Mentmore launched Platignum in 1925, and at the same time, began a range of colourful pens and pencils.  Their quality was top notch - these are not compromised at all, and predate the brand becoming notorious for flimsy, bargain-end pencils and pens.  These originals are as beautiful, high quality and weighty in the hand as many brands with sturdier reputations.  This is one of those early versions - and my goodness, it's a little ripper.

The Platignum range began to become more during in 1930s. I have attached a Platignum advert from 1932, and you can see the same type of marble pattern as this pencil is presented in the ad (although the clips don't match).  Thereafter, things became quite dull (plain black etc) and the quality also began to lower.

Condition is very good indeed - no cracks, splits or damage.  There is some handling wear, but the pencil body and metalwork are in very good condition.  The lower part of the barrel is stamped "PLATIGNUM PENCIL MADE IN ENGLAND".  The marble pattern is of a creamy background with black and brown swirls and is sharp and elegant and reasonably glossy.  Metalwork is in good condition with a couple of small spots of brassing (see photos).

Takes 1.18mm leads and a couple of vintage canisters are provided to keep the pencil going for a long time.  Further refills can be sourced online (they are the same size as used by Yard o Led, so they can be sourced from there if you can't find vintage leads).

The pencil is a twist action propel-repel mechanism which is working perfectly.  Access is only via the brass lead cone - the top does not remove by unscrewing or pulling.  I cannot find any original instructions, but the last piece of lead is ejected by the twist mechanism needle and then the lead is inserted into the empty lead grip, retracted, cone replaced.