Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. - Pencil sharpener
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Selected by Ashley Calvert
He has 15 years of experience trading 20th century glass and antiques.
Estimate € 150 - € 220
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Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. LA-1500 manual pencil sharpener from the Showa era, Japan, circa 1975, with a turquoise and cream metal body, chrome sharpening head, hand crank with a Bakelite grip, and a sliding smoked-drawer shavings container, dimensions 14.5 × 7.5 × 16 cm and weight 633 g, in good condition with minor signs of aging.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. Manual Pencil Sharpener LA-1500 — A Showa Retro Masterpiece
This is a rare and charming manual pencil sharpener, model LA-1500, manufactured by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (三菱鉛筆株式会社) in Japan, dating back to approximately 1975 — roughly 50 years ago. A true testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Showa-era Japanese manufacturing.
The body is finished in a distinctive and eye-catching turquoise (teal green) with a cream-colored frame, giving it an unmistakably retro aesthetic that makes it as desirable as a decorative object as it is a working tool. The front features the iconic circular chrome sharpening head with a dual-tube pencil entry guide, while the side is equipped with a classic metal hand crank with a black Bakelite grip — a satisfying mechanism to operate.
The shavings are collected in a smoke-tinted transparent drawer that slides out from the base, clearly branded with the Mitsubishi Pencil logo. The top panel carries a shield-shaped embossed badge reading "MITSUBISHI LA-1500 JAPAN," adding an industrial elegance to the design. The rear panel reveals the beautifully engineered chrome crank mechanism and internal gear assembly, also proudly inscribed "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd."
A wonderful collector's piece for lovers of Japanese vintage stationery, Showa retro design, or mid-century industrial aesthetics. Display it on a desk or add it to your collection — the LA-1500 is a timeless piece of Japanese design history.
Size
Height: 14.5 cm
Width: 7.5 cm
Depth: 16 cm (including crank lever)
Weight
633 g
Condition
This item shows age-appropriate wear including minor scratches and surface marks on the exterior, slight yellowing of the cream-colored plastic frame, and graphite residue inside the shavings drawer, with some tarnishing on the chrome surfaces.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Item Description
Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. Manual Pencil Sharpener LA-1500 — A Showa Retro Masterpiece
This is a rare and charming manual pencil sharpener, model LA-1500, manufactured by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (三菱鉛筆株式会社) in Japan, dating back to approximately 1975 — roughly 50 years ago. A true testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Showa-era Japanese manufacturing.
The body is finished in a distinctive and eye-catching turquoise (teal green) with a cream-colored frame, giving it an unmistakably retro aesthetic that makes it as desirable as a decorative object as it is a working tool. The front features the iconic circular chrome sharpening head with a dual-tube pencil entry guide, while the side is equipped with a classic metal hand crank with a black Bakelite grip — a satisfying mechanism to operate.
The shavings are collected in a smoke-tinted transparent drawer that slides out from the base, clearly branded with the Mitsubishi Pencil logo. The top panel carries a shield-shaped embossed badge reading "MITSUBISHI LA-1500 JAPAN," adding an industrial elegance to the design. The rear panel reveals the beautifully engineered chrome crank mechanism and internal gear assembly, also proudly inscribed "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd."
A wonderful collector's piece for lovers of Japanese vintage stationery, Showa retro design, or mid-century industrial aesthetics. Display it on a desk or add it to your collection — the LA-1500 is a timeless piece of Japanese design history.
Size
Height: 14.5 cm
Width: 7.5 cm
Depth: 16 cm (including crank lever)
Weight
633 g
Condition
This item shows age-appropriate wear including minor scratches and surface marks on the exterior, slight yellowing of the cream-colored plastic frame, and graphite residue inside the shavings drawer, with some tarnishing on the chrome surfaces.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.
Weight
633 g
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Metal, Plastic
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
14.5 cm
Width
7.5 cm
Depth
16 cm
Estimated period
1970-1980
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