! The cap is painted red.
The claim is that this style started in the 1920s after a bad paint run in the factory accidentally produced a similar pattern.
The pencil is marked:
STABILO Othello 282 HB=21/2
Of course we usually think an HB grade is an No. 2. The obverse side has a barcode.
It’s also named after a play and character of Shakespeare. I’m curious about this, and have sent a note to the manufacturer. I’ll update this post should they reply.
It lays down a fairly dark line, and doesn’t crumble. It’s a good pencil, though I wouldn’t call it exceptional.
It’s great to find that a 19th century pencil maker is still making good products.
