Antique Sampson Rare Novelty Owl Mordan silver London 1907 Place Menu Holder

Perfect for a gift

A perfect example of a silver place setting or menu holder made by Sampson Mordan & Co of London, in excellent condition with the front depicting a beautiful hand engraved silver owl.

the bases measure 3.3cm 1.4" in diameter

The height is 3.5 cm

These are a much rarer version than most versions as they take twice as long to manufacture and were far more expensive when originally purchased.

This would make a stunning present / gift or indulgent treat.

fully marked with the assay marks for London date letter M for 1907 plus the distinctive stamp for the maker s Mordan & co

A stunning, rare antique Victorian menu card / place name holder.

Total weight heavy 22.18 gms

Hugely collectable for both Sampson Mordan devotees and collectors of Menu holders or name places.

Will enhance any serious collection

Condition: This item is in superb condition, normally there is one small knock to the base but this has survived 117 years with no damage. Excellent condition.

If you have any questions about this item, contact me.

Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

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.

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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.

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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.

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 Fair.