MORRISHARP ELECTRIC PENCIL SHARPENERBert M. Morris Co., Los Angeles, CaliforniaA streamline moderne desk sharpener in molded Bakelite. The shell is mottled red, brown and black phenolic with three molded speed lines sweeping down each side, a chrome pencil collar on top, a MED / FINE / X-FINE point selector, and a chrome trim band around the cast base.MARKINGSMolded into the front door panel: MORRISHARP, MANUFACTURED BY BERT M. MORRIS CO., LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA, MADE IN U.S.A.Stamped into the base plate: MFG. BY BERT M. MORRIS CO., U.S. PAT. D 144,777, MADE IN U.S.A., LOS ANGELES 26, CALIF.There is also a hand scratched \"#410B\" on the base. I do not know whether that is a service number or an owner mark, so I am reporting it rather than calling it a model number.DATINGDesign patent D144,777 was filed in March 1946 and granted on May 21, 1946 to Robert B. Fleming, assigned to the Bert M. Morris Co. The \"Los Angeles 26\" postal zone stamped on the base was in use between 1943 and 1963. So the design dates to 1946 and this example was built inside that zone period. I found no date stamp on the unit itself.PLEASE READ, DAMAGEThere is a crack in the Bakelite shell at the back. It has been repaired and glued. The crack runs down across the molded speed lines and forks into a short second branch near the top, and it carries around onto the left side of the shell. The shell is closed and seated on the base with no gap and no missing material, and the repair is holding, but the line is still clearly visible and it is not going to disappear. Photos 4 and 5 show it up close, and you can see it at the left edge in photo 1. Buy this as a repaired housing and handle it accordingly.CONDITION OTHERWISECleaned and tested. It powers up and runs, the motor spins, the cutter turns, and the point selector moves through MED, FINE and X-FINE. The Bakelite has light surface scratches and handling marks from use. The chrome pencil collar and the base trim have light tarnish and small scuffs. The shavings drawer door is present and opens and closes.ELECTRICALThe cord and plug are the original brown two wire type and have not been replaced. It ran fine on the bench for testing, but wiring of this age gets brittle. If you plan to use it regularly rather than display it, have the cord checked or replaced by someone who does that work.SHIPPING AND TERMSFree USPS Ground Advantage. Packed with the shell supported so nothing loads the repair in transit. Ships from California. No returns, which is why the damage is written out in full above and photographed from two angles. Message me before you buy if you want another photo or a measurement and I will go look at the piece.
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