PEN-N-PENCIL
letter scale

maker: Pen-N-Pencil Co., New York, U.S.A.
bruine lijn
letter scale, maker PEN-N-PENCIL Co.
PEN-N-PENCIL letter scale
 

This PEN-N-PENCIL letter scale has the shape of a pen. The side with the letter clip is covered by a cap. The cap has a clip to fix the pen at a breast pocket or such. A short propelling pencil is situated at the other end of the pen. disassembling this end reveals a little pencil eraser. The pencil appears by rotating the gold colored part. By rotating in reverse direction the pencil disappears again. The letter scale has a capacity of 8 ounces. The letter clip also has a hook, so something could hang onto it. The cylindrical chart has per ounce the postal rates for First Class, Air Mail and MDSE (merchandise). Also information for Parcel Post and Local First Class is given. The First Class letter rate of 3c dates from 1932-1958. The Air Mail rate of 6c was valid in 2 periods:
 
 

1934-1944 and 1949-1955. The local rate was 2c per ounce. The scale dates from the period 1934-1955. A patent application was made according to the text on the pen. I didn't find the patent yet. Probably the patent date helps to narrow the date period of this scale. Below some more pictures of this letter scale.

detail 1
letter clip and hook
 
detail 2
with the cover
 
detail 3
the pencil part
 
detail 4
the cylindrical chart
 
detail 5
name maker / PAT.APL'D.FOR
 
detail 6
pencil eraser
 
detail 7
letter rate
 
detail 8
Air Mail
 
detail 9
Merchandise
 
detail 10
unit of measure
 
bruine lijn
« Sol collection: part 5«© copyright André Sol version: July 19, 2007