Berol APSCO Pencil Sharpener Value Guide

The Berol APSCO pencil sharpener is a quintessential piece of mid-century office equipment, originating from the acquisition of the Automatic Pencil Sharpener Company. These manual sharpeners are highly collectible for their industrial aesthetic and the innovative Vacu-Hold suction base that allowed for portable, non-permanent mounting.

What affects the value of Berol APSCO Pencil Sharpener?

• The functional integrity of the Vacu-Hold suction base significantly impacts the $25-$40 price range.
• Condition of the steel cutters and the smoothness of the manual hand-crank mechanism.
• Presence of original paint or chrome finishes without significant oxidation or 'pitting' from age.
• Clarity and lack of cracks in the plastic shavings reservoir, which often becomes brittle over time.

How to Identify Berol APSCO Pencil Sharpener?

• Check for the 'APSCO' and 'Berol' branding stamped into the steel housing or molded into the plastic components.
• Verify the presence of the Vacu-Hold suction lever at the base, a signature feature of this specific 1940-1960s model.
• Look for the dual-cutter internal mechanism made of hardened steel, typical of United States manufacturing from this era.
• Examine the shavings receptacle for the original clear or tinted plastic window used to monitor fill levels.

History of Berol APSCO Pencil Sharpener

Berol was a prominent stationery company known for its quality writing instruments and office supplies. The APSCO line of sharpeners, originally from the Automatic Pencil Sharpener Company, was acquired by Berol, and these vacu-hold models became a staple in classrooms and offices, prized for their sturdy construction and efficient sharpening capabilities. Their design often reflected the industrial aesthetic popular during their production era.