"Electro-Pointer" pencil sharpener, c. 1943
Bakelite, plaskon, electrical componentsexpand_more
The Modernism Collection, gift of Norwest Bank Minnesotaexpand_more 98.276.255
Not on Viewexpand_more
The streamlined form of the Electro-Pointer pencil sharpener makes even this immobile desk accessory look sleek and fast. Early electric pencil sharpeners from the 1910s had an exposed motor, but with the ElectroPointer, the motor is disguised by a case made of Plaskon, a molded resin that was a practical, modern, and cheaper alternative to heavier die-cast metal cases. The popular model continued to be manufactured into the 1960s by other companies including Swingline. Electric pencil sharpeners continue to speed up a mundane office task.
Details
- Title
- "Electro-Pointer" pencil sharpener
- Artist Life
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 98.276.255
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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