The Gesner pencil occupies a singular place in pencil history. It was described and sketched by the Swiss naturalist Conrad Gesner (or Gessner) in a book published in 1567 and is the first reference to a pencil of any kind ever found. The recently made “Der Gesner” leadholder is a reproduction of Gesner's pencil based on his description and sketch. The sketch is very small and diagrammatic so there is no way to be certain how the clutch worked and what shape the lead was (I would guess squareish).


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isolated collet and lead

Der Gesner (Gessner)

Clio Skribent (Cleo Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG), Bad Wilsnack, Germany

Bad Wilsnack... Bad–Wil–Snack... Badwills–Nack... Cool name. There is a town in the “thumb” of Michigan near where my wife’s family is from called Bad Axe. I goddam love that name. Bad Axe. I bet there is a riotously funny story that explains the origin of that name involving trees that refuse to cooperate with settler’s attempts to clear the land for agriculture. Not far away from Bad Axe is Grindstone City. Another cool name. [time passes] Oh neato. I thought, golly. Instead of just making shit up like I have to do for pencil history, I should actually google Bad Axe and see if I can find the true story behind the name Bad Axe

. It turns out to be a riotously funny story involving two grizzled settlers, fermented blackberries, a flat stone, and a piece of string.

purpose lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	sketching 5.6 mm friction clutch cherry wood barrel material: cherry, maple, Spanish broom(?) 2006 to present Germany	Konrad Gesner's sketch of his pencil from 1567.

see also	Leadholder History

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		© 2001 to 2008 Dennis B. Smith	^ top