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Tru-Point

(Early model with knurled retainer nut)

Tru-Point, Coloma, Michigan, USA

lead size mechanism composition variations production date origin		2 mm (or smaller) desktop turret with abrasive cylindrical insert cast iron base with die-cast turret none circa 1950 USA
see also		US Patent 2,540,320 "Pencil Pointer," 1949 Defiance Sales Corp. catalog, 1955, p 261 Alfred Mossner Co. Catalog, 1959, p 59 Bruning Tru-Point Keuffel & Esser Tru-Point Dietzgen Tru-Point Post Tru-Point

This is the classic American lead pointer. The original patent for the Tru-Point mechanism was applied for in 1949 and granted in 1950. All Tru-Points were manufactured by the Tru-Point company in Coloma, Michigan which ~~continues to produce them to this day~~ closed upon the death of the proprieter in December of 2007, who’s name I will have to lookup. Through the years they have produced variously colored and packaged versions for any company that desired it. Consequently there are dozens, maybe hundreds, of distinct examples.

There have been six distinct types of Tru-Points made:

1
2
3
4
6
6

fixed taper with metal cup
variable taper with metal cup
fixed taper with quick-change cup (Model D)
variable taper with quick-change cup (Model D)
fixed taper with plastic body
variable taper with plastic body

1949 to early 1960s
1956 to early 1960s
early 1960s to late 1970s
early 1960s to late 1970s
late 1970s to present
late 1970s to present

Prior to the introduction of the “Quick-Change” plastic cups of the Model D, the process of changing the abrasive was a messy job. The old graphite smeared abrasive sleeve had to be peeled off the inner metal cup and a new one adhered to it.

Originally, Tru-Points were constructed of a heavy cast iron base with a die-cast metal spinning turret. Currently produced models have a plastic body with a heavy steel disk in the base which provides the necessary weight to keep it still while being used. Tru-Points do not clamp to drawing boards, they rely on their wide base and substantial weight to stay put while in use.

Tru-Point lead pointers are responsible for disfiguring countless leadholders produced from the 1950s through the 1970s. The die-cast metal cap has an integrated leadholder guide which wears the leadholder's barrel where it contacts the guide. Evidence of this can be seen is some of the older Koh-I-Noor 5611 lead holders in my collection.


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Tru-Point Model D Variable Taper

Tru-Point, Coloma, Michigan, USA

lead size mechanism composition variations production date origin		2 mm (or smaller) desktop turret with abrasive cylindrical insert and variable taper adjustment cast iron base with die-cast turret none circa early 1960s USA
see also		US Patent 3,042,003 "Pencil Pointer," 1956 Alvin Company catalog, 1971, p 82 Keuffel & Esser Tru-Point Variable Taper Model D Post Tru-Point Variable Taper Model D


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Tru-Point Model D-3760

Tru-Point, Coloma, Michigan, USA

lead size mechanism composition variations production date origin		2 mm (or smaller) desktop turret with abrasive disposable cup plastic with steel weight in base none late 1970s to 2007 USA
see also		Keuffel & Esser Tru-Point Lead Pointer Teledyne Post Tru-Point Lead Pointer

This is the version still being produced today. Hell, you can buy one right now for next to nothing at Tru Point's

website.


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Tru-Point “Quick-Change” Replacement Cups

Tru-Point, Coloma, Michigan, USA

composition production date origin		plastic cup with abrasive coating (1960s) to 2007 USA
see also		Alvin Company catalog, 1971, p 82 Eugene Dietzgen Corp. catalog, 1981, p 19


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Tru-Point Conversion Kit

Tru-Point, Coloma, Michigan, USA

production date origin		1960s to 2007 USA
see also		Alvin Company catalog, 1971, p 82

This kit is used to update the older style metal cup to the Quick-Change cups. The kit is still available today even though no old style Tru-Points have been manufactured for forty or so years!


		© 2001 to 2008 Dennis B. Smith	^ top