Tag Archives: A.W. Faber

Baroness Ottilie von Faber: Between Sun and Moon

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Sean

I have mentioned before that to research the Fabers means to encounter a great repetition of names. One small example: The three most-frequently mentioned brothers—Lothar, Eberhard, and Johann—all share the same first name (Johann). Eberhard’s wife? Johanna.  Therefore, it would … Continue reading →

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Eberhard Faber’s “Graphite Pencil Company”

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Sean

In 1894, the Eberhard Faber Company dissolved its agency with A.W. Faber in Germany. A point of contention between the two companies—one that would see twelve years’ worth of lawsuits fought in New York and Bavarian courts—was the use of … Continue reading →

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Caution! A.W. Faber’s Lead Pencils.

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Sean

The counterfeiting of pencils could be a lucrative trade, especially during the 19th century when laws protecting international trademarks and patents had yet to be written. Such was the case for A.W. Faber, whose growing presence and reputation in the … Continue reading →

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A.W. Faber Taschenstift No. 018

Posted on August 11, 2018 by Sean

This pocket pencil and point protector were made by A.W. Faber-Castell. The point protector is nickel-plated and has a gold-plated tip and slide ring. Close inspection of the tip reveals a small imprint: “A.W. Faber Paris” I’m not certain of … Continue reading →

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A.W. Faber In America: 1850

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Sean

Photograph of Lothar von Faber’s portrait, from an original copy of The Lead Pencil Manufactory of A. W. Faber at Stein near Nürnberg, 1865. A.W. Faber’s efforts to establish an agency in America began in 1843. By 1849 Lothar Faber’s younger … Continue reading →

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A.W. Faber Polygrades: Old and New

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Sean

In honor of Lothar von Faber’s 200th birthday, Faber-Castell has released a limited edition set of Polygrade pencils. Though it’s all too common today, von Faber was the first to offer a set with pencils of varying grades; some included an … Continue reading →

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Eberhard Faber: Sole Agent for A.W. Faber in New York

Posted on July 1, 2017 by Sean

Having completed his law studies in Germany, Johann Eberhard Faber moved to America in 1848. He had spent the previous six months working for the family concern, A.W. Faber, and it was decided he would run the office being established … Continue reading →

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Ersatz Ersatz

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Sean
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1871: “My Great-Grandfather’s Name Was Caspar Faber…”

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Sean

In 1871 Johann Eberhard Faber (1822-1879) appealed a decision, made by the United States Custom House (of New York), that he undervalued the merchandise he received from A.W. Faber in Stein, Germany. Though Faber had been manufacturing his own pencils since 1861 … Continue reading →

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Seven Years

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Sean

WordPress informs me that Contrapuntalism has turned seven. And as it is with most anniversaries, I’m left wondering where the time has gone. I started blogging slowly with a site called Pencils and Music, which like a lot of blogs ended up being more … Continue reading →

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