mechanical pencil
Date: 1952-1964
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1629
Classification: Pencil
Subject:
Maker: Walter Balcke ?
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
1 x 6.5 x 1 cm (3/8 x 2 9/16 x 3/8 in.)
Description:
A small mechanical pencil with brass attachments at each end. The pencil is constituted of two interlocking pieces of cylindrical teal plastic with lighter flaxes within, giving the surface a fractured appearance. Lead is pushed out of the brass tip by pushing on the back of the pencil.
Signedunsigned
FunctionWalter Balcke built and gifted many mathematical models to the Harvard Mathematics department at Harvard University. According to substantial correspondence between mathematics professors and Balcke, the models were sometimes used in classes, circulated around the department for observation, and eventually put on display in the mathematics library.
This pencil may have been an extra for the Conics Drawing Machine (1997-1-1619) or another Balcke model. Aside from its different color, it is identical to the pencil accompanying that machine. Pencils are for drawing with graphite on paper.
This pencil may have been an extra for the Conics Drawing Machine (1997-1-1619) or another Balcke model. Aside from its different color, it is identical to the pencil accompanying that machine. Pencils are for drawing with graphite on paper.
Curatorial RemarksIt is not verified that this object was constructed by Walter Balcke for the Mathematics Department at Harvard University. However, it is identical to the pencil that accompanies another model verified as Balcke's (1997-1-1619).
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Mathematics, Harvard University.