A Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil By Sampson Mordan & Co.

SOLD

Origin: English
Period: Victorian
Provenance: Unknown
Date: Late Nineteenth Century
Width: 1.5cm
Length: 5.5cm (un-extended)

Of typical cable twist design terminating in a moulded band. Clearly stamped 'S. Mordan & co' on the slide, this example is in very good condition, with no bruises or dents, and is made more attractive by the layers of dirt that have collected in the grooves over the years. 

Mordan pencils are renowned for quality, and are highly collectable, with early examples fetching several hundred pounds or more.

Sampson Mordan was born in 1790 and died in 1843. In 1822, Mordan patented the propelling pencil in 1822, and begun, via a few shrewd decisions, what was to become a hugely successful company. S. Mordan & Co. ceased trading in 1941, and the rights to Mordan patents were sold to Edward Baker. Various marks for the company were used, and this mark dates it to after 1860.

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