HomeManualsVintage Spirograph Swing Marker Mystery

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Vintage Spirograph Swing Marker Mystery — 15 Comments

  1. Here’s the link to the 1972 #421 instruction book containing information on the swing marker: https://www.ebay.com/itm/gf-1972-BOOKLET-Wheel-Kenners-Spirograph-Replacement-Piece-12/123147115982?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D53210%26meid%3D1bf5b3c704284c178d69587ccea4fcd4%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D352380749781%26itm%3D123147115982&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

    There are several complete and incomplete 1972 #421 sets available today, with prices + shipping running around $30 or a little more. Most show the instruction book included with each set.

    • OMG. I think I get it. Something that could never be done with putty, that’s for sure. Drawing patterns with the ring swinging on one pin, with stops (pins) on both sides. Must try it. Will it work?!?

  2. Great! I get it now. I thank you for solving the mystery, and I believe you had some fun too! I get on with it and post some pictures.

  3. At a garage sale recently I bought a Spirograph Plus Kenner No. 14210 copyright 1982 for 50 cents. The box says New! Special Gyro-Arm Makes a wonderful Second Design as you Draw. Now Draw 2 Different, Colorful Designs at 1 Time. Unfortunately, the book is missing, but the pictures on the box show the gyro-arm making a kind of “warped” version of the regular design made inside a ring. Have you ever seen this Spirograph Plus? The gyro-arm is called a Cam Arm on the tray and is transparent yellow plastic. The other parts are all transparent blue plastic, darker than the new blue ones. The set has the ring holder (no pins), 2 rings, 1 rack (150), 13 wheels (no 36, 42, 50, 64, 75), 3 gears (no bar) and 3 ballpoint pens ( red, blue, orange) and 2 felt pens (red, blue). From the cover picture, the ballpoint pen is held in one end of the arm, going thru it to the wheel, and the felt tip stands up by itself in the other end of the arm outside the ring. Hope you have some info on this, and hope someone has the book!!! Thanks! I enjoy your site so much–so fun and helpful!

  4. I have the European version of this Spirograph in my collection. It is in bad shape, but it has the booklet. Unfortunately it is full of scribbles, and the designs are barerely visible. Wheels are made from a soft plastic and the larger wheels can get warped, as my #84 and #72 did. It is a very poor try to make Spirograph better suitable for children. As stated, the pins are gone, and now you have to fix the paper and ring with a crude pinplate. Results are a bit feeble and wobbly, so this Spirograph is not a must have for the adult Spirograph lover.

  5. My pens, colored pencils do not fit in the holes. I removed part of the plastic tip of one pen and it still was not long enough. The only thing I have that works is a No.2 wood pencil. It is a “New Kenner Spirograph.” Every thing is in the set except the pens.

    What should I use or purchase to use with this set?

    • Barbara, see the “Spirograph Pens” tab in the menu. Discovering that fine point felt pens, in their multitude of colours, worked with my old Spirograph, is what made me start this whole website 8 years ago. There’s no point in lamenting the original ballpoint pens that came with the set. They sucked compared with felt pens. There are many other pens that work. Start with this post: https://spirographicart.com/2011/12/19/spirograph-pens/

  6. Thank you so much for that information. I got my spirograph at a thrift store for $1.95. I can’t wait to start spirographing.

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