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Vemco TEC Photo Retouching Leadholder

V & E Manufacturing Co., Pasadena, California, USA

purpose lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	photo negative retouching 2 mm end mounted twist lock clutch plastic barrel, metal clutch and head none circa 1960s USA
special features	interchangeable lead indicator rings
see also	TEC Drafting Leadholder A.W. Faber Locktite retouching pencil kit Eastman Kodak Photographic Etching Outfit US Patent 2,298,555 "Mechanical Lead Pencil," 1939

A number of plastic sleeves are provided for lead identification, each corresponding to a specific degree of lead. The flat ends of TEC leads were painted as indicated in the table below.

The eraser included in the retouching set has a cool twist lock clutch similar to those used in leadholders.


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TEC double ended crayon holder

TEC Pencil Company, Los Angeles, California, USA

purpose lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	coloring ~ 3 mm twist lock clutch plastic barrel, metal clutches unknown (probably just colors of lead) 1950s USA


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Vemco TEC Double-Ended Eraser

V & E Manufacturing Co., Pasadena, California, USA

purpose lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	eraser 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) twist lock clutch machined plastic barrel, metal clutch none circa 1960s USA

see also	Gordon Draftsmen's Supply Co. catalog, 1948, p 50

This is my favorite eraser, I use it everyday. I just wanted to contrast it with the single-ended version included in the set above.


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TEC eraser holder

TEC Pencil Company, Los Angeles, California, USA

purpose lead diameter mechanism composition variations production date origin	eraser about 3/16 inches (5 mm) friction lock clutch plastic barrel and integral jaws, metal clamp sleeve unknown (colored endcap maybe) circa 1950s USA

Update 2008 June: It’s an eraser holder. My previous claims that it is lousy remain unrevoked, however. How do I know what it is suddenly? I’ve got a scan of a little leaflet/catalog for TEC products I’ll get posted to the site someday.

I have no idea what this thing is. Whatever it is it’s a lousy one. It’s definitely leadholder-ish, but the clutch is supposed to hold by friction alone; no threads, no spring, nothing. Unless it’s missing parts I fail to see the usefulness of such a thing. It looks like maybe it’s an eraser holder, but it will not hold erasers. It will not hold lead either. It looks as though if it were to hold anything, that thing would have to be a very specific diameter and it would not be held securely. If you know what this thing is, please let me in on the secret.


		© 2001 to 2008 Dennis B. Smith	^ top