It is not known to me the specific use of this pencil. It resembles what are referred to in Deborah Crosby's book, Victorian Pencils, as tablet pencils or desk pencils which are used for writing. This one has a working quality about it and the context within which it was found suggested that it was used by an artist. The metal components are very similar to those manufactured contemporaneously by A.W. Faber and others for art and drafting use.