Pencil and ballpoint pen: Fixpencil and Ecridor by Caran d’Ache.

It is the internal mechanism of the famous Caran d’Ache pens which makes them so special, not the precious metals they are made from – although they can rival their competitors here too. This was true of the “Fixpencil”, the world’s first pencil with a lead mechanism, whose remarkably smooth operation, faultless precision and functional durability has enjoyed a sterling reputation since 1929. In 1953 Caran d’Ache expanded its range to include the “Ecridor” ballpoint pen, which has the same precision oriented mechanism as the “Fixpencil”. While these two exquisite writing instruments have been subjected to minor changes through the last decades, they were originally sold as a set with precisely this design, dating back to the original version from 1947 prior to mass production. And it was in this guise that they ultimately cemented the reputation of the Swiss manufacturer throughout the world. The set is still a real eye-catcher – with its hexagonal form so typical of the brand, its silver plating, elaborate guilloche pattern right down to the tip, and curved Caran d’Ache clip.