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RARE VICTORIAN 1878 PATENTED CROSS-SHAPED PENCIL CASE
Offered is a very unusual late-19th-century Victorian cross-shaped pencil case/pencil holder, dating to 1878 and associated with James M. Clark of Jersey City, New Jersey.
The piece corresponds to U.S. Design Patent No. 10,880, patented October 29, 1878. The original patent illustrates a distinctive cruciform pencil case with cylindrical sections, ornamental terminals, an upper finial and suspension ring, and a pencil nib extending from the lower end.
This example measures approximately 2 inches long and weighs approximately 8 grams.
Features
Approx. 2" overall length
Approx. 8 grams
Unusual cross-shaped tubular construction
Black body with contrasting gold-tone/gilt-colored decorative fittings
Elaborate central floral/rosette decoration
Decorative twisted-wire detail
Ornamental upper finial and suspension ring
Marked “PAT OCT 29 78”
Hollow interior, consistent with the patented pencil-case design
Original pencil nib is missing
Internal vertical shaft is present and has some up-and-down movement, although it is currently somewhat reluctant
The mechanism has not been forced or disassembled
Antique condition with appropriate age and signs of use. The original pencil nib is missing, so this should be considered an incomplete example of the patented pencil case.
The internal shaft moves slightly but is stiff/reluctant. I have deliberately not forced or attempted to disassemble the mechanism, and recommend that the new owner leave it intact unless experienced in the conservation of antique mechanisms.
There may be minor age-related wear, surface oxidation/patina and imperfections to the original finish. Please examine all photographs carefully, as the photographs are an important part of the condition description.
A Fascinating Victorian Patent
What makes this little object especially interesting is that it is not simply a decorative cross. The 1878 patent identifies a specific cross-shaped pencil case design, making this an unusual example of Victorian functional novelty design.
The patent is U.S. Design Patent No. 10,880, issued to James M. Clark, Jersey City, New Jersey, on October 29, 1878.
An excellent addition to a collection of:
Victorian antiques
Antique writing instruments
Early pencil cases and pencils
Patented objects
Victorian novelty items
Antique jewelry and accessories
19th-century mechanical/functional objects
Unusual religious-form antiques
A particularly intriguing piece for the collector who appreciates rare, unusual and highly specific Victorian objects.
Please note: The original pencil nib is absent, and the piece is being sold as an antique collectible rather than as a complete working pencil case.
