I have a couple collections of odd things. My favorite is drafting equipment. I've always loved drafting and mechanical/technical illustration. Even though I do all my work in the computer now, I love the old school.
Most of my collection of lead holders. Mostly 50s-60s. The Eagle Turquoise second from the left is the one my dad used in college. For the last 5 years or so, I've really only used 2mm lead holders for drawing, writing etc. They're so nice to use. Versatile like a wood pencil, convenient like a mechanical pencil and built like tanks.
Most of my collection of 2mm drafting lead. Actually, I have quite a bit more than this now. The Eagle Turquoise lead in the copper coloered boxes is probably THE best lead I've ever used. Super smooth and consistent. Problem is, it's from around the 30s and very hard to find. I only ever used one piece that was broken. The light blue box is I think from the late 1800s-early 1900s.
Assortment of lead pointers. The blue Staedtler unit is my daily use one.
Kind of my crowning piece of the collection; a salesman's set of Riefler drafting tools. Never seen another set like it, and it's complete except for one small thing. I think an inking point or something. A fellow in Chicago my dad was buying some camera gear from had it in his office. My dad bought the set and gave it to me for my birthday several years ago. Needless to say, I was floored. The inking tip with the notched wheels isn't part of this set, but a very cool piece anyway. Loaded with ink, it lays down perfect dashed lines.
I've also got a really nice wood Hamilton drafting table, a couple drafting machines, and a full box of various tool sets, templates, eraser shields, erasers, pens even a slide rule or two. Eventually when I buy a house, one room will be my dedicated drafting room with everything set up and on display.
