Faber-Castell has released a timely themed pencil.
Have you seen it (if you live in Germany), or any other FIFA World Cup themed pencils or stationery items?
Commenter rewards – Primo charcoal drawing set
The General Pencil Co. has kindly sent a few product samples. The blog has had four contests in the past, but they were all knowledge based, so it’s about time for something more open.
For random draw is a “Primo Euro Blend Charcoal Drawing Set” with five charcoal pencils, four compressed charcoal sticks, a kneaded eraser, a black Factis eraser, and a sharpener. The box is illustrated by artist and past pencil talk commenter J. D. Hilberry.
As a way to say thank you to those who’ve left comments here is the past, the draw is only open to previous commenters. The WordPress blog software should manage this. It is set to “Comment author must have a previously approved comment”.
One commenter on this post will be randomly chosen. They draw is open for 24 hours, ending tomorrow June 11, 2010 at 19:00 EDT. The prize will be sent via Canada Post.
To enter, just leave a comment on this post.
Update: The Draw
Thank you to the ten entrants! Using the python pseudo-random number generator on my PC, we have, drumroll please …
$ python
Python 2.6.2 (r262:71600, Apr 16 2009, 09:17:39)
[GCC 4.0.1 (Apple Computer, Inc. build 5250)] on darwin
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> import random
>>> random.seed()
>>> random.randint(1,10)
4
The fourth commenter, David O., is the winner. David, I will contact you by email!
Staedtler 2957 colour copying pencil – continued
Continuing from the previous post, we open up the tin. I would say there is a lot of evidence of pride in the product:
The paper flaps have all sorts of fascinating information about the MARS line. I like the list of the “most important” products:
The pencils, finished in black, perhaps have less show than we might expect, yet still look great:
Staedtler 2957 colour copying pencil
Pencil packaging graphics were truly amazing some years ago. This post is more a look at some particular artwork rather an exploration of the pencils.
The seams of this box have largely disintegrated:
One side of the bottom has a label:
While the box itself has some nostalgic appeal, a gem is hidden on the inside lid:
Notice the “since 1662” phrase also. Staedtler now claims an 1835 origin.
The tins of pencils are themselves quite something:
I am glad to see the artist’s initials, “W.H.”
Due to the relatively large size of these images, I’ll wait until the next post to show the inside of the box.
Staedtler Mars Duralar
From deep inside the pencil talk vaults, the Staedtler Mars Lumograph Duralar.
The box shows many signs of age. The half gross of 2830 pencils are in the K3 grade.
Despite many advancements in the ability to render images, modern graphics are less detailed than this 20th century beauty:
The box has some printed material:
No complaints necessary! We love these pencils.
Also an ad for a sharpener:
Unfortunately an overhead tree took away some of the focus:
The gold trim is very nice:
Nice lettering:
The insert is beautiful, and could probably be made into an excellent bookmark if printed on heavier paper:
The bottom piece of paper has tables of pencil grade recommendations:
Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil – 9
The sterling silver Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil.
Two knowledgeable pencil talk readers in particular have regularly sung praises for this writing implement, and those comments assisted me in deciding to purchase one in February.
The pencil and extender come in a cloth pouch inside a wood box.
Apart from the material, the “double crown” of the cap is possibly the feature most different from other versions.
The excellent spring clip has some hallmarks:
Disassembled:
And a closer view. Note that the eraser cap is also sterling.
It seems to call for a nice journal.
And a family portrait. One of them definitely seems to not belong!
Regular readers will have heard some of this before – I love the way Faber-Castell has paid tribute to the woodcase pencil in this series. Creating a fantastic pencil and a companion for it that allowed entry into the top writing implement shops in the world’s major cities is a wonderful act that has helped preserve the pencil.
2011 will be Faber-Castell’s 250th anniversary. Perhaps they will unveil a new perfect pencil or even something completely new?
Further reading: Perfect Pencils at pencil talk