Pencils were invented, so it is said, in 1565. When graphite was discovered in 1564, pencils were originally graphite sticks wrapped in string before they became hollowed-out wooden sticks with graphite inserted into them. The eraser was not added to the pencil until 1858. The automatic pencil was invented in 1863. Collectors today want advertising pencils or automatic pencils of unusual design. Boxes and sharpeners for pencils are also collected. Advertising pencils are listed in the Advertising category. Pencil boxes are listed in the Box category. Advertising pencils may be listed in Advertising.