Pencil Sharpeners: Figural and Mechanical Collectibles
Collectible pencil sharpeners encompass two distinct categories: miniature figural sharpeners (tiny die-cast metal or celluloid novelties from the 1920s-1960s) and mechanical desk sharpeners (hand-crank and later electric models from the 1890s-1960s). The figural sharpeners, produced primarily in Germany, Japan, and the United States, represent a whimsical and affordable collecting field with thousands of designs depicting everything from animals and vehicles to household objects and famous buildings.
History
Figural pencil sharpeners emerged in the 1920s-1930s as novelty items and advertising premiums. German manufacturers produced high-quality die-cast metal examples before World War II, while Japanese manufacturers dominated the postwar market with painted metal and plastic designs. Mechanical desk sharpeners were patented as early as the 1850s, with major American manufacturers including Automatic Pencil Sharpener Co. (APSCO), Boston, and Dexter.
Types and Categories
| Type | Description | Period |
|---|---|---|
| German die-cast figural | Small metal sharpeners, often bronze-finished | 1920s-1940s |
| Japanese metal figural | Painted die-cast miniatures, wide variety | 1950s-1970s |
| Celluloid figural | Molded plastic novelties, Bakelite examples | 1930s-1950s |
| Advertising sharpeners | Branded promotional items | 1930s-1960s |
| Mechanical desk models | Hand-crank cast-iron devices | 1890s-1960s |
| Automatic (APSCO) desk | Wall or desk-mount, Art Deco styling | 1920s-1950s |
Identification
- German figural sharpeners often marked "Germany" or "Made in Germany" on the base
- Japanese examples marked "Japan" or "Made in Japan"
- Quality varies significantly; German examples tend to have finer casting and detail
- Mechanical sharpeners bear manufacturer names cast into the body (APSCO, Boston, Dexter)
- Patent dates and numbers can help establish production periods
- Celluloid examples are identifiable by their warm feel and slight translucency
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Common Japanese figural, 1950s-60s | $5-$25 |
| German die-cast figural, pre-war | $20-$100 |
| Rare figural design (airplane, car, building) | $30-$200 |
| Celluloid figural, unusual subject | $25-$150 |
| Advertising sharpener, Coca-Cola or similar | $25-$150 |
| APSCO mechanical desk model, Art Deco | $40-$200 |
| Cast-iron mechanical, Victorian era | $50-$300 |
| Rare or unusual form, exceptional condition | $100-$500+ |
Condition Factors
- Paint loss is the most common issue on figural sharpeners; intact original paint adds significant value
- The sharpening blade should be present and intact (many have been lost or replaced)
- Die-cast metal can suffer from "zinc pest" (metal deterioration causing swelling and cracking)
- Mechanical sharpeners should operate smoothly; frozen or broken mechanisms reduce value
- Original boxes for figural sharpeners are scarce and add a premium
- Plastic and celluloid pieces should be checked for cracks and discoloration
Collecting Tips
- Figural sharpeners are typically collected by theme: vehicles, animals, buildings, military, occupations
- Pre-war German examples are generally more refined and valuable than postwar Japanese production
- Complete collections of specific themes (all different airplane shapes, for example) are impressive displays
- Mechanical desk sharpeners in Art Deco designs have crossover appeal to industrial design collectors
- The field is accessible; most examples are under $50, making it easy to build a significant collection
- Reference books by Martha Hughes document hundreds of figural sharpener designs