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	image courtesy Caran d’Ache

Fixpencil

Caran d’Ache, Switzerland

lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	2 mm pushbutton spring clutch all metal none 1929 Switzerland
special features	the first precision pushbutton spring clutch
see also	US Patent 1,848,224 “Pencil Holder” 1930 Caran d’Ache Fixpencil thin lead pencil

The following history is based on information provided by the Caran d’Ache company:

In 1929, Caran d’Ache bought the patent for a spring clutch mechanical pencil from its inventor, an engineer from Geneva named Carlo Schmid. The name “Fixpencil” was deposited as a tradename by Caran d’Ache. The first Fixpencil model was developed for leads of 2 mm diameter such as were used in twist lock drafting pencils. The innovative and convenient Fixpencil soon became the model for subsequent drafting leadholders (see Leadholder History). Besides the metal clutch mechanism, the hexagonal shape of the pencil body was a distinctive feature of the Fixpencil. The barrels of the first Fixpencils were available in metal or Galalith, the tradename of a casein-based plastic material. As early as 1930, the mechanism of the Fixpencil was adapted for use in the high-end “Ecridor” model in brass with silver plating. Other high-end variations followed (solid silver and gold or gold plating, with engravings by hand or machine). Today, Caran d’Ache is known most widely for its fine ink pens. In later years, the Fixpencil line was extended to other lead diameters (0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, and 3 mm). The aesthetic of the fixpencil was also adapted to a ballpoint pen. Today, Fixpencil models are available with plastic or light metal bodies and in a variety of lead diameters.

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image courtesy Caran d’Ache

Fixpencil 2

Caran d’Ache, Switzerland

lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	2 mm pushbutton spring clutch all metal colored pushbutton: red, blue, gold, green, ? 1950 to (1990s) Switzerland
special features	some have rotating degree indicator on the barrel

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Fixpencil 22

Caran d’Ache, Switzerland

lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	2 mm pushbutton spring clutch metal with plastic pushbutton colored pushbutton: black, blue, green, red, yellow (1980s) to present Switzerland
special features	lead pointer in removable pushbutton

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circa 1980s model 882

Fixpencil 882

Caran d’Ache, Switzerland

lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	2 mm pushbutton spring clutch metal with plastic pushbutton colored barrle: blue, gold, red (1970s) to present Switzerland
special features	lead pointer in removable pushbutton

circa 1990s model 882

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Fixpencil 77

Caran d’Ache, Switzerland

lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	2 mm pushbutton spring clutch metal with plastic pushbutton colored pushbutton: black, blue, green, red, yellow (1960s?) to present Switzerland
special features	lead pointer in removable pushbutton on later models

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Fixpencil 877

Caran d’Ache, Switzerland

lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	2 mm pushbutton spring clutch metal with plastic pushbutton colored pushbutton: black, blue, green, red, yellow (1960s?) to present Switzerland
special features	lead pointer in removable pushbutton on later models

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	image courtesy Caran d’Ache

Flat Lead Fixpencil

Caran d’Ache, Switzerland

lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	flat lead (precise size unknown) pushbutton clutch all metal colored pushbutton: blue, (black, green, red, yellow) 1960 Switzerland