Name/Title
Pencil-and-ink eraser, “dual"Entry/Object ID
2025.1.437Description
A long, narrow two-part eraser of rectangular section. Both ends are cut at an angle (beveled), and the edges are softly rounded with wear. The eraser is made from two compounds joined along a straight line across the middle:
One end is light cream to pale tan. It is printed with dual in heavy black lowercase sans-serif, with a vertical bar after the word that sits on the joint.
The other end is dark grey to charcoal and has a grittier surface. It is printed in black with BATABANO above Cuba above 204/50, set in the same plain sans-serif used on the Pionero eraser. A seahorse is printed beside the text.Use
Belonged to Leopoldo Arús GálvezContext
A two-part eraser of this kind usually has a softer light end for pencil and a harder, more abrasive dark end for ink or typewriting, which works by grinding away the paper surface. The brand name dual describes exactly that.Collection
The Cabrera Arús family collection, Leopoldo Arús Gálvez collectionMade/Created
Manufacturer
Fábrica Cubana de Lápices José A. FernándezPlace
City
BatabanóState/Province
MayabequeCountry
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaEdition
Dual eraserInscription/Signature/Marks
Notes
Light section:
dual (dual, two-part), followed by a vertical bar
Dark section:
BATABANO, printed without the accent
Cuba
204/50 ⚠️ meaning not established; compare Pionero’s 202/30
Seahorse ⚠️ appears to be the factory’s mark, used on at least two brandsParts
Single element made of two joined compounds (1). ⚠️ Check whether the joint is a fused seam or an adhesive bond. If they separate, the record would need to describe two parts.Materials
Material Notes
⚠️ Not confirmed. The light section is most likely a softer rubber compound. The dark section is most likely a harder compound with an abrasive filler, which is standard for an ink eraser and would explain its gritty surface. Handling would confirm both: the dark end should feel noticeably rougher and drag harder on paper.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Leopoldo Arús GálvezRelated Places
Place
City
HavanaCountry
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaPlace
City
BatabanóState/Province
MayabequeCountry
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaCreated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsCreate Date
October 3, 2026Updated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsUpdate Date
October 9, 2026
