ELM Industrial Co., Ltd.（エルム工業株式会社） - Pencil sharpener Industrial design
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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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ELM Industrial Co., Ltd. NEW SPIRAL-7 vintage pencil sharpener from 1970s Japan, with a metal body and plastic components, light blue finish, hand crank, removable translucent shavings container (chip present), dimensions 13.5 cm high by 8.5 cm wide by 12.5 cm deep, and weight 637 g, in good condition with signs of aging.
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Description from the seller
Vintage ELM NEW SPIRAL-7 Pencil Sharpener | 1970s Japan | Retro Metal Crank Sharpener | Collectible Desk Item
Item Description
Vintage manual pencil sharpener manufactured by ELM (Elm Industry Co., Ltd., Japan), identified as the “NEW SPIRAL-7” model from the 1970s. This piece features a robust metal body finished in a light blue paint, now showing attractive signs of age such as patina, paint wear, scratches, and surface rust, all of which enhance its authentic Showa-era character.
The sharpener is equipped with a hand-crank mechanism and a precision helical cutting system, designed for smooth and consistent sharpening. The front-mounted translucent shavings container, embossed with “ELM NEW SPIRAL-7,” is removable for easy cleaning. Please note that the shavings container has a small chip. While some may see this as part of its vintage charm (depending on personal preference), it is clearly present—please refer carefully to the photos for details.
The combination of solid metal construction and plastic components reflects the transitional design of the period, balancing durability with everyday usability. ELM sharpeners are well known for their sturdy build and reliable performance, making them both functional tools and collectible examples of retro Japanese industrial design.
Size
Height: 13.5 cm
Width: 8.5 cm
Depth: 12.5 cm
Weight
637 g
Artist / Maker Profile
ELM (Elm Industrial Co., Ltd.) was founded in Tokyo in 1935 and became one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of pencil sharpeners. Beginning production in 1954, the company gained recognition for its durable metal constructions and precision engineering. ELM is also credited with developing Japan’s first electric pencil sharpener. The brand played an important role in the evolution of stationery during Japan’s post-war economic growth and remained active until 2015.
Shipping Information
The item will be shipped from Japan via Japan Post with a tracking number.
Due to the current international situation, shipping may occasionally be arranged via DHL.
The tracking number will be provided before the shipment is dispatched.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 1–2 weeks depending on the destination country.
Please note that delivery times may vary due to customs procedures or postal conditions in the destination country.
Import duties, VAT, and any customs taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.
The item will be carefully packed to ensure safe delivery.
Recycled cardboard boxes or packing materials may be used for packaging.
Seller's Story
At Yu Design, we curate not only fine art and traditional crafts, but a wide range of items that reflect the living spirit of Japanese culture.
From tea ceremony utensils and cast iron works to ceramics, dolls and vintage toys, each piece is carefully selected as a fragment of Japan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Yu Design is not just about selling objects.
It is about sharing the stories, history, and cultural background behind them — introducing Japan itself to the world.
Yu Design is owned and curated by Yuki Kuwahara, based in Japan.
She also runs a YouTube channel introducing Japanese history, with a particular focus on figures from the late Edo and early Meiji periods, reflecting her deep interest in Japan’s cultural and historical heritage.
All items are carefully inspected and securely shipped worldwide via Japan Post EMS.
Clear communication and professional packaging are always a priority.
Vintage ELM NEW SPIRAL-7 Pencil Sharpener | 1970s Japan | Retro Metal Crank Sharpener | Collectible Desk Item
Item Description
Vintage manual pencil sharpener manufactured by ELM (Elm Industry Co., Ltd., Japan), identified as the “NEW SPIRAL-7” model from the 1970s. This piece features a robust metal body finished in a light blue paint, now showing attractive signs of age such as patina, paint wear, scratches, and surface rust, all of which enhance its authentic Showa-era character.
The sharpener is equipped with a hand-crank mechanism and a precision helical cutting system, designed for smooth and consistent sharpening. The front-mounted translucent shavings container, embossed with “ELM NEW SPIRAL-7,” is removable for easy cleaning. Please note that the shavings container has a small chip. While some may see this as part of its vintage charm (depending on personal preference), it is clearly present—please refer carefully to the photos for details.
The combination of solid metal construction and plastic components reflects the transitional design of the period, balancing durability with everyday usability. ELM sharpeners are well known for their sturdy build and reliable performance, making them both functional tools and collectible examples of retro Japanese industrial design.
Size
Height: 13.5 cm
Width: 8.5 cm
Depth: 12.5 cm
Weight
637 g
Artist / Maker Profile
ELM (Elm Industrial Co., Ltd.) was founded in Tokyo in 1935 and became one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of pencil sharpeners. Beginning production in 1954, the company gained recognition for its durable metal constructions and precision engineering. ELM is also credited with developing Japan’s first electric pencil sharpener. The brand played an important role in the evolution of stationery during Japan’s post-war economic growth and remained active until 2015.
Shipping Information
The item will be shipped from Japan via Japan Post with a tracking number.
Due to the current international situation, shipping may occasionally be arranged via DHL.
The tracking number will be provided before the shipment is dispatched.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 1–2 weeks depending on the destination country.
Please note that delivery times may vary due to customs procedures or postal conditions in the destination country.
Import duties, VAT, and any customs taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.
The item will be carefully packed to ensure safe delivery.
Recycled cardboard boxes or packing materials may be used for packaging.
Seller's Story
At Yu Design, we curate not only fine art and traditional crafts, but a wide range of items that reflect the living spirit of Japanese culture.
From tea ceremony utensils and cast iron works to ceramics, dolls and vintage toys, each piece is carefully selected as a fragment of Japan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Yu Design is not just about selling objects.
It is about sharing the stories, history, and cultural background behind them — introducing Japan itself to the world.
Yu Design is owned and curated by Yuki Kuwahara, based in Japan.
She also runs a YouTube channel introducing Japanese history, with a particular focus on figures from the late Edo and early Meiji periods, reflecting her deep interest in Japan’s cultural and historical heritage.
All items are carefully inspected and securely shipped worldwide via Japan Post EMS.
Clear communication and professional packaging are always a priority.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
ELM Industrial Co., Ltd.（エルム工業株式会社）
Weight
637 g
Style subtype
Industrial design
Number of objects
1
Style
Vintage
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Metal, Plastic
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
13.5 cm
Width
8.5 cm
Depth
12.5 cm
Estimated period
1970-1980
