We have a small number of original as new, from period stock, slate pencils and are offering them here individually price for the collector who would like an example to go with a period marking slate. Fashioned from slate mined here in Maine, these pencils are the product of period manufacturing practices in which freshly mined slate slabs were cut into ¼ inch square rods, turned round, cut into 6 inch lengths and hand sharpened. (Not sharpened to a point but left blunt, simply hand cut to a slight taper at one end as one would use the pencil on a slate.) Each pencil is a bit unique with slight variances as evidence of early manufacture. Not a big deal but a common utility in the days of hand carried marking slates and seldom seen in unused condition. A neat period item for the Civil War era personal item collector or writing implement enthusiast without spending a lot of money. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!