Drew & Sons – Tablet Pencil

A tablet style, or desk, pencil; rather long, at 15.2cm. Examining the barrel under the loupe I was able to make out “Drew & Sons Piccadilly Circus W”. John Drew founded the company in 1844, with his sons Samuel and Ernest eventually taking over. The company was known as a supplier of high-end gentleman’s accessories, including items such as cigar cases, picnic baskets, flasks, luggage, and … pen sets. The company remained in business until the mid-1930’s and was located at Piccadilly Circus from 1887 to 1914. These types of high-end retailers often had specialist firms (such as S. Mordan & Co.) manufacture the items which were then branded with their own company name (as many retailers still do today).