I will be taking a 2 week holiday from work, any items purchased during this time will be delayed from posting from the 15/12/23 to 1 /1/24. So if you are looking to buy a Christmas present or gift do not delay.

Sampson Mordan Antique Hallmarked Solid Silver 1903

A MUSEUM QUALITY EDWARDIAN ANTIQUE novelty hunting horn. Or candle snuffer.

PERFECT CONDITION,THE LONDON HALLMARK DATE LETTER h DATES IT TO 1903

Stunning rare collectors item.

Maker

Sampson Mordan & Co

which makes this a real find and rare piece of history.

Made by SAMPSON MORDAN & CO (worked from 1823) A scarce item from a sought after maker.

Dimensions

30.8cm long

3.1 cm wide

weighs 44.92 grams

Condition: This delightful novelty hunting horn is in good condition. Displays perfectly in a cabinet or on a desk beautiful very rare antique. It does have a few light bruises as to be expected from an item over 118 years old. These do not detract from this piece and are mentioned for true accuracy.

I feel this would make a stunning present present or indulgent treat.

Please view all my photographs carefully as these are as much part of the description as the writing. If you wish me to send you any other picture or details feel free to ask.

buy with confidence as you will not be disappointed.

If you want spotless then the high street is for you, but if you want a great antique that will appreciate in price with age then this is for you.

Please make your best offer or buy at the stated price; offers are always considered and often accepted.

Each piece shall be individually bubble-wrapped (in excess) and doubled boxed (if deemed necessary) for shipping. Expert packing. Guaranteed safe delivery ...and 100% satisfaction!

I offer a full 100 % no quibble full money back guarantee including postage if you are not entirely happy with any of my items I have for sale.

I have 100 % positive feedback for over 16.000 transactions. You don't get this by messing people about. Iam a trusted honest reliable EBAYer. I now have power seller status

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Please look at all my other great items I have for sale. I gladly offer combined postage. The last of the pictures shows a very small amount of my 750 strong collection of SAMPSON MORDAN. I will be listing these soon and are not part of this auction. ( reference only )

International buyers are always welcome to purchase. Postage outside the United Kingdom is at cost but I will only send insured and tracked please contact me before purchasing for an agreed quote.

MARKS - HALLMARKS - HISTORY

Sampson Mordan (1770-1843), apprentice and assistant of the mechanic John Bramah, established his own business in 1815.

The first patent for a "metal pencil with an internal mechanism for propelling the graphite 'lead' shaft forward during use" was obtained in 1822 (his co-inventor was John Isaac Hawkins).

In 1823 Mordan bought out the rights of Hawkins, entering his first mark as "smallworker" in London Assay Office on 9 June 1823 (SM oblong). In 1824 he entered in partnership with Gabriel Riddle, registering a new mark (SM.GR) in London Assay Office.

The partnership with Riddle was dissolved in 1836 and he continued the business as S. Mordan & Co. Sampson Mordan died in 1843 and the business was taken over by his sons Sampson (Jr) and Augustus. They were later joined by Edmund George Johnson and Zachariah Watkins who retired in 1879.

After the death of Sampson Mordan (Jr) his share of the business passed to his brother Augustus, joined as partner in 1890 by Harry Lambert Symonds.

In 1898 the company was converted to a limited liability company under the name of S. Mordan & Co Ltd.

In 1933 the distribution rights on the propelling pencil business were given to L. G. Sloan Ltd, and in 1941, following the destruction of the factory by enemy bombing, the patents were sold to Edward Baker. The firm went into voluntary liquidation in 1952.

Between the 1820s and 1870s the firm obtained more of 160 patents for various mechanical pencils. The first spring-loaded mechanical pencil was patented in 1877 and a twist-feed mechanism was developed in 1895.

In addition to pencils the firm had a large production line of small silver and gold items, most of them belonging to the type of "novelties" so popular at the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th century. They were supplied to many retailers, including Asprey & Sons and the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.

Sampson Mordan & Co was present at the 1851 London Great Exhibition and at the 1922 and 1929 British Industries.