Latest Update: Added a link to more coronation pencils at Dave’s Mechanical Pencils.

What Is It?

An oversized pencil, made in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, on June 2nd.

History

It was made by F Chambers, now know as Chambers Pencils, at their factory in Stapeford, Nottinghamshire.

• Chambers Pencils Company History: including scans of a brohure from when the factory at Stapleford was still active. The brochure mentions their printing processes, enabling them to make customised pencils for promotions – this one is a good example.
• Queen Elizabeth II on Wikipedia.

Acquisition

I just spotted it whilst looking around on eBay, put in a nice low bid, and nobody else ever bid on it.

Pictures

There isn’t a lot to say about a wooden pencil, especially one that’s not really intended for using, so we’ll just jump straight into the pics. Here’s the shiny gold presentation box it came in…

Opening the box shows the pencil, with its tip protected by a wad of cotton wool…

The pencil itself…

…includes a calendar for 1953, with the date of the coronation marked on it…

The end – no eraser, just some shiny red and blue paint…

Alongside some ordinary pencils for scale…

Does it Work?

It’s not really meant to be used – it’s a bit on the big side – but it is a real pencil, and yes, it does work…

Getting Your Own

I don’t know of any others of the same type, but you could always keep an eye on eBay – try a search for coronation pencil.

Related

• More coronation pencils at Dave’s Mechanical Pencils.