L. & C. Hardtmuth “Koh-I-Noor” 1511 Drafting/Drawing Leadholder

According to the Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph, Inc. catalog of 1976, the 1511 was introduced in 1895.  The earliest versions looked very similar to the A.W. Faber Artist’s Pencil which appeared in 1861. The 1976 Koh-I-Noor catalog further states that the 1511 was the “first drafting lead holder.”  Clearly, the form of such pencils long preceded the appearance of the 1511, but it is possible that the Koh-I-Noor 1511 was the first such pencil to be marketed specifically to draftsmen.  I think this scenario is unlikely, however, and continue to credit A. W. Faber with the creation of the first drafting leadholder.  The details of pencil history are poorly documented so claims such as the one in question here from manufacturer’s literature are often erroneous or misleading.

Another specious claim from a manufacturer regarding the historical significance of one of its products was that of Caran d’Ache and a claim found on their website that the Fixpencil of 1929 was the “world’s first mechanical pencil.”  This ridiculous claim was probably the fault of a copy editor’s truncating of this statement: “world’s first all metal mechanical clutch pencil,” which appeared in documentation sent to me by Caran d’Ache.  This claim, however, was also incorrect.  In fact, metal clutch pencils had been available since the late 19th century.  In follow-up correspondence with the company, the claim was revised to “world’s first all-metal hexagonal barreled mechanical clutch pencil,” which does seem to be the case.

Imprinting individual leadholders with a specific lead degree, just as a disposable wood-cased pencil would be, was standard practice among early leadholder makers. Although, generally, a very inefficient practice, there was some sense to it, as in the case of the “4B” leadholder below which has a thicker 2.5 mm diameter lead than the “6H” further below which accepts only the standard 2 mm diameter lead.

imprint reads: Made in USA - L. & C. Hardtmuth * Koh-I-Noor * 1511
(reverse) Imprint reads: Model No. 2 - 2B to 9H.

This newer style, USA-made model has a reverse threaded clamp similar to the Eagle Turquoise 3375. In a reverse twist lock clutch, when rotating the clamp sleeve to grip the lead, the sleeve moves forward (in the direction of the lead point). Refer to the patent 2,262,649, which is an Eagle Pencil Co. patent, for more detail about this type of clutch.

obverse imprint reads:  “Koh-I-Noor” * Made by L. & C. Hardtmuth, Austria
reverse imprint reads:  HB * British Graphite * Compressed Lead.

Despite the implication of the availability of various degrees suggested by the HB imprint, the Pocket Pencil was available in only the one degree.