For dip pens listed without nibs, steel or brass nibs can be provided upon request without charge.
The items below are sorted by date; click here to sort by maker
Pencil lead links: order - sizes and sources
14771: Mycock penner: classic Sheffield brass writing compendium, 11.1 cm high, engraved with initials "R E"; some chips to mouth of ceramic inkwell insert, brass has old repair to split on base. This design was produced unchanged for decades, through the 18th century up into the beginning of the 19th, with examples in use in the Americas in the Revolutionary War era.
DATE: c. 1800 • CONDITION: G • $465
16561: Addison pencil: slender, engine turned silver, 8.1 cm long, early knob finial; made by Thomas Addison of New York City, the most important early American mechanical pencil manufacturer. Characteristic steel tip inset into nozzle, some losses at juncture, also at very top of finial. Fully functional, uses 1.0 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1830 • CONDITION: fair • $120
16450: Butler extending pencil: sterling silver, 9.5 cm long closed, 12.3 cm extended, left part of maker's mark worn away, "MAKER. LONDON" still visible, characteristic inset steel tip, uses 1.0 mm lead, one triangular leaf missing on slider, multiple small dings; purple faceted seal stone in six-lobed crown piece of unusual design.
DATE: c. 1835 • CONDITION: G* • $150
14327: Butler extending pencil: early slide-action, sterling silver, 9 cm long closed, 11.7 cm extended, bloodstone seal; nozzle marked "H", denoting 0.8 mm lead, characteristic form with steel tip insert.
DATE: c. 1840 • CONDITION: fine • $220
14788: Collins (?) extending pencil: very early American production, unmarked as to metal content but by all appearances solid gold of relatively low karatage, 8.7 cm long closed, 11.1 cm extended, steel tip insert, bulbous crown characteristically early, uses 1.0 mm lead, "M. Collins" in tiny letters on shaft, could be either maker or owner. Scattered shallow dings, even wear to shaft, tiny spot of solder over slider pins.
DATE: c. 1840 • CONDITION: G • $225
15951: Mordan pencil: early sterling silver slide-action, 11.3 cm long extended, 9 cm retracted, fluted pattern, hexagonal crown with carnelian seal stone; early markings: "S. MORDAN & CO. MAKERS & PATENTEES", "M" marked nozzle uses 1.0 mm lead. Worn but sound, light marks, fine appearance, refined design.
DATE: c. 1842 • CONDITION: VG • $265
16274: Addison (?) extending pencil: reeded silver, 8.2 cm long retracted, 10.7 cm extended, unmarked but distinctively early American design with hexagonal seal end, nozzle with steel insert; uses 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1845 • CONDITION: fine • $200
15734: John Sheldon dip pen and pencil compendium in box: scarce and desirable Birmingham-made combination dip pen, pencil, coin gauge, toothpick, wax seal, and letter scale (British weights and rates, ounces and pence), 10.3 cm long closed, nickel silver, clean condition noting "SHELDON" imprint nearly polished away, though February 1842 patent date stamp strong and clear.
DATE: c. 1845 • CONDITION: fine • $600
16273: unmarked pencil: early example in nickel silver rather than sterling, 8.75 cm long closed, thin flat waffle-pattern seal end, barrel seam along slot has been rather casually soldered, typically American nozzle with steel tip insert uses standard 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1845 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $120
13954: unmarked extending pencil: 8.5 cm long closed, 11.1 cm extended, uses 1.0 - 1.05 mm lead; construction appears to combine gold filled and solid gold components, typically American nozzle with inset steel tip. Some scratches to sides of nozzle body, crack and missing material at front of slider slot (see detail), faceted yellow end stone.
DATE: c. 1850 • CONDITION: VG* • $80
16275: unmarked extending pencil: early American slide-action, unusually large and of excellent qualilty, 13.5 cm long open, 10.1 cm closed, high gold content, hardstone seal, inset steel nozzle tip; even wear but overall sound, one slider pin missing, uses 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1850 • CONDITION: VG* • $295
15948: Mordan (?) pencil: sterling silver, hexagonal barrel, elegant acanthus trim, 10.5 cm long extended, 9.1 cm retracted; yellow faceted seal is probably glass, chip to rim. Scattered shallow dings, even wear, slender and graceful, "H" marked nozzle uses 1.0 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1860 • CONDITION: VG • $165
15846: Parkin & Marshall quill knife: classic English design, 17.3 cm long with wooden handle, impressed with the mark of Her Majesty's Stationery Office and also bearing scratched marks added by past users; blade is sound and sharp, part of original molded cardboard case included.
DATE: c. 1860 • CONDITION: VG • $120
15952: unmarked extending pencil: large and striking, sterling silver with hand-chased floral decoration, carnelian seal stone, 12.1 cm long extended, 9.7 cm retracted; uses 1.0 mm lead, "M" marked nozzle, unusual tab slider mechanism. Unmarked but of excellent quality.
DATE: c. 1860 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $275
15306: unmarked extending pencil: slender gold filled American slide-action, 7.3 cm long closed, 9.7 cm extended, uses 1.0 mm lead; purple glass end, excellent quality and fully functional but wear commensurate with age, one slider pin missing, spot of solder on side of nozzle (see detail).
DATE: c. 1860 • CONDITION: VG* • $65
16414: Rauch combination dip pen and pencil: large and fully marked, 10.8 cm long retracted, plated nib, pencil nozzle uses 1.0 mm lead, sliders and ends gold filled, barrel may be solid gold as there is no wear-through despite areas of wear and denting. Hardstone seal, slider engraved "John H. Ireland".
DATE: c. 1865 • CONDITION: VG • $195
15949: unmarked extending pencil: large, sterling silver, fluted line and dot barrel, 11.8 cm long extended, 9.7 cm retracted, shield-shaped bloodstone seal stone, "M" marked nozzle has dings at its end, tool marks, uses 1.1 mm lead. Styling and quality are Mordanlike, overall condition is sound but wear and dings to sliding collar and lip worn away from front end cap (see detail).
DATE: c. 1865 • CONDITION: G-VG* • $145
16262: Mordan pencil: sterling silver ringtop with porcupine quill barrel, 6.6 cm long closed, 8.8 cm with nozzle extended; nozzle marked "VS" at base but uses standard 2 mm thick lead, tip has a crack but still fully functional.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: VG* • $120
15266: Mordan novelty pencil: silver figural magic pencil, using a genuine early 18th-century Dutch needle case; 9.2 cm long closed, 13.1 cm long extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead. Mechanism in good working order, tiny and almost invisible stress line at very mouth of nozzle, needle case shows independent level of wear including minor dings and a repaired crack (see details).
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: * • $425
15166: unmarked extending pencil: sterling silver12.2 cm long extended, 9.4 cm retracted, French hallmarks, excellent quality with plain unengraved rectangular seal end. Nozzle unmarked, unusual propelling pin with socket end holds 1.0 to 1.1 mm lead for both extending and retracting action (may be an added feature, as the nozzle end opening is larger, around 1.4 mm.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $150
16261: unmarked extending pencil: probably English, horn barrel sleeve with nickel silver trim, 8.65 cm long closed, 11 cm with nozzle extended, uses 1.5 mm lead, unusual form, cracks in horn do not affect function.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: VG* • $85
15950: unmarked extending pencil: hand engraved sterling silver, hexagonal barrel and crown, faceted pink seal, 11.8 cm long extended, 8 cm long retracted; excellent quality, "M" marked nozzle uses 1.0 mm lead. English made, probably Birmingham.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $165
16622: unmarked penner: wooden writing compendium, two-part dip pen with glass nib (functional, though worn on the side of the tip), some losses to metal of tinplate housing for glass ink bottle (see details).
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: medium fine • $150
10656: unmarked extending pencil: slender, 8.1 cm long, 10.3 cm extended, yellow seal stone has chip on rim, metal crisp, noting short area of seam opening at front of slider slot; nozzle marked for "H" lead, appears to be English manufacture though not hallmarked, and of solid gold with no sign of wear-through.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine* • $65
16005: unmarked extending pencil: gold filled miniature, 4.1 cm long retracted, 5.3 cm extended, purple stone in end (amethyst?), uses .7 mm lead, excellent but for seam opening on front trim band (does not affect function, could be resoldered).
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine* • $40
16004: unmarked extending pencil: gold filled miniature, 4.1 cm long retracted, 5.6 cm extended, moonstone seal, "M" on nozzle, uses 1.0 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $50
15833: Fisher dip pen: unmarked gold filled holder with removable wooden taper, 14.7 cm long excluding nib; unusual imprint of two crossed quills and letters standing for "Paragon Gold Quill-Pens", trademarked on Nov 11, 1873.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: extra-fine flex • $225
15874: John Holland dip pen: gold filled holder, fully marked, extending ebonized wood taper, 14.5 cm long overall open, 7.2 cm closed, #5 Holland ventless gold nib writes like a high-flexibility steel nib.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $275
15873: Tiffany retracting dip pen and pencil combination: large gold filled holder, marked only with patent date of Feb 19, 1867 for US62227, assigned to Hicks, 8.4 cm long closed, 13.8 cm extended excluding #6 ventless gold Tiffany-marked nib. Taper is pulled to extend, twisted to extend pencil nozzle, uses 1.5 mm lead. The Hicks-Tiffany connection was long, continuing well into the 1900s.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $600
16007: unmarked extending pencil: gold filled miniature, 3.95 cm long retracted, 5.35 cm extended, purple stone in end (amethyst?), turquoise peridots inlaid in sliding collar, uses .9 mm lead,.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $75
16399: Foley magic pencil: gold filled ringtop, special commemorative for the United States' 1876 Centennial, 5.25 cm long closed, 10.1 cm extended, made to use 1.5 mm lead, can be used with more readily available 1.4 mm lead.
DATE: 1876 • CONDITION: G-VG • $150
15605: Mordan three-color pencil: large sterling silver twist-pattern ringtop, 7.15 cm long closed, 9.4 cm extended. Most unusually, the maker's mark is placed under the red transparent enamel of one of the color-coded sliders. Nozzles marked "W", take 2.0 mm lead. One small ding towards the front of the barrel (see detail).
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine • $450
14376: Mordan retracting dip pen and pencil combination: reeded solid gold, 9.1 cm long retracted, pencil nozzle uses "VS' lead; weight is 12.5 grams.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $395
15603: Mordan three-color pencil: unusually large sterling silver ringtop, 10.2 cm long retracted, 11.9 cm extended, some minor bruises to colored enamel on sliders, nozzles marked "W", use 2.0 mm lead. Only blue nozzle propels lead properly, other two need attention to internal mechanisms. Overall condition otherwise fine or better.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: VG* • $465
16621: unmarked traveling inkwell and matchsafe set: high quality English manufacture, red leather covered. Inkwell is missing its pivoting safety hook, a feature not always present on these (the main latch is the push button on the front). Original rubber top seal has been replaced, is spring-loaded.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine* • $120
16298: unmarked extending pencil: gold filled, twist-action nozzle extension, 6.95 cm long closed, 9 cm extended, unusual decoration with extensive hand engraving including a standing stag; USA production, uses 1.5 mm lead, lead propelling mechanism worn and will slip if lead is pressed hard straight down. Appearance is excellent.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • $95
15313: unmarked dip pen and pencil set: sterling silver, barleycorn pattern, clamp-action pen uses a sliding collar, 15.5 cm long excluding plated nib, desk pencil uses 1/16 inch l(1.55 mm) lead; by all appearances of English manufacture and of excellent quality, with the unusual feature of the engine turned patterning applied to the ends as well.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: exc • $650
15955: unmarked extending pencil: small, sterling silver with faceted end stone, 7.9 cm long extended, 6 cm retracted, English made with line and dot engine turning, uses 1.0 mm lead; excellent quality but scattered marks and crown has been soldered in place unevenly, clearly an old repair.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: VG* • $80
16297: unmarked magic pencil: gold filled, 6.8 cm long closed, 12.7 cm extended, action works smoothly, nozzle has some shallow bumps, uses 1.5 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine • $80
11815: unmarked magic pencil: a rare and desirable American-made ringtop figural novelty pencil in the form of an owl, 3.3 cm long retracted, 6.1 cm extended, gold filled trim, lapis blue celluloid body, red (ruby?) eyes; excellent detail and workmanship, probably Fairchild or Aikin Lambert, uses standard 1.1 mm lead. Action is a bit sticky but mechanism fully functional, usual age shrinkage to body has led to the side seam opening on one side and partially opening on the other (see details).
DATE: c. 1885 • CONDITION: VG* • $565
14238: Leech Brothers porte crayon: short sterling silver ringtop, coarse barleycorn pattern, 5.6 cm long, Birmingham hallmarks.
DATE: 1888-89 • CONDITION: fine • $65
12224: Fairchild magic pencil: unusual ringtop, 6.75 cm long closed, 11.8 cm extended, alternating rose gold filled and black celluloid ribbed rings; slight gap between end rings due to age shrinkage of celluloid, mechanism works smoothly and positively, uses 1.0 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $150
13672: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, 15.2 cm long, fully marked, model number 140, beautiful floral repoussé work; bumps to nib holder, overall surface roughness from chemical dip cleaning; ex-Tefft collection.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG • $165
12588: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, fully marked, 16 cm long excluding plated nib, bold twist pattern, engraved initials, incipient stress cracks at hinge points on underside of holder, but no dings.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG* • $225
13675: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, 15.25 cm long, fully marked, model number 140, beautiful floral repoussé work; initials on nib holder, minor roughness to front, some waviness to taper; ex-Tefft collection.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $200
15885: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, unusual variant twist pattern, 16 cm long excluding gold plated steel nib, fully marked including model number 17, scattered light marks, fine overall appearance, holds nibs securely despite small stress cracks to underpiece of holder (see detail).
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG* • $275
15939: Mordan Ejector dip pen: sterling silver, barleycorn pattern with smooth forepart, purple cabochon finial; 15.25 cm long excluding nib, gripping section is pulled forward to eject the nib without soiling the hands. Original gold plating mostly worn away, French import hallmark near end. An unusual form, could easily be replated if desired.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $465
15791: Mordan dip pen and pencil set in box: sterling silver, cable twist pattern with smooth baluster finial tapers, pen is 18 cm long, takes standard nibs, pencil is 19 cm long, uses 1.5 mm VS lead. Both pieces fully marked, pen holder has additional fine twisted wire ornamentation. Box marked with retailer name of Howell and James of London.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • $595
14237: Mordan porte crayon: long sterling silver ringtop, coarse barleycorn pattern, 9.6 cm long.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $150
15263: Mordan desk pencil: sterling silver, cable twist pattern, 15.4 cm long, fully marked, a couple of pinhead bumps at the end; uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine • $245
16244: Mordan magic pencil: oversize twist pattern ringtop, sheath suspension style, 7.5 cm long closed, pencil extended 11.9 cm long, uses "VS" 1.5 mm lead. Massive construction, pencil shaft end has been repaired, mostly obliterating the maker's mark and leaving the end knob off center (see details).
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG* • $205
15792: Tiffany dip pen: beautiful sterling silver holder, 16.7 cm long excluding nib, with finely-chased floral repousse decoration with acanthus-bordered rings; fully marked, top-quality work, not to be confused with run-of-the-mill Tiffany-marked pens made by lesser subcontractors. Nib is gold, an excellent Edward Todd #4 with great flexibility.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $1100
16526: Universal dip pen: unmarked gold filled holder with fancy twisted pearl taper with metal ball finial and twisted wire decoration, 16.5 cm long including #3 Universal nib with interesting globe logo imprint. Nib is a smooth writer, appears to be made of low-carat gold, probably 12K.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium fine semiflex • $95
11202: unmarked dip pen: sterling silver, American manufacture, marked only "STERLING"; bold twist decoration of fine quality, 15.5 cm long excluding plated steel nib.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $160
14397: unmarked combination dip pen and pencil: sterling silver, 9.5 cm long closed, hexagonal body with hand engraved scrolling decoration, shield-shaped bloodstone seal, high quality English manufacture, nozzle uses "VS" lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $225
16303: unmarked pencil: gold filled ringtop, 8.3 cm long closed, clamping lead holder, uses 2 mm lead, end is turned to tighten and loosen (lead is not mechanically propelled).
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $60
16679: unmarked dip pen: very long mottled hard rubber holder with ribbed gripping section, 20.6 cm long excluding nib, excellent quality, thickest part of gripping area 10.5 mm diameter; nib shown is included, not gold.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • $65
16697: unmarked figural spirit lamp: nickel-plated brass, 8.15 cm tall, alcohol burner in the form of a champagne bottle, for melting sealing wax (or lighting a cigar). European manufacture, bottom unscrews to fill.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $120
15262: unmarked dip pen and pencil set: sterling silver, cable twist pattern, pen is 16.6 cm long excluding plated nib, desk pencil uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead; English manufacture, excellent quality, possibly Mordan; condition excellent but for tool marks to pencil nozzle.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $425
15332: unmarked extending pencil: gold filled ringtop, twisted fluting and scroll pattern, 7.45 cm long closed, 9.85 cm extended, American manufacture, front of barrel is turned to extend nozzle; uses 1.5 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $80
11991: unmarked desk pencil: long and elegant, gold filled trim with twist pattern black hard rubber barrel sleeve, 15.1 cm long, propels and retracts, uses 2.65 mm lead (lead clutch could be squeezed slightly to allow use of more readily available 2.5 mm lead).
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG • $95
11943: unmarked pencil: slender, barleycorn pattern with what appear to be traces of gilding (material appears to be solid silver and not plate), 9.3 cm long, uses 1.4 mm lead, probably American.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • $70
16729: unmarked dip pen: mottled hard rubber, 17.4 cm long excluding nib (included, not gold).
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine • $65
16008: James Fenton extending pencil: sterling silver miniature, 3.9 cm long retracted, 5.1 cm extended, tiny edge chip to orange crown seal, uses 1.0 mm lead; full Birmingham hallmarks.
DATE: 1892/3 • CONDITION: exc • $50
14418: Mordan pencil: sterling silver, 9 cm long retracted, large reeded body, plain trim, bloodstone seal, fully marked with London hallmarks for 1894-95; nozzle is for "VS" lead, has tool marks and dents, propelling mechanism not functioning.
DATE: 1894-95 • CONDITION: VG* • $95
16243: Cross umbrella pencil: novelty figural, 11 cm long, gold plated brass and black hard rubber, uses standard 2.0 mm lead; the exact model is illustrated and discussed in Lambert's Writing History, pp.76-8. Fully functional, lead propels, but if handle is pulled the mechanism will come out. This is the larger version of the design, and especially uncommon.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG* • $175
16215: Elmwood dip pen: slender gold filled unmarked holder, branchiform pearl taper, 15.5 cm long including #1 ventless gold nib.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $85
11957: Fairchild (?) magic pencil: unmarked gold filled ringtop of good size, 6.3 cm long closed, 12 cm extended, black lacquered bands and fluted center for a sculptural effect, attached badge for Delta Omega Sigma in low carat rose gold; uses standard 1.1 mm lead, mechanically perfect noting hairline crack in front cap (see detail).
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine* • $125
15790: Gorham dip pen: large with bold "pineapple" pattern, 16.1 cm long excluding plated nib; fully and strongly marked, unusual form, scattered shallow nicks around gripping area.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG • $295
16497: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, 15.8 cm long excluding brass nib, bold and distinctive twist pattern, fully marked.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine • $250
16118: H. M. Smith dip pen: sterling silver twist pattern holder marked only "STERLING" (likely Mabie Todd manufacture), 18 cm long including #3 ventless gold nib.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $265
13928: Hicks magic pencil: rare oversize ringtop, 8.7 cm long closed, 15.3 cm extended, uses 2.5 mm lead, advances and retracts; no maker's marks but of distinctive construction, scattered pinprick dings, one larger bump and test mark on end (see details), mechanism works solidly and smoothly.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG • $245
15841: Mabie Todd dip pen and pencil set: sterling silver and gold filled two-tone twist pattern with pearl taper, 11.7 cm long excluding #4 Mabie Todd ventless gold nib; matching desk pencil accepts standard 2.0 mm lead though originally designed for .076".
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $425
13449: Mabie Todd desk pencil: sterling silver, pearl taper, 14.6 cm long, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $120
15793: Mabie Todd (?) dip pen: sterling silver, 16.1 cm long excluding plated nib, scrolling deep fluted twist relief pattern, excellent quality, marked only "STERLING" but in same distinctive serif typeface used by Mabie Todd.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine • $250
14960: Miller Brothers scraper: 12.4 cm long eraser knife, bone handle has crack but is functionally sound; American-made, in Meriden, Connecticut.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: G* • $60
16216: Pearce dip pen: gold filled holder marked "SEAMLESS B.G.", removable wooden taper with baluster finial, 14.3 cm long overall including #1 ventless gold nib.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine semiflex • $95
14851: unmarked dip pen: sterling silver, 17.8 cm long excluding plated nib, American made, some denting and damage to underside of ferrule (see details), but fully functional, scrollwork of body is unusually richly engraved with wavelike patterning.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG* • $120
16686: unmarked dip pen: gold filled, 16 cm long excluding nib, US manufacture, chasing is crisp and of excellent quality; scattered shallow dings to grip section, rough edges to mouth half-plugs (does not affect function), includes brass alloy plated nib; holders of this type are common in silver but far scarcer in gold filled, workmanship of hand chasing is notably better as well.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine* • $120
13678: unmarked dip pens: sterling silver, beaded decoration, marked only "STERLING"; sold as a pair, though it is noteworthy that even these seemingly identical holders differ slightly, an indication of the hand work still required to finish die-stamped components (one is 16.2 cm long, the other 16.1). These appear to be new old stock, evenly tarnished, with a few very shallow storage bumps.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc • $250
13629: Edward Todd telescoping ruler pencil: sterling silver ringtop, 11.3 cm long, square body ruled to 3 5/8 inches, extends to 32.5 cm to measure a full 12 inches; hand-engraved numbers, 1897 patent date, uses standard 2 mm thick lead. Early production, unusual size, only example we have handled that is three-draw, rather than two. Ringtop attachment appears to have been resoldered in the past (see detail).
DATE: c. 1898 • CONDITION: fine* • $350
14416: Mordan pencil: sterling silver, 9.2 cm long retracted, reeded barrel, unusually large and hefty (just under 29 g) and crisply preserved, proportionately large nozzle uses "VS" 1.5 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1898 • CONDITION: exc • $265
16222: Mordan combination dip pen and pencil: solid gold extending ringtop, not tested but appears to be 15K; fully marked, 5.75 cm long closed, 11.4 cm extended excluding brass nib. Weighs 20.5 grams, only light marks to exterior.
DATE: c. 1898 • CONDITION: fine • $850
16416: unmarked magic pencil: sterling silver ringtop, 5.4 cm long closed, 9.8 cm extended, uses 1.4 mm lead, acid etched decoration reading "Bachelors' Circle" in lettering reminiscent of the posters of Toulouse-Lautrec; excellent working condition, some dings.
DATE: c. 1899 • CONDITION: VG • $125
12225: Aikin Lambert sheath pencil: sterling silver, 8.2 cm long, engraved "APOLLO CLUB", fully marked, suspension ring.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine • $65
16446: Cross (?) clutch pencil: gold filled ringtop, 7.9 cm long, uses 3 mm thick lead; unmarked, no mechanical lead advance function, crown is twisted to clamp and unclamp lead.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: exc • $60
12297: Edward Baker magic pencil: large 9K solid gold ringtop, 7.4 cm long closed, 13.5 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead; solid with real heft, weight 30 g.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $800
14858: Mordan (?) pencil bracelet: sterling silver, pencil is 4.2 cm long retracted, twist-action to extend nozzle, uses 1 mm lead, bracelet is 6.1 cm across. Unmarked, but very similar Mordan-marked examples are known.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $450
16496: Østrem dip pen in box: large and of high quality, 17.8 cm long excluding steel nib, Norwegian hallmarks for 830 fine silver, maker mark of Hans Christian Østrem; one side end of box missing.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $160
16573: Tiffany/Hicks desk pencil: sterling silver, 18.3 cm long, fully marked including Hicks' acorn, uses standard 2 mm lead, propels and retracts; jeweler's inventory mark next to main Tiffany imprint (see detail).
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine • $450
11024: unmarked pencil and pencil topper: small sterling silver ringtop, uses standard 2 mm lead, 6.6 cm long, with similarly marked silver topper for a wooden pencil -- chased sleeve slides up to hide eraser, has some roughness and a small split at the top edge (see details). Both pieces probably New York manufacture.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $65
14233: Mordan porte crayon: sterling silver ringtop, bold cable twist pattern, 8.3 cm long, fully marked, London hallmarks.
DATE: 1901-02 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $120
12702: Edward Baker ejector dip pen: sterling silver, London hallmarks worn but legible, 15.4 cm long excluding nib. The end of the taper is spring-loaded; when pushed, the nib is ejected. Plunger spring has taken a set, so plunger does not spring all the way back, slight bend to plunger, small seam split at end of taper (see detail), but all fully functional.
DATE: c. 1902 • CONDITION: fine* • $250
12105: Mordan Ejector dip pen set in box: patent dip pen in solid 9K rose gold, 15.3 cm long, ferrule body slides forward to eject a used nib without soiling the fingers; matching pencil uses 1.5mm "VS" lead, both engraved with monograms, but oddly the pencil bears "JRB" and the pen, "JEB". Box will not close fully, latch needs attention.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: exc • $575
14845: unmarked dip pen: black hard rubber holder, 17 cm long excluding plated nib, ribbed gripping section, flattened letter-opener taper with interesting advertising imprint for the Leviseur and Conway Leather company of Boston.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: fine • $85
12327: Unger Brothers dip pen: sterling silver, Art Nouveau grotesque mask design in high relief, 16.2 cm long excluding nib; highly desirable model from a premier American maker, fully marked, ferrule heavily dinged with split on one side (see details), but still fully functional; listed as model #7744 in Unger Brothers' catalog of 1904.
DATE: c. 1904 • CONDITION: G-VG* • $985
15748: Unger Brothers dip pen: sterling silver "Love's Dream" design in high relief, 16.7 cm long excluding brass nib; highly desirable model from a premier American maker. Shallow dents on ends, fully marked.
DATE: c. 1904 • CONDITION: G-VG • $985
15305: Aikin Lambert dip pen, pencil, and manicure set in box: a most unusual presentation set, all in sterling silver, the three pieces engraved "M.M.", "to", and "Maiza". The reversible dip pen carries a ventless gold #4 Aikin Lambert nib, while the pencil uses .075 inch lead and extends and retracts. Some small dings here and there (see details), faceted colored glass end stones. Pencil is 12 cm long, other two pieces are 9.3 cm long, closed.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $650
16628: Fairchild magic pencil: 14K gold ringtop, 6.3 cm long closed, 12 cm extended, fully marked, initials "G. R. U." engraved on shaft, uses 1.8 mm lead, mechanism propels and retracts. Total weight 17.04g, 14K gold components weigh about 7g.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $385
13460: Heath dip pen: sterling silver, 15.75 cm long excluding plated nib, fully marked, relief work is an interesting variant of the Waterman "Puritan" or "Patch", with larger patches of scrollwork and the areas separating those patches narrower and with a hand-hammered surface; crisp and details not softened by polishing, one nip towards end of taper (see details).
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $265
15763: unmarked magic pencil: solid 14K yellow gold, with chatelaine suspension sheath with ringtop, 6.9 cm long overall including bale fitting but not the attached ring, pencil alone is 6.2 cm long closed, 11.1 cm extended, uses standard 1.1 mm lead. No dings or test marks, marked only "14K", engraved monogram on end bulb; overall weight excluding interior mechanism is 12g.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $495
14469: unmarked magic pencil: sterling silver ringtop, 6.1 cm long closed, 10.8 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm lead, propels and retracts; beautiful relief work with ribbons and inverted torches around an oval cartouche, appears to be French manufacture, excellent quality, one small bump at front end.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $165
14769: unmarked dip pen, pencil, and stamp compendium: nickel-plated brass, 11.7 cm long closed, clamp-style pencil nozzle takes standard 2 mm lead; reversing rubber stamp in end is self-inking..
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG • $120
15395: unmarked dip pen, pencil, and stamp compendium: nickel-plated brass, 11.1 cm long closed, made in Germany, clamp-style pencil nozzle takes standard 2 mm lead; self-inking reversing rubber stamp in end is spring-loaded.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG • $80
15769: unmarked dip pen: copper-plated brass holder in the shape of a quill, 23.5 cm long excluding steel nib, engraved "Ausstellung Mannheim.1907/Louis Markert". The Mannheim exhibition of 1907 was devoted to art and horticulture.
DATE: c. 1907 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $120
14234: Mordan porte crayon: smooth 9K solid gold ringtop, 5.8 cm long, full London hallmarks, weighs 9.1 grams.
DATE: 1908-09 • CONDITION: fine • $250
15045: unmarked pen wiper: gold plated finish, 6.7 cm (2 5/8 inches) square at base, bristles worn but usable, name scratched on bottom along with "Xmas '09".
DATE: c. 1909 • CONDITION: VG • $75
16653: Fairchild magic pencil: sterling silver ringtop, 5.45 cm long closed, 10.1 cm extended, unusual bulbous form, engraved monogram "B"; extends and retracts, but lead propelling mechanism does not work; a few small dings (see details).
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine* • $165
14131: Hicks magic pencil: large sterling silver ringtop, hexagonal body, 7.8 cm long closed, 13.7 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead; acorn mark on front ferrule, scattered dings to periphery of end knob.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine • $205
14405: Tiffany magic pencil: large sterling silver ringtop, hexagonal body, 7.8 cm long closed, 13.7 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead, made by Hicks for Tiffany, and nearly identical to our item 14131. Presentation inscription from Commonwealth Insurance Company with dates of 1886 and 1911. Test mark on shaft, dings to nozzle.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: VG* • $265
13081: Hicks magic pencil: large smooth gold filled ringtop, 7.9 cm long closed, 14.4 cm extended, uses 2.5 mm lead, extends and retracts; interesting and elegant 1915-dated presentation inscription, maker's mark and "10K GOLD PLATE" imprint. Some small marks and dings to the end of the extending shaft, and to the ends of the barrel.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: fine • $195
14235: Mordan porte crayon: 9K solid gold fluted ringtop, 8.4 cm long, full London hallmarks, weighs 12 grams.
DATE: 1918-19 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $325
16652: Cross magic pencil: gold filled, with suspension sheath, 6.8 cm closed, 11.5 cm extended, uses standard 2mm lead. Smooth action, fully marked; plating wear to front of sheath, one tiny flat spot on end ball. Cross magic pencils are uncommon.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $200
16641: Ripley & Gowan pencil and pocket knife compendium: gold filled, 6.6 cm long, with two knife blades, pencil nozzle extends when end knob is turned, uses 1.4 mm lead; excellent quality, similar to items retailed by Tiffany, Edward Todd, and others.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine • $120
14856: unmarked magic pencil: small figural novelty ringtop in the form of an Egyptian obelisk, blue enamel decoration on what appears to be gold-plated silver; 3.8 cm long closed, 6.4 cm extended, German made, uses standard 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $150
14457: unmarked writing set in box: German-made, comprising a dip pen, letter opener, pencil, and seal, all in what appears to be casein-based plastic, salmon and black. Box is 21.7 cm wide, dip pen is 13.8 cm long excluding nib. Some loss to the leatherette on the upper front part of the box, otherwise showing no signs of use.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $95
14188: unmarked mummy and obelisk magic pencils: silver (?) with multicolored enamel, mummy is 6.1 cm long closed, obelisk 6 cm; mechanisms work smoothly, traces of gold wash visible on mummy. These are larger than typical examples, especially the obelisk. Mummy uses 1.5 to 1.7 mm lead, obelisk 1.1 mm.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $495
14189: unmarked mummy pencil: unusually small figural magic pencil, gold plated with multicolored enamel, 3 cm long retracted, top ring, fine working order, uses standard 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $195
15231: unmarked mummy pencil: silver figural with multicolored enamel, 5.3 cm long retracted; mechanism works smoothly, screw-in nozzle tip is missing but works fine with standard 2 mm lead inserted. Scattered losses to enamel, fine overall appearance.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: VG* • $225
15717: unmarked dip pen: beautiful tortoiseshell pattern celluloid, hollow construction adds to the translucence of the material, 13.1 cm long excluding gold-plated nib, probably European production.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc • $125
15886: unmarked dip pen: large and chunky holder, 15.6 cm long excluding gold plated steel nib; beautiful blue and gold pearl material appears to be casein-based, and probably of French origin.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc • $95
16398: unmarked Graf Zeppelin dip pen: rare figural holder, probably made to commemorate the Graf Zeppelin's visit to Estonia in 1930; .875 fine silver, Estonian hallmarks, 14.6 cm long excluding nib, nicely detailed, excellent quality; engraved monogram on top, a few shallow nicks, much better condition than is typical.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: fine • $650
16422: unmarked Graf Zeppelin dip pen: rare figural holder, probably made to commemorate the Graf Zeppelin's visit to Estonia in 1930; .875 fine silver, Estonian hallmarks, 14.6 cm long excluding nib, nicely detailed, excellent quality, scattered nicks and dings.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: VG • $450
16280: Van Cort reproduction of Thomas Jefferson's fountain pen: heavy (38 g) solid sterling silver, 12.1 cm long, based upon the so-called Bion style reservoir pen made for Jefferson in 1824 by William Cowan, a watchmaker in Richmond, Virginia (references here); this reproduction made in limited numbers, authorized by Monticello, long since sold out. Plated nib, could be replaced with an older dip nib or quill slip for better historical effect. There is no real feed system, so best considered a dip pen rather than a modern fountain pen (the pen was described by the Jefferson Foundation as a dip pen). Original pens of this type are extremely rare and sell for thousands of dollars.
DATE: c. 1997 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $250
