Not sure what this is, pencil maybe? Pieces missing? I can only get the closed end to come off, the open end is stuck and I don't want to damage more than it already is(appears someone tried to get off with maybe pliers). Interested in finding out what it is, and a value if there is any. Would like to sell but like to know what I am selling before listing. Marked on side "Mabie's Patent Oct.3.1854". Thank you in advance for any input.
Pretty sure that's a "Magic Pencil." The back end should pull straight out, which should extend the pencil tip. Alternatively, that front part with the hole may just turn to advance the pencil tip. The cap you removed probably covered a storage compartment for spare leads.
It looks (in the first image) like there's a ding in the barrel which might have the mechanism locked up, or its lubricant may have dried out. It's all metal except for the pencil lead, so you can give it a good soak in mineral spirits or naptha and it might loosen up.
Edit: Twist action is most likely, based on the patent drawing; Mabie used that marking on all sorts of things, though.
-- Edited by Chthulhu on Thursday 16th of January 2014 02:22:29 PM
Thank you once again for your help. Appears that the threads and barrel on the end I took off are all one piece, so think it's just storage. After soaking I tried to turn the open end and the textured wrap came off the cap, in my opinion because someone used pliers on it before, but still couldn't turn it. Going to let it soak a couple days and see what happens.