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Machine Age Art Deco Streamline Electro-Pointer Bakelite Pencil Sharpener

$675
£510.66
€596.80
CA$966.07
A$981.61
CHF 556.11
MX$11,943.75
NOK 6,520.85
SEK 6,556.38
DKK 4,464.42

About the Item

An iconic piece of American Machine Age industrial design, the Electro-Pointer electric pencil sharpener was designed by Edward C. Hoffmann (circa 1941–1943) for Triple E Products Company and manufactured by Stile Craft Manufacturers, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri. Cast in heavy black Bakelite, its dramatic, swept-back silhouette embodies the height of Streamline Moderne styling. Echoing the aerodynamic, locomotive-inspired forms championed by industrial design pioneers like Raymond Loewy and Henry Dreyfuss, this piece transformed a utilitarian office tool into a high-style desktop sculpture. The front features its original embossed "Electro" top pointer dial with point-size adjustments, a front drop-down shavings drawer, and clean Art Deco lines. Unlike later 1950s and 1960s versions produced in light grey Plaskon plastic under the Swingline name, this original 1940s iteration in rich black Bakelite is the most sought-after variant among collectors. Examples of Hoffmann's Electro-Pointer design are held in prestigious institutional collections, including the Brooklyn Museum and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The unit is in good, functional vintage condition. Complete with its original power cord, the motor has been tested and works perfectly, sharpening smoothly and efficiently. The main black Bakelite body retains a deep, glossy sheen with normal light surface scuffs and minor wear consistent with age and desktop use. Notable condition notes include two minor material chips/losses: one small chip along the edge of the removable shavings tray and another minor loss at the lower bottom right corner of the base casing. The structural form remains solid, fully operational, and visually impressive. Designer: Edward C. Hoffmann Manufacturer / Retailer: Stile Craft Manufacturers, Inc. / Triple E Products Origin: St. Louis, Missouri, USA Period: 1940–1949 (Designed c. 1941–1943) Style: Machine Age / Art Deco / Streamline Moderne Materials: Black Bakelite, Electrical Components, Metal Functional Condition: Tested and fully operational; includes power cord Patent #2335148, 1942/43
  • Creator:
    Edward C. Hoffmann (Designer),Stile Craft Manufacturers 1 (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.63 in (14.31 cm)Width: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Depth: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Functional Condition: Tested and fully operational; includes power cord. Few losses, stress cracks near tray, see main description. Overall very nice.
  • Seller Location:
    St. Louis, MO
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU820251081102

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