IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF EVER-POINTED PENCILS, WRITING AND DRAWING INSTRUMENTS, AND IN INKSTANDS OR INKHOLDERS
Year: 1848

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
RIDDLE, of Whitefriars Street, in the City of London, Gentleman, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-first day of
December, One thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, in the twelfth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said William Riddle, my exors, adiñors, and assigns, Her especial
license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said William Riddle,
my exors, adiñors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Riddle,
my exors, admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England,
Wales, and the Town of. Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF EVER-POINTED PENCILS, WRITING AND DRAWING
INSTRUMENTS, AND IN INKSTANDS OR INKHOLDERS;" in which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso that I, the said William Riddle, shall cause a particular
description of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited

page_text: Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will
more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
William Riddle, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and
ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to
the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say:
The first part of my Invention consists in the so constructing ever-pointed
pencils that one length of lead (or whatever is used in the pencil instead of
lead) having been propelled or forced out from the point of the pencil case,
on reversing or moving back the forcer another length of lead shall so be
presented to its action that it may be propelled out in the same way as the
first, and the same process repeated for several leads, without the necessity
of removing the point or handling the lead at every renewal of the operation.
Of the Drawings, which are made very large for practical illustration, Figure 1
represents a longitudinal section of the sliding part of a pencil case made
according to this part of my Invention. a is a piece of metal of a peculiar
form shewn largely in cross section Figure 2. The same letters indicate
similar parts in all the Figures. The part a is partly tubular, with an excen-
tric volute or curved piece cast off on one side, and forms part of the complete
tubular parts c and d, Figures 1 and 6. The piece a in the Drawing is
divided in a longitudinal direction through the line V, Figure 2. By examining
the Drawings it will be seen that the excentric volute a terminates in a
knife edge against the interior of the tube n. The entire piece represented
by a, c, d, and detached by Figure 6, is held concentric in the tube n by the
bearing or fixed collar i, and by a shoulder attached to and forming part of a,c,d,
shewn at and fully in end view, Figure 3. Figure 3 would appear nearly
as Figure 2, if this shoulder or collar f were removed. Both Figures 3 and 2
are represented on double the scale of Figure 1. A coiled spring represented
at e is put on to d, one end acting in a hole drilled in the part d, and the
other tightened up to the right pitch, and sustained by a pin ¹ in the solid
piece at the time of the workman securing this solid piece into the tube n,
and so as to exert an influence tending to turn the piece a, c, d, and collar f
in the direction of the arrow in Figure 2. There is a flat steel spring w,
soldered to the part a or volute at one end, and partly exhibited springing
therefrom at the other end, which is shaped to fit into a cut in the tube n,
shewn at x. A stop piece p is placed or soldered upright in the tube n. h is
the motion wire held in the cut guide tube 1, this last being all part of a solid

page_text: piece, attached by a pin into the tube n, and upon which, with proper
support at the end, turns the tube g, propelling or withdrawing the wire in a
manner old and well understood. Figure 4 is a drawing of a pencil case
complete, the internal sliding part corresponding with what is shewn in section
by Figure 1. The head is immoveable. The point m, shewn separately in
section by Figure 5, is sloped inwards at the thick end, and a swivel ring m¹ is
burnished on to it, holding a small piece for closing the reserve aperture 8,
Figure 3; and there is an opening m² in the ring m¹ for the end of the
spring w to enter, and be acted upon by the inclined surface m³ to withdraw
the spring w from the aperture x, when screwing on the point (for common
pencil cases the point might be constructed without this ring). The method
of filling and using this pencil case may be thus described: Unscrew the
point m, turn quite round backwards the part a, c, d, f, and the volute or
excentric piece a will be caught by the spring w entering the little orifice x
in the tube n, and retained back, the spring e being tightened or wound up
by the turning of the part a, c, d, f. Drop in the leads one at a time at the
aperture s, Figure 3, keeping it inclined uppermost, that the leads may roll
into their places; put the last in the point and replace it, and the inclined
surface m³ of the point will of itself remove the spring w. The excentric_
piece a now acts on the leads represented from 2 to 12 in Figure 2, and by
turning the pencil case in the ordinary way the lead in the point will be
brought into use or propelled, and the one marked 2 will follow in the same
line and take its place in the point. On reversing the propelling wire a
vacant space will be left, which will be immediately occupied by the lead
marked 3, the volute a moving round as each lead is propelled, and also the
collar f, which last may be so marked relatively with the tube n as always to
indicate the number of leads used and remaining, see Figure 4. By this
arrangement two leads will remain unused; and although in practice no incon-
venience will be occasioned by reason of the index, and the ordinary user
would probably be quite unconscious of it, I have in Figures 7 and 8 repre-
sented a plan for completely emptying the reserve. In the arrangement
just described the excentric piece a, Figure 2, travels round to the stop p. In
Figures 7 and 8 this stop is constructed of small tubes simply linked together
so as to bend into the channel of the volute as shewn in side view, Figure 8,
and thereby convey all the leads into the centre for propelling. It is not
essential to this part of my Invention that the mechanism should be such
as to cause the leads to be moved into position when the forcer is moved
back, as the movement of the lead into position without taking off the
point may be performed by hand thus :-The first length of marking

page_text: material having been propelled or forced out from the point of the pencil
case, on reversing or moving back the forcer, together. with the turning
of a collar (without removal of the point part to effect this) arranged with
other parts after the manner I have set forth, another lead will be
presented to its action, that it may be propelled out in the same way as the
first, and the same process repeated for several leads in succession. Figure 9
of the Drawings is a longitudinal sectional representation of the sliding
part of a pencil case made according to this part of my Invention,
and also of a piece of the case tube in which it may be supposed to slide. In
this there is an excentric piece or volute a, as in Figure 1, but it is made a
fixture to the inside of the tube n, as shewn in Figure 10, which is an
enlarged transverse section. The collar f is not attached to the volute piece,
but turns upon it, and is all part of a straight bar e; this collar and bar
are shewn separately by Figure 1.1. Immediately adjoining the excentric
piece is a motion tube turning around the collar k, which has the guide
tube attached to it, and is made fast into the tube n abutting upon
and becoming a socket to the circular end of the excentric or volute piece a.
m is the point on the screwed end of the piece a, and so far a fixture. To
charge with leads, unscrew the point m, and lift out the collarf with the bar e.
The channel within and around the volute may now be filled with leads, and
the collar and bar, Figure 11, replaced, and also the point. Turn the collar f
á little way as each lead is used up, in the direction of the arrow, Figure 10,
and it will force them successively into the centre, and if it is a good fit, will
not be liable to return. I do not confine myself to the precise details of the
foregoing, as long as the real features of .my. inventor are adhered to, such as
the turning of the collar, bringing up a fresh length of marking material
on the going back of the forcer, without the necessity of removing the
extremity or point, together with the other peculiarities as set forth.
The next part of my Invention consists in a new construction of ever-
pointed pencils, which pencils in particular parts are of wood or other material.
The stem of this pencil being solid, with the exception of the space for the
marking material and the groove for the forcer, it requires to be made of
wood or sufficiently light material, metal being too heavy, and so made as to
be rendered fit for. containing and propelling slate prepared in certain ways
for that purpose, and also useful for crayon and other marking material.
Figure 12 is a Drawing in section of an ever-pointed pencil for slate, made
according to the first part of my Invention, and Figure 13 is an external view.
From a to bis. a handle of wood, with a spiral trench or shallow groove
extending from one end. to the other around its exterior surface; the handle,

page_text: which may be composed of two pieces, after the manner of constructing cedar
pencils, has a central cavity or channel k, communicating with the outside by
a narrow opening h, as exhibited by the transverse section at M; this arrange-
ment allows a metal forcer N, which fits the centre channel 'at the part e, to
protrude through the opening at the parts f. g is a propeller, consisting of
a ring, shewn in section at o, having a spiral thread upon its interior surface,
which thread fits into the spiral groove around the handle. c is a point
or end (say of ivory), attached to the handle, and at which the opening h
terminates, but through which the centre channel k is continued out. The.
point c is partially slit down at d. Slate or marking material being cut,
divided, or sawn into pieces or lengths, and made smooth and of a proper size,
the pencil is to be charged or used in the following manner :-Wind off the
propeller g, which will bring with it the forcer N out at the top of the pencil;
put enough of the pieces of the marking material in at the top, and placing
the forcer a little way into the groove h, k, slip the propeller over it
and between the parts f, which last being turned, will push the material out
of the point as wanted for use; the slit point will assist in preventing the
material from falling out of it, should it not exactly fit.
The next part of my Invention relates to pens known as metal pens.
Figure 14 represents a pen constructed according to this part of my
Invention. a is a shield of thin metal attached to the pen by a tightly-
fitting pin joint or axis b, so as to shut down and cover in the hollow
of the pen and enable it to retain ink in increased quantity. I do not
claim the use of the shield or metal covering a, but the mode of attaching it
by the axis or joint, which enables it to turn back into the position indicated in
Figure 15, for the purpose of readily cleaning.
Another part of my Invention consists of so constructing gold pens by the
application of certain parts, that on turning or causing to rotate some part of
the
pen so as to bring into action a screw movement, certain parts, or a certain
other part, shall be made to advance upon or to recede from the nibs of the pen,
thereby influencing its flexibility and making it harder or softer for writing;
and it is the adoption of the screw principle for effecting my object which
forms the novelty in this part of my Invention, as it will allow the pen to be
regulated to a great nicety. Figure 16 represents a side view and section of a
barrel gold pen, and Figure 17 a back and front view of the same constructed
according to this part of my Invention. a is a curved strip, a small bar of
metal placed along the back of the pen, and connected through a slit in the
pen to another guide piece b within the pen. On the end of the barrel of the
pen a fine screw c is formed, upon which works the ring acting upon the

page_text: bar a.
In use, according as a hard or soft pen is desired, the ring d is turned,
which compels the bar a to advance over the nibs or to recede from them, and
influence their flexibility to any extent. The raised curve in the bar prevents
the ink from being drawn up towards the fingers. In this improvement
relating to gold pens I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself
to the pecise details which I have given in order to afford a proper practical
illustration; but the same may be. modified, so long as the peculiar character of
my improvement is retained.
The next part of my Invention relates to penholders, and consists in so con-
structing them that on turning the handle or causing to rotate some part of
the penholder, so as to cause a screw movement, certain other parts, or a certain
other part, shall be made to advance upon or to recede from the nibs of the pen
used in such penholder, thereby influencing its flexibility and making it harder
or softer for writing; and it is the adoption of the screw principle for effecting
my object which forms the novelty in this part of my Invention, as it will
allow the pen to be regulated to a great nicety. Figure 18 represents a
side view of a common penholder constructed according to this part of my
Invention, and Figure 19 a back view. The handle a is attached into the
tube b, which has a screw formed in the inside of it so as to allow it to fit and
screw upon the tubular part of the penholder c. Along the back of the pen-
holder is placed a metal tubular channel d, in which slides the regulating
curved strip of metal or bar e, when moved by the collar f of the tube b
simultaneously with that being turned by the hand. If a pen g is placed in
the penholder, according as the handle a is turned to the right hand or to the
left, the bar e will be caused to advance over or to recede from the nibs of the
pen, and thereby to influence their flexibility to the desired extent. Figure 20
represents a side view of this part of my Invention slightly modified and
arranged for a pocket-sheath penholder. The tube c is extended out without
a screw upon it at the part c³ suited to receive the sheath part of the penholder
as a handle when writing, part of which is shewn at a, and which when in
the pocket is placed over the pen and penholder c in a suitable manner. The
sheath being cut for the passage of the bent portion of the bar, the ring b is
turned to alter the position of the bar e without effecting the handle or sheath
when used as a handle; and I wish it to be understood that I do not
confine myself to the precise details I have given respecting this penholder,
but may vary them so long as the distinguishing property of this part of my
Invention is retained.
The next part of my Invention relating to penholders consists in the
construction and application of certain parts having for their object the

page_text: causing pens held in such holders to take up and retain more ink than without
such application, so contrived and applied to the penholders as to adapt
themselves to pens of various sizes and lengths.
Figure 21 represents a side view in section of a so-called Bramah penholder
constructed according to this part of my Invention. Into the inner tube or
main part of the penholder are fixed the cross pins a, c, the former of which
is shewn in a front inside view, Figure 22; there is sufficient space under
these pins for the strip of metal or bar d to slide conveniently. This bar is
shewn separately by Figure 23. It is cupped or hollowed somewhat at one
end, and slightly raised or curved above this part. If a pen is placed in the
penholder on the outside of the tube containing the pins, and securely held by
the outer tube or piece f by the ring 9, and the bar d is moved up to a
suitable position, with the cup part of d forming a cavity with the hollow of
the pen, on dipping into the inkstand in the ordinary manner the ink will be
gathered and retained in increased quantity in the said cavity according to its
dimensions, and be of much convenience in rapid and continuous writing, the
ink not being liable to ascend higher than the curved part of the bar. The
bar is made to slide under the pins to suit pens of various sizes. In Figure 21
and 22 I have represented a large pen, and the bar d is sufficiently drawn
out to meet the length. In Figure 24 I have represented in section the
improvement as applied to that description of penholders known in the trade
as the "universal holder," and it will be seen that the bar d is slid quite back
to suit the shorter pen h. The pins a, c, and bar, are in this penholder fixed
in the moveable tube or half of the penholder, to suit its difference in con-
struction from the Bramah holder.
I do not claim the hollow portion d, which constitutes the mode of retaining
the increased quantity of ink, but I claim the sliding bar as connected there-
with, enabling it to suit pens of various lengths. And I wish it to be under-
stood that I do not confine myself to the precise details berein set forth, or to
any particular penholders to which to apply this part of my Invention so long
as the distinguishing peculiarities are retained.
The next part of my Invention relates to inkstands or inkholders, and
consists, first, in the so attaching, contriving, or constructing the covers of ink-
stands or inkholders that the same power which keeps them closed shall hold
back and hold open the covers when the inkstands are being used, this object
being attained by certain counteracting, mechanical forces peculiar to the
Invention.
Figure 25 represents a side view or elevation of a portable desk inkstand
constructed according to this part of my Invention with the cover closed.

page_text: Figure 26 represents the same with the cover thrown back or opened; and
Figure 27 represents a plan or top view. a is the vessel or receptacle for the
ink, there being recesses formed on each side at 6 for the coiled springs c to
move in when the cover d is opened or closed. The springs c are attached to
the lower part of the inkstand in any suitable manner, and their other ends are
attached to the projections d' on the cover d. On raising or throwing back
the cover into the position Figure 26 the two springs, having passed the centre
of junction of the cover with the vessel or reservoir, exert their force to pull
the said cover downwards upon the opposite side; or in other words, by its
construction to retain or hold it back or open; all which will be readily under-
stood on examining the Drawings.
The next part of my Invention relating to inkstands or inkholders consists
in the application of a filtering medium to inkholders for the abstracting any
undue collection of dust or dirt that is apt to accumulate in inkholders. It
may consist of perforated metal or other substance, wire gauze, horsehair, or
other filtering fabric or material, and may be applied in a variety of ways.
Figure 28 represents a side view, or elevation in section, of a pewter or
metal ordinary. counting-house inkstand fitted up according to this part of
my Invention. a is a cup, vessel, or receptable, say of glass, for holding the
ink, into which is placed the strainer b, shewn entire and separate by
Figure 29, and consists either of perforated metal or wire gauze, and attached
to the collar d. Ink is poured into the vessel a in the ordinary manner. When
there is any foul deposit, accumulation of dust, or any other refuse in the ink
it is to be removed by taking out and emptying the strainer, which
may then
be replaced, the ink being cleared to the bottom. I do not confine myself to
any particular mode of making the strainer, or of applying such filtering
medium, or to the material for making it, so long as the peculiar and dis-
tinguishing object of my Invention is retained.
The next part of my Invention relating to inkstands or inkholders consists
in silvering the insides of glass inkstands or inkholders, and so finishing them,
and, if necessary, varnishing them, or covering the silvered surface inside as
to resemble mirrors on the outside when they are filled with ink, and the
object of this silvering is to do away with the unsightly appearance of the ink
in costly glass or silver-mounted inkholders especially. My process is as
follows-I take at the rate of one ounce of coarsely-pulverized nitrate of
silver; that which I generally employ is the lunar caustic of commerce, and
mix it with half an ounce of spirits of hartshorn. To these I add two
ounces of water, and let the mixture stand twenty-four hours; then filter the
same (preserving the deposit on the filter, which is silver). I then add to the

page_text: filtered liquor three ounces, by measure, of spirit; I prefer spirits of wine at
about sixty degrees above proof, or naphtha. I then add from twenty to
thirty drops of oil of cassia. The mixture, after having remained for five or
six hours, is ready for use, and I have found it desirable not to keep it more
than twenty-four hours after the oil of cassia has been added thereto; but the
mixture, before the addition of the oil of cassia, appears to improve by
keeping. When the proper time has elapsed after the addition of the oil of
cassia the mixture is to be applied in the following manner:-This mixture is
to be put into the interior of each glass inkstand, and the interior surface will
be quickly silvered.
of
I do not claim the process of silvering glass, as it has been before resorted
to for other purposes; neither do I confine myself to such process, this part
my Invention consisting of the application of a process of silvering to
the interior of glass inkstands in order to give a more elegant appearance,
and at the same time prevent the ink being seen through the glass.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Riddle, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.
Enrolled the Twenty-first day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.