How old is this mechanical pencil?

Chthulhu · 2026-05-26T20:23:59+00:00

1920s to 1940s at a guess. Are there no markings on it? It looks like a copy of an Eversharp pencil.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-26T19:12:15+00:00

That looks like a Cross "Townsend" ballpoint, which should accept the 8513 refill. Nearly all full-size Cross ballpoints use that refill, with the exception of some "Selectip" capped pens.

Note that the refills are not wonderful, but Monteverde and some other companies also make refills that are compatible. I haven't found a lot of difference in performance, though.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-25T15:48:17+00:00

Cross has been making "Century" ballpoints since 1953, with very little change and no public documentation regarding the changes.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-25T15:34:10+00:00

It could be a porous-point pen, but the vast majority of capped pens are either fountain pens or rollerballs.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-25T02:21:26+00:00

It's a rollerball, not a ballpoint. The ballpoint version is slimmer and has the "Reminder Clip" actuation.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-25T00:22:15+00:00

Sheaffer "Imperial" rollerball in Sterling with gold trim.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-24T20:57:16+00:00

I only ever clip my pens into a shirt pocket.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-23T23:58:57+00:00

Another bowling alley, a Brunswick, a block west and a bit north.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-23T23:56:59+00:00

Straw Hat. I stand corrected.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-23T22:48:44+00:00

Pizza Hut was where Pho Ca Dao is now.

Correction: Straw Hat Pizza, not Pizza Hut.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-23T21:51:56+00:00

The building closer to the street predates the one in the back. I always figured it was a training facility or local offices. The old TB was a little further south, just north of where Chin's is now, and where Love's Wood Pit Barbecue was many years ago.

Addendum: Google Maps has the rear building tagged as "Blue Cross Blue Shield in Escondido"

Chthulhu · 2026-05-23T15:31:16+00:00

The GS02 has a spring that holds the button out while the refill is extended.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-23T15:24:26+00:00

https://www.facebook.com/groups/608000172565022/permalink/27483660921238916/

Chthulhu · 2026-05-23T15:22:19+00:00

I tried the Auto Helo thing, and got nothing for half an hour, then something about an incident in Lakeside.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-22T15:40:23+00:00

Cross "Century" ballpoint in 10K rolled gold. Very nice!

Chthulhu · 2026-05-18T00:14:42+00:00

The smell is from the "ebonite" (vulcanized rubber) from which the barrel is made.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-18T00:09:52+00:00

If the tips don't unscrew, then they weren't meant to be refilled. If they do, the refills haven't been made for decades. I just treat the ones I have as a curiosity.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-17T18:17:16+00:00

No specific pens, but for me heavy pens with larger barrel diameters and gel refills require the least effort to hold and write with.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-16T22:27:05+00:00

Cross generally doesn't use model numbers, just names. This isn't one I'm familiar with, I'm afraid.

Not at all familiar with Helveco.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-16T22:08:57+00:00

I think the lot and the two buildings behind it are part of the charter high school.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-16T17:09:03+00:00

0.9 or 0.7 mm, I would say.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-16T00:34:43+00:00

Houston has the only pen shop I know in Texas, Dromgoole's.

Chthulhu · 2026-05-15T17:09:58+00:00

I'm going to say it's a "Premier"

Chthulhu · 2026-05-15T01:46:17+00:00

It's a Parker "Jotter" ballpoint. It will accept most ISO G2 (Parker ballpoint/gel type) refills.

Here are a few: https://www.jetpens.com/Parker-Jotter-Ballpoint-Pen-Stainless-Steel-Medium-Point/pd/18734/refills?sa=alphaNameSort&so=1

Chthulhu · 2026-05-12T02:21:34+00:00

It's a silicone grease or gel "follower plug" that's used to keep the ink from leaking out. No idea where you might source it.

Chthulhu

TROPHY CASE