Crayon Holder and Extension Bar

A 3-3/8" round brass handle has an opening for inserting a crayon. It is not marked. The second object is a 3-1/2" hexagonal brass bar with hollow steel ends. One end is marked with the number 24 and the letter L. The other end is marked with the number 22 and the letter P. The bar could be inserted into a pen handle to accommodate different sizes of leads, although the ends and the openings in the ends have the same diameters.

The two writing instruments are made from brass of different colors, so the pieces may not belong together. The dates of objects purchased with these writing instruments suggest they were made in the 18th century. Crayon holders and double-ended pencil holders were known in Europe by the 17th century and widespread by the 18th century.

References: Maya Hambly, Drawing Instruments, 1580–1980 (London: Sotheby's Publications, 1988), 65–66.

Sotheby & Company, Catalogue of a Collection of Scientific Instruments, the Property of the Late Henry Russel Wray, London, 1959 (a copy of the catalogue is in the accession file).

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