You would think, since Coshocton is only about 30 miles from where I live, that I would have illustrated an extensive group of them in The Catalogue. Unfortuantely, if you turn to page 134, there's a picture of one lonely example. I just didn't have any on hand at the time I wrote the book.
Shaw-Bartons don't get a lot of attention. They're often written off as "only" advertising pencils, and usually they turn up in dollar boxes at flea markets. But for what they are, they really are well made, and since the book was written I've made more of an effort to put together a better selection of the different varieties that are out there.
Here's what I've found so far . . .
NOTE: This article is now included in the print version of The Leadhead's Pencil Blog, available anywhere you buy books, or also from The Legendary Lead Company.
To order, here's the link: Volume 1 at Legendary Lead Company
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ReplyDeleteI recently found what appears to be a Shaw-Barton salesman's sample case. It contains five ballpoint pens and three mechanical pencils, all bearing the Sheaffer name. It has "Shaw-Barton Coschocton, Ohio" on the outside, and an (undated) price list within a pocket inside the case; oddly, not all of the pens and pencils inside match what's on the list. One pencil is missing the clip, and not all of them have the model number printed on the case, but it's still pretty neat.
ReplyDeleteJonathan and I have been trying to figure out what the initials AAW on the clips of some of my pencils stood for. We knew it wasn't A.A. Waterman as the pencils are not old enough to be Watermans.
ReplyDeleteI guess it did not occur to us that they might be American Art Works pencils.
The mystery was solved this morning when the postman brought me another AAW pencil with AAW stamped on the clip.
This one also has on the cap:
Am. Art Works
Coshocton, Ohio
R.C. Pat P.
So we now know what AAW stands for. But this imprint raises another question. What is the significance of R.C. Pat P. mean? I am thinking that Ritepoint Company either made these pencils for AAW or granted them a license to make them.
Guess we will have to look into that!
Michael Little
i have 15 of these pens in a original case separatly devided.holds up to 20 pens.it says on case barton writing instruments.all pens are like new.a varity of replacement springs.they all have a 5 digit phone no. for cochocton,ohio.that tells me they are 40s or 50s.i will sell this collection.best offer.steve 740-345-7082 newark,ohio
ReplyDeleteI have several "Circle-Scales" labeled "Shaw-Barton Coshocton, O." on the back. Central Foundry used to give these away as advertising. You can draw up to 6" circles, measure in inches or mm, convert degrees F to degrees C, and fractions to mm. They are great for simple sketching to work out an idea before going to CAD (these days). I'd love to get some more as mine are about worn out.
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ReplyDeleteI have one advertising MackTrucks, Allentown Pa. Not for sale though.
DeleteStumbling on your blog today really warmed my heart. I started my career at Shaw-Barton and was there for 11 years. Of course, it was in the early 80's so the pen and pencil manufacturing had been long gone. But, I am glad to see that you are giving Shaw-Barton "its due". It really was a great company and too few people know it ever existed. However,a large portion of the population would remember the All American calendar featuring our Presidents' portraits, which hung in elementary classrooms across the country.
ReplyDeleteBTW: If I come across any circle scales in my stuff from back then, I'll be sure to post another comment.
I have several Shaw-Barton items i collected off ebay over the years.
ReplyDeleteThey will be going to my cousin, Kathy Shaw, whose father worked at and for the company. My folks and I visited the plant, lo, these many years ago.
Rumor is Stan was getting ready to go get Marilyn Monroe on a calendar when she died.
Bil Munsil
Mesa AZ
(My mother was a Shaw).
I have a sterling silver with black overlay shaw barton mechanical pencil. Do you have any idea what its worth. Saw 1 that went for alot at an auction but since I'm not a member of auction house I can't get info tu..
DeleteMy father worked for Shaw-Barton from the early 60's to the early 80's he stepped down from his position after being diagnosed with cancer. He worked for them out of our home in Cameron, Missouri. At some point in his career he achieved diamond status, and stayed at that level and above until he resigned. He won several trips through the years. One was to Spain; the company even paid full expenses for my mother to travel along with him. When I was in the first grade, I was extremely sick. My doctors had little hope that I might live. Mr. Barton was so concerned he flew into Kansas City, and then drove 140 miles round trip, to come and visit me and my dad while I was in the hospital. Even though I don’t much about the company, I know my dad really enjoyed working for them. Somewhere I might even have a few of the items that he sold. However, when I was sick, I put together scrapbooks full of sample pictures from calendars, and I still have those.
ReplyDeleteSheryl Hanna
Hilo, HI
I love that this article has become one of the top ten most popular articles here at the blog. This little company touched a lot of lives!
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of desk scissors that say "Shaw-Barton Coshocton, Ohio on them. Probably obtained in the 1940s. cjburdyn@cox.net
ReplyDeleteBoth my grandfather and father worked for Shaw-Barton in the 40's and 50's. I have a meat carving set that is pristine and still in the leather carrying case. I believe it may be a sales prize of some kind. bushwoman47@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have a 1953 calendar printed by Shaw Barton for Western Meat Company Inc Miami Fla. "girlie" illustrations are gorgeous. The artist is Mac Pherson. Anyone know anything about this. Not on eBay
ReplyDeleteMy Dad was Regional Sales Manager for Shaw-Barton in Cincinnati (Ohio-Ky-IN territory) 1959 to 1980s. His station wagons were full of their stuff! I have lot of their things ... very cool blog.
ReplyDeleteMy dad worked for Shaw Barton in the 70s and 80s. I still have some of his samples including nail clippers, key rings, kitchen gadgets, and tons of pens. We always had plenty of calendars, too!
ReplyDeleteI just came across a pretty old Timken "fractions and decimal equaivalent" metal wall hanging which was manufactured by Shaw - Barton. Probably hung in a machine shop for several years.....
ReplyDeleteI have a mahogany "Bottoms-Up" Cigarette Chest For Your Desk - in the box with the included paper telling about it and signed Shaw-Barton Coshocton OH and a pat. # 2,316,979. Still pops open perfectly. Anyone know what year it was made. I'm at rgre428@aol.com
ReplyDeleteHave a circle square with Foley Hydraulics on it. Anyone know how old it is
ReplyDeleteWho Was Stanley Shaw? or Stanley Sutton Shaw? Was he related to Jay Shaw? I read something about "Stan" getting Marylin Monroe for a calendar. Did Stanley Shaw do illustrations?. Stanley Shaw passed away in Coshocton, Ohio where the Shaw-Barton calendar company was. I have an illustration signed Stanley Sutton Shaw. I want to know if it was published. Thank you contact me email xenophilus@windstrean.net Steven Brennan
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of One Solitary Life that was printed by Shaw-Barton for the Pennsylvania Tire Company in Mansfield, Ohio. Would anybody know when it was published. My email is plgdx569@hotmail.com Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI was at my local goodwill and found a set of 6 "Early American Tavern Sign Tankards" glass beer steins, they have never been used in original box. Anyone out there know when these steins were produced? Please send me a quick email at diefelhouse1892@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks!