Came across this Criterium by BIC in mint condition this summer, even in its original unsealed package. Back then they made these lead holders in aluminium (Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure, Conté… and some campaigns for S.N.C.F, Baignol et Farjon etc.), adored by french artists. There were 2403 (short) and 2603 (long) ones.

Then, Conté was acquired by BIC in 1979. For a short period, BIC continued the aluminium model, among them was this Criterium 2603, till the year 2001. It was the last time this lead holder was made in metal. Since then the BIC 2mm Criterium has been made in plastic. While Conté à Paris is still there, it now belongs to the group ColArt, but the name Criterium is still in BIC possession.

Though the current plastic version is not bad, decent even, holding this aluminium Criterium in hand, I was amazed at its quality, but also a bit sad about what happened to the fate of this iconic lead holder. Nothing lasts forever, but what could have been.