They are a regular find on sites in Charleston, SC.  They are more common
in 19th century contexts, but some are recovered from late 18th century
deposits, as well.  A maximum length is 3"
Martha Zierden

On Tue, Apr 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM, Keith Doms <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

> You can check various catalogs (Sears and Montgomery Wards) for prices and
> some description.  The 1902 Sears repro catalog omits the pencil pages but
> years ago Sears actually sent me a copy of them.  They sold cedar encased
> slate pencils at $.08/dozen.
>
> I recently found a 1 inch nub of a slate pencil with a grove carved around
> the base.   A worn out pencil that was once tied to something.   Mostly
> their presence is noted without much comment.
>
> Keith R. Doms
> Newlin Grist Mill
> Site Manager
> 219 S. Cheyney Rd.
> Glen Mills, PA  19342
> (610) 459-2359
> [log in to unmask]
> -----Original Message-----
> From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Meg
> Gorsline
> Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 1:09 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Slate pencils
>
> Good afternoon,
>
> I'm trying to gather some information about slate pencils. I've come
> across a few publications about writing slates (including Davies 2005 and
> Swords
> 2008) and I'm wondering if folks have any additional suggestions for
> literature about slate pencils?
> There are a few slate pencils in a 19th century northeast U.S. domestic
> collection I'm analyzing, and I am curious to hear what others have made of
> any slate pencils they've recovered. Thanks in advance for any references,
> information, or insight you may have to share!
>
> Best,
> Meg Gorsline
> Doctoral Candidate
> The Graduate Center, CUNY
> New York, NY
>



-- 
Martha Zierden
Curator of Historical Archaeology