I don’t know about you, but my childhood was all about comic books and heroes, and there was always that extraordinary character that sparked my imagination and inspired me to dream bigger. Growing up, I learned that not all heroes wear cape capes; some come in the most unexpected forms. Today, I want to share with you the incredible story of a humble pencil that became a hero on the battlefield in 1942. Yes, a pencil. Buckle up – this is a tale of courage, chance, and the extraordinary in the everyday.
The Story of Lieutenant Leslie March and its Lucky Charm
Lieutenant Leslie March, remembered by his step brother as ‘my hero’, was a symbol of courage and dedication. One of the first to volunteer for service during World War II, he joined the Royal Artillery as a private and earned his commission in June 1941. Newly married to his wife, Margot, Lt. March carried a special gift from her – a Yard-O-Led pencil – at every stage of his military journey. This pencil would soon prove to be much more than a simple writing tool.
In 1942, seeking a more active role on the front line, March transitioned to the Cameron Highlanders as a lieutenant. It was during his service with them that fate intervened; while on duty, a bullet aimed at his chest struck the Yard-O-Led pencil instead. The sturdy instrument absorbed the impact, saving his life. From that day forward, March considered the pencil his “lucky charm,” carrying it wherever he went.
The Revival of the Yard-O-Led Deco 34
To honor Lieutenant Leslie March and the remarkable story of the pencil that saved his life, Yard-O-Led has breathed new life into one of their historic designs – “The Deco 34.” Originally introduced in the 1930s, this iconic model has been revived as a limited edition to replicate the original’s timeless character and carry on the fascinating story.
Creating this edition was quite challenging for the Birmingham-based brand, given that Yard-O-Led had not produced the original “Deco 34” for many years. To recreate the iconic pencil, all the original tooling had to be completely remade; however, the brand managed to get it done – coming out with a design that is unlike any other in their current collection. “The Lucky” pencil sports a square body, a distinctive pattern on the sides, and a unique ball clip, and it comes in Sterling Silver and Gold Vermeil. It’s limited to 734 pieces of each style – a reference to the number of Lt. March’s dog tag when he served in The Second World War.
Conclusion
On behalf of my colleagues and other collectors who appreciate art, craft, and history, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Kelly – the step-brother of Lt Leslie March, whose donation of the original pencil to the Yard-O-Led Museum made this edition possible. Through this project, Yard-O-Led paid tribute to Lieutenant March’s bravery and preserved a part of history, passing on the story of the “Lucky Pencil” as a testament to posterity. And as unrealistic as it may seem, the pencil that took a bullet saving a life will not soon be forgotten.
The edition is available at yard-o-led.com or selected authorized retailers priced at €656,00 and includes a leather pen holder.
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