The Gesner pencil occupies a singular place in pencil history. It was described and sketched by the Swiss naturalist Conrad Gesner (or Gessner) in a book published in 1567 and is the first reference to a pencil of any kind ever found. The recently made “Der Gesner” leadholder is a reproduction of Gesner's pencil based on his description and sketch. The sketch is very small and diagrammatic so there is no way to be certain how the clutch worked and what shape the lead was (I would guess squareish).

Предпоследната снимка е точна скица на първия молив в света от 1567 година.

Последната снимка е на самия откривател.