I found what from as far as I can tell is an old version of the pencil. I suppose it could just as well be an authentic version of the pencil with the previous being counterfeit. It doesn’t feel like the sort of thing that would be plagued by fakes, but of course the most commonly counterfeited piece of U.S. currency is a five and that feels like as lousy an idea.

This edition has the notable feature of having “WÖRTHER GERMANY” in silver printing around the axis of the clutch release. The other version is entirely unmarked. Additionally, the angles of the facets at that end of the pencil are uniformly rounded. In the other version it’s a sharp edge.

I can’t explain it but the old version feels better. Functionally I notice no difference. By weight the old version is a touch over a gram heavier, but that’s all. I find that I prefer it.