Title

Copying Pencil

Maker's Mark

J.S. STAEDTLER

Description

A cylindrical 773 Blue "Elephant" copying pencil manufactured by J.S. Staedtler. 

A copying pencil uses a water-soluble permanent dye mixed with graphite. When a document is written using this pencil, a moistened tissue paper is laid down on top and pressed. The result is a mirror copy of the original document. Copying pencils were considered the precursor to the ballpoint pen as the graphite mix was indelible and could not be erased.