Avanti mechanical desk/wall pencil sharpener, Germany Manufacturer: Emil Grantzow Nachf., owner A. Grahl, Dresden Model: "Avanti," 1923-pattern version Cutting head: 6-blade rotating cutter A German hand-crank pencil sharpener from the well-known Dresden maker Emil Grantzow Nachf. This "1923" version was the first Avanti model to introduce the maker's patented reverse-turn mechanism, which allows the pencil to be withdrawn without the usual backward cranking, together with an adjustable funnel opening that accommodates two different lead-length settings — the lower, later setting was patented in 1921. The six-bladed cutter only engages the pencil across half its width on this version, giving a noticeably lighter, smoother crank action than earlier Avanti models. The mechanism is fully intact and working: turning the wooden crank handle spins the cutter wheel and sharpens a pencil cleanly, producing curled shavings that collect in the hinged front box behind the yellow-and-black lacquered "AVANTI" name plate. The base is drilled for fixed mounting to a desk or wall. Condition: age-appropriate wear consistent with regular use — rubbing and paint loss to the housing edges and corners revealing the metal beneath, light surface rust to the base plate, and fine craquelure to the lacquered name plate. Works perfectly as demonstrated in working order (see photos).