J. Thoreau & Son Pencils
This pack of four pencils is an homage to those made by Henry David Thoreau and his father, John.
Years before writing Walden, Henry David Thoreau joined his father’s pencil business and rediscovered a French formula for kiln-fired pencil leads—a mix of finely ground granite and clay—that could be reliably graded from hard to soft. In 1844, Henry invented a grinding machine that produced exceptionally fine graphite powder—the key to a strong, even point. J. Thoreau & Co. was the first American pencil manufacturer to market pencils using a standard hardness, graded 1–4, and won awards in 1847 and 1849 for their pencils. Around 1849, John Thoreau changed the name of the family business from J. Thoreau & Co. to J. Thoreau & Son.
Original: $15.00
-65%$15.00
$5.25Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
This pack of four pencils is an homage to those made by Henry David Thoreau and his father, John.
Years before writing Walden, Henry David Thoreau joined his father’s pencil business and rediscovered a French formula for kiln-fired pencil leads—a mix of finely ground granite and clay—that could be reliably graded from hard to soft. In 1844, Henry invented a grinding machine that produced exceptionally fine graphite powder—the key to a strong, even point. J. Thoreau & Co. was the first American pencil manufacturer to market pencils using a standard hardness, graded 1–4, and won awards in 1847 and 1849 for their pencils. Around 1849, John Thoreau changed the name of the family business from J. Thoreau & Co. to J. Thoreau & Son.
