2.5" long hollow cast metal mechanical pencil holder designed like the USS Los Angeles (ZR-3), a rigid airship which was built 1923–1924 by the Zeppelin company in Friedrichshafen, Germany as a World War I reparation. Delivered to the US Navy in Oct. 1924 and after being used mainly for experimental work, particularly in the development of the American parasite fighter program, the ship was decommissioned in 1932. This piece dates to the mid-late 1920s and is nicely designed w/incised "Los Angeles" name on side and detailed gondola w/tiny molded motors on sides of ship, tail end slides out for pencil replacement. Scattered aging/patina. VF overall. Rare.