An early circa 1978 example with complex pocket clip and lead pointer in pushbutton. A 1980s example with simplified pocket clip. A 1990s example with plain pushbutton. A 1990s example with degree imprint.

This leadholder could be described as the international default drafting leadholder. It’s available everywhere and has been since 1977 or ’78. It has remained unchanged in all but the most superficial of ways for 30 years.

Now, about those superficial differences: When first introduced, the 780 came equipped with a rather elaborate pocket clip formed from very thin spring steel, as shown above. This was then replaced with a much simpler clip formed from heavier steel. The only other change I’ve seen is the removal of the pushbutton with integrated lead pointer in favor of a plain metal button. Currently, there is also a lovely chinese made version of the 780 sold by Staedtler U.S.A. although it has been monickered the model 980 (and when I say “lovely,” in this case, I really mean “fucking horrible.”