No.453 Sampson Mordan London 9ct Gold Cedar Pencil Turquoise Stone One Off C1900

Item 453

Sampson Mordan & Co marked 9ct solid gold Propelling PENCIL. C 1900

Stunning rare Victorian Mechanical pencil by sought after SAMPSON MORDAN. 


This is a fine example in functional condition and made by highly respected silver and goldsmiths Sampson Mordan and Company of London

This is a very nice example labeled S.Mordan & co 375 9ct

I would say this is a private commission piece and a one off as I have never seen another not even in reference books or catalogues.


It is very hard to find these early pencils in such perfect condition. A great addition to any collection which is the panicle of its type. 


Item measures:


7cm or 3" inches long closed or 8 cm including loop and bale 13 cm fully extended


Weighs 3.9grams without pencil

Or 4.6g with pencil

Condition Report: Great overall condition for its age and type, there are light surface marks, signs of use seam mark as seen in pictures. I can see no evidence of alteration or repair. I have left the item uncleaned as I have found it. It would polish up to a bright shine if you wanted to. It does have the original cedar pencil. The slide mechanism is in great condition. This is as good as it get folks, one for the serious collector. This is the pinnacle of pens and Sampson Mordan.

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 pictures or details feel free to ask.

The last picture illustrates part of my collection of Sampson Mordan and is not included in the price but will be for sale soon.

buy with confidence as you will not be disappointed.


I also have a similar examples on my listings, so if you love Sampson Mordan you need to look at my other items for sale. 


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.

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 a 5400 transactions. You don't get this by messing people about. Iam a trusted honest reliable EBAYer.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Please look at all my other great Sampson MORDAN items I have for sale. I consider myself one of the leading sellers of Sampson MORDAN in the world. I have what must be considered one of the largest private collections with hundreds of key pieces sold and hundreds to be listed soon. I gladly offer combined postage.

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.