Folio Archives 6: FS metal bookmark (aka. FS crowbar)

Many years ago (about 2010, but I am happy to be corrected about the date) the FS gave a way an unusual metal bookmark as a gift to those who rejoined the FS for a further year. It has been nicknamed the FS crowbar, and has been the subject of some ridicule and confusion as to how it is used. From time to time it has also been sold on the secondary market for ridiculous prices.
The photos below will show you what is being discussed and how it is used.







An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed at : http://www.librarything.com/topic/266300

I love this type of bookmark. I don't understand the confusion though.

I have two of these, didn't realise they were so valuable! Useful scratching/poking tools.

One of the better freebies. The glass paperweights were also very good.

Unfortunately the Quentin Blake drink mats were the worst quality ever
- even worse than the charity ones that often come around Christmas time.
Peeling bubbling gloss surface, and bits of the thin cork backing from one
mat well stuck to front of the second one. What a complete mess :-( Not even
boxed just wrapped in cheap cellopane. Obviously FS knew they were rubbish !
Seemed rather a waste after the effort of commissioning a couple of nice pictures.

Swap some mats for a bookmark anyone ?
:-)

>1 wcarter:

They were okay for PBs but I wouldn't let it anywhere near a Folio.

Miffed that I missed out on the paperweights. I still have my Quentin Blake mug, but the umbrellas fell to pieces long ago.

I don't think I ever received a bookmark, but if I did I'll just have tucked it away somewhere with a view to sooner or later thinking of a suitable purpose for it. The mugs get my vote, a pair of them have been in use here for an after-dinner pot of tea practically every evening since their arrival, and two more that I've bought since on eBay stand ready in their boxes in case of an accident.

>1 wcarter: I hope that was a photo snagged from the 'net, Warwick. I wouldn't put that thing anywhere near my copy of News from Nowhere.

>6 overthemoon: >7 terebinth: I've had mixed success with the mugs, one is still going nicely, while another spectacularly exploded sending cascades of Bangladesh Tetulia all over the kitchen. The Parker pen is... well it's a Parker pen, so I'm more than happy with that; I don't think I ever received the paperweight, but a very similar item snaffled from Blackwells during a conference has served admirably for restraining loose papers when working with the window open. The umbrella, on the other hand, was one of the worst gizzits ever, being totally unfit for purpose.

Hmm, did I ever get a Folio pen? Again, if I did, I've probably hidden it somewhere, as falling hopelessly between the bottle-filled Waterman I use at home and the succession of Bics that accompany me anywhere else. I'm quite sure I've never received a Folio umbrella, and by all accounts it wouldn't have rivalled the Fox's one that I bought in response to a sudden shower in London towards the end of 1980 and am using yet. A pair of FS photo albums must still be languishing somewhere ion the premises, not to mention all the packs of playing cards and a box or two of notelets and the tote bag and...

>8 HuxleyTheCat:
The News From Nowhere was the first Folio I reached on the shelf to demonstrate the use of the bookmark. I can assure you I do not use it regularly.
>7 terebinth:
I agree, the mugs are excellent, and I have had three in regular use ever since they were received.

>7 terebinth: The mugs get my vote

I'm feeling quite left out. I've never had a Folio mug. Everything else except the umbrella (thank goodness) but no mug. My vote for the best freebie goes to the paperweight. I do use the crowbar occasionally but never, ever on Folios. Warwick, I'm shocked!

Edited for omission

>1 wcarter: Puts on serious analytical hat: It seems to me that the rounded tube part starts to soon after the flat part, which leaves a mighty gap in the pages when in use. But it sure is durable! Nice to look at, but impractical. A piece to decorate the library with!

Kind of reminds me of those little metal hands you see holding the page down in antiquarian book listings.

>1 wcarter: doesn't show it, but I recall it came in a nice presentation box.

>14 LesMiserables:
Yes indeed. A crowbar without its presentation box is like a fine edition without its slipcase, sadly reduced in value on e-bay. Mine is black with matching foam rubber.

>15 Jayked:

Yes, I had a mind that it was either black or darkest blue with a dark/dark grey foam bedding.

>15 Jayked:

My presentation box is the same.