Graphite was discovered and came into widespread use for writing following the discovery of a large deposit in Borrowdale, England in 1564. It made a darker line than lead, but was soft and brittle, and required a holder.

The graphite sticks were firstly wrapped in string, but later the graphite was inserted into hollowed wooden sticks the resultant pencil being similar to those in use today.

Britain soon lost its monopoly on production of wooden pencils and they were mass-produced in Germany from the 15th century. In the mid 16th century a number of German pencil manucturers were established whose trade names are still in use today, including Faber-Castell, Steadtler and Lyra.

In 1822, Sampson Mordan (1770 - 1843) with his partner, John Hawkins patented a "metal pencil with an internal mechanism for propelling the graphite 'lead' shaft forward during use", now known as the propelling pencil.

This meant more...

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A Mappin & Webb sterling silver retractable pencil, c 1935,…

1935 Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Retractable Pencil

A Mappin & Webb sterling silver retractable pencil, c 1935, oval in shape with a engine turn pattern, Wt 12 grams

A seal top sterling silver (hallmarked) miniature telescopic…

Birmingham 1908 Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencil with Seal Top

A seal top sterling silver (hallmarked) miniature telescopic pencil, Birmingham 1908, 6 cm long

An engraved body telescopic pencil, sterling silver, 7.5 cm long

Engraved Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencil - 7.5cm Length

An engraved body telescopic pencil, sterling silver, 7.5 cm long

An S Mordan & Co sterling silver (hallmarked) telescopic pencil,…

Antique Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencil, London 1909

An S Mordan & Co sterling silver (hallmarked) telescopic pencil, engine turned circular body, London 1909, 9 cm long

A sterling silver (hallmarked) propelling pencil, London 1925,…

1925 London Hallmarked Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil - 7cm

A sterling silver (hallmarked) propelling pencil, London 1925, 7 cm long

A sterling silver telescopic pencil, thumb press movement,…

Engraved Telescopic Silver Pencil with Thumb Press Movement

A sterling silver telescopic pencil, thumb press movement, engraved body, 9 cm long

A 3 barrel telescopic pencil, with ring, hallmarked sterling…

Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencil with 3 Barrels, Birmingham 1902

A 3 barrel telescopic pencil, with ring, hallmarked sterling silver, Birmingham 1902, 8 cm long

A telescopic pencil, reeded circular body, sterling silver, 9…

Telescopic Sterling Silver Pencil - 9cm Long

A telescopic pencil, reeded circular body, sterling silver, 9 cm long

A sterling silver miniature propelling pencil with Stanhope…

Stanhope Pencil: Memory of Bexhill on Sea

A sterling silver miniature propelling pencil with Stanhope peeper, featuring 'A Memory of Bexhill on Sea', 5 cm long

A sterling silver (hallmarked) S Mordan & Co engine turned…

S. Mordan & Co. Sterling Silver Engine Turned Pencil (1901)

A sterling silver (hallmarked) S Mordan & Co engine turned press end pencil, inscribed 'J.D.R.', London 1901, 8 cm long

A seal top telescopic pencil, engine turned body, sterling…

Sterling Silver Seal Top Telescopic Pencil, Engine Turned Body

A seal top telescopic pencil, engine turned body, sterling silver, 8 cm long

A sterling silver seal top telescopic pencil, floral imprint to…

Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencil with Floral Seal Top

A sterling silver seal top telescopic pencil, floral imprint to seal, 4.5 cm long

A seal top sterling silver telescopic pencil, amethyst,…

Amethyst Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencil with Engraved Body

A seal top sterling silver telescopic pencil, amethyst, engraved body, 6 cm long

A sterling silver (hallmarked) sheath vest pencil, Birmingham…

Birmingham 1906 Sterling Silver Sheath Vest Pencil - 8cm

A sterling silver (hallmarked) sheath vest pencil, Birmingham 1906, 8 cm long

An S Mordan & Co sterling silver (hallmarked) telescopic pencil,…

Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencil, 7cm Long

An S Mordan & Co sterling silver (hallmarked) telescopic pencil, hallmarks worn, 7 cm long

A sterling silver (hallmarked) pencil, London 1911, 7.5 cm long

London Hallmarked Sterling Silver Pencil, 1911

A sterling silver (hallmarked) pencil, London 1911, 7.5 cm long

George VI sterling silver Mordan pencil London 1939, makers…

1939 Sterling Silver Mordan Everpoint Propelling Pencil with Case

George VI sterling silver Mordan pencil London 1939, makers Mordan & Co, Everpoint propelling pencil, in fitted case.

A silver drop-action pencil; Sampson Mordan, Chester 1913.…

Silver Drop-Action Pencil by Sampson Mordan (1913)

A silver drop-action pencil; Sampson Mordan, Chester 1913. (pencil non-extant)

A miniature seal top telescopic pencil, bloodstone, sterling…

Bloodstone Seal Pencil in Sterling Silver

A miniature seal top telescopic pencil, bloodstone, sterling silver, 4 cm long

A Tiffany & Co silver and enamel telescopic pencil, of square…

Tiffany & Co Enamel Telescopic Pencil

A Tiffany & Co silver and enamel telescopic pencil, of square form, 6 cm long

An Eversharp sterling silver propelling pencil with engine…

Eversharp Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil with Engine Turned Detail

An Eversharp sterling silver propelling pencil with engine turned detail, length 10 cm

A Life-Long sterling silver propelling pencil, c.1930, length 9.…

1930 Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil - Life-Long

A Life-Long sterling silver propelling pencil, c.1930, length 9.5 cm

Two sterling silver telescopic pencils including a S Mordan &…

Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencils, S Mordan & Co

Two sterling silver telescopic pencils including a S Mordan & Co, one with reeded body, hallmarks worn, c1900, the other S Mordan & Co solid seal top, engine turned body, length 4 cm and 4.5 cm

A seal top sterling silver telescopic pencil, 9.5 cm long

Sterling Silver Seal Top Telescopic Pencil, 9.5cm

A seal top sterling silver telescopic pencil, 9.5 cm long

A Wahl Eversharp sterling silver retractable pencil

Sterling Silver Retractable Pencil by Wahl Eversharp

A Wahl Eversharp sterling silver retractable pencil

Antique sterling silver mechanical pencil by Baker & sons, with…

Baker & Sons Sterling Silver Mechanical Pencil #565713

Antique sterling silver mechanical pencil by Baker & sons, with design registration #565713

Silver propelling pencil,

Silver Pencil Propeller

Silver propelling pencil,

Silver Aesthetic movement pencil length 6.5 cm approx no pencil

Silver Aesthetic Pencil: 6.5cm Length

Silver Aesthetic movement pencil length 6.5 cm approx no pencil

Vintage sterling silver drop pencil holder engraved decoration,…

Engraved Sterling Silver Pencil Holder - Vintage

Vintage sterling silver drop pencil holder engraved decoration,marked: 'Sterling Silver,' weight 25grams.

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, silver and amethyst…

Sterling Silver Propelling Pencils with Gemstone Finish

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, silver and amethyst coloured glass or onyx finish. (2)

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, with red and purple…

Colorful Sterling Silver Propelling Pencils

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, with red and purple glass finish. (2)

A sterling silver seal top telescopic pencil, amethyst inset, 7.…

Sterling Silver Amethyst Seal Top Telescopic Pencil

A sterling silver seal top telescopic pencil, amethyst inset, 7.5 cm long

A small sterling silver seal top telescopic pencil, amber inset,…

Sterling Silver Amber Pencil with Seal Top

A small sterling silver seal top telescopic pencil, amber inset, 6 cm long

A silver retracting pencil

Silver Retractable Pencil

A silver retracting pencil

Silver pencil case, Birmingham 1912

Birmingham 1912 Silver Pencil Case

Silver pencil case, Birmingham 1912

Vintage Mordan silver mechanical pencil, length 11 cm

Mordan Silver Mechanical Pencil - Vintage 11cm Length

Vintage Mordan silver mechanical pencil, length 11 cm

Hallmarked sterling silver mechanical pencil, London 1956, JM&CO

1956 London Sterling Silver Mechanical Pencil by JM&CO

Hallmarked sterling silver mechanical pencil, London 1956, JM&CO

Silver propelling pencil

Silver Pencil Propeller

Silver propelling pencil

A carved bone & silver metal propelling pencil & a matching…

Bone and Silver Propelling Pencil Set

A carved bone & silver metal propelling pencil & a matching lead holder, length 9 cm

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, one miniature with…

Sterling Silver Propelling Pencils, Webb Birmingham, c.1885

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, one miniature with agate seal top, Francis Webb, Birmingham, c.1885, the other with later Addition green bead finial, filigree detail, column finial, length 5.5-8 cm

Two Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver…

Sterling Silver Yard-O-Led Propelling Pencil with Engine Turned Detail

Two Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling pencil, 12 cm, engine turned detail, length 12 cm

A sterling silver, carnelian seal top propelling pencil,…

Sterling Silver Carnelian Seal Top Propelling Pencil with Filigree Detail

A sterling silver, carnelian seal top propelling pencil, filigree detail, column finial, engraved initials to body Erk, length 9 cm

A sterling silver propelling pencil, E Baker & Son, Birmingham,…

1939 Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil by E Baker & Son

A sterling silver propelling pencil, E Baker & Son, Birmingham, 1939, engine turned detail, length 9.5 cm

A Sheaffer sterling silver propelling pencil with filigree…

Sheaffer Silver Filigree Propelling Pencil, 12.5cm

A Sheaffer sterling silver propelling pencil with filigree detail, length 12.5 cm

Two Mordan Everpoint silver plated propelling pencils, length…

Mordan Everpoint Silver Plated Propelling Pencils - Set of Two

Two Mordan Everpoint silver plated propelling pencils, length 9-11.5 cm

Two Edwardian propelling pencils including sterling silver and…

Edwardian Propelling Pencils with Intaglia Finials

Two Edwardian propelling pencils including sterling silver and rolled gold with Intaglia finials, length 4-9 cm

An S. Mordan & Co. His Master's Voice advertising propelling…

Sterling Silver HMV Propelling Pencil with Advertising

An S. Mordan & Co. His Master's Voice advertising propelling pencil, hallmarked sterling silver, marked 'With the compliments of the Gramophone Co. Ltd', 9.5 cm long

Edward VII sterling silver pencil holder Chester 1901, makers…

Edwardian Sterling Silver Pencil Holder (1901)

Edward VII sterling silver pencil holder Chester 1901, makers FCR, pencil unavailable, engraved with date 1902, length 7 cm, weight 5grams.

S.Mordan & Co. Silver pencil holder, in original soft leather…

S. Mordan & Co. Silver Pencil Holder in Leather Pouch

S.Mordan & Co. Silver pencil holder, in original soft leather pouch, 8.8 cm long (excluding ring)

Samson Mordan & Co. silver pencil holder, hallmarked London 1911

1911 London Hallmarked Silver Pencil Holder by Samson Mordan

Samson Mordan & Co. silver pencil holder, hallmarked London 1911

Sterling silver Yard O Led propelling pencil in original box…

Yard O Led Sterling Silver Pencil with Hallmarks in Box

Sterling silver Yard O Led propelling pencil in original box hallmarks

Victorian sterling silver dual propelling pencil and Nib, of…

Victorian Sterling Silver Dual Propelling Pencil and Nib

Victorian sterling silver dual propelling pencil and Nib, of facetted form, set with seal top and engraved with acanthus, with cast dual mounts, length 11.5 cm

Sterling silver retractable pencil, full sized

Retractable Sterling Silver Pencil

Sterling silver retractable pencil, full sized

A mid 20th century propelling swizzle stick in sterling silver…

Sterling Silver Propelling Swizzle Stick

A mid 20th century propelling swizzle stick in sterling silver with engine turning, unmarked probably Australian, approx 14 cm open

A Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling…

Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil, London 1949, Engraved Initials

A Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling pencil, London, 1949, engraved initials Sjh, length 10.5 cm

Silver Egyptian pencil holder,

Egyptian Silver Pencil Holder

Silver Egyptian pencil holder,

A sterling silver propelling pencil, amethyst coloured stone to…

Amethyst-Topped Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil

A sterling silver propelling pencil, amethyst coloured stone to top, 5.5 cm long not extended

Two miniature sterling silver, citrine & glass seal top…

Sterling Silver Citrine & Glass Mini Pencils

Two miniature sterling silver, citrine & glass seal top propelling pencils, length 5-6 cm

S. Mordan silver propelling pencil & another by E. Raker & Sons

Silver Propelling Pencils by Mordan and Raker & Sons

S. Mordan silver propelling pencil & another by E. Raker & Sons

Victorian silver pencil

Victorian Silver Pencil

Victorian silver pencil

George V sterling silver Mordan propelling pencil London 1935,…

1935 Sterling Silver Mordan Propelling Pencil by Samson Mordan

George V sterling silver Mordan propelling pencil London 1935, maker Samson Mordan.

Silver plated telescoping pencil, with repousse barrel and…

Silver Plated Telescoping Pencil with Agate Seal

Silver plated telescoping pencil, with repousse barrel and banded agate seal end (un-engraved)

Art Nouveau sterling silver pencil holder, with imported wares…

Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Pencil Holder with Repousse Decoration

Art Nouveau sterling silver pencil holder, with imported wares Birmingham assay hallmark 1910 (William Vale & Sons), repousse decoration to one side depicting a Georgian lady, water plants and a dragon fly to the other, 8.2 cm long

A crocodile skin and sterling silver gentleman's card wallet,…

Crocodile skin card wallet and antique retractable pencil set

A crocodile skin and sterling silver gentleman's card wallet, and a Mabie, Todd & Co. Retractable 'Fyne Poynt' pencil, 1898 Birmingham, with maker's mark for Francis Webb, for Hardy Bros, Brisbane, and post 1915 England, a sterling edged chocolate…

A Johann Faber, Liliput sterling silver pencil holder, in…

Liliput Sterling Silver Pencil Holder in Original Packaging (Chester, 1912)

A Johann Faber, Liliput sterling silver pencil holder, in original packaging, Villiers & Jackson, Chester, 1912, length 7 cm

A Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling…

Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil with Engine Turn Detail

A Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling pencil, London, 1947, engine turn detail, length 10 cm

A seal top sterling silver telescopic pencil, 8 cm long

Sterling Silver Seal Top Telescopic Pencil, 8cm Long

A seal top sterling silver telescopic pencil, 8 cm long

Two sterling silver propelling pencil holders, with engraved…

Engraved Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil Holders

Two sterling silver propelling pencil holders, with engraved pattern, length 7-7.5 cm

A sterling silver propelling pencil, length 13 cm

13 cm Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil

A sterling silver propelling pencil, length 13 cm

Sterling silver 1937 coronation pencil with enamel top

Enamel-topped Sterling Silver 1937 Coronation Pencil

Sterling silver 1937 coronation pencil with enamel top

A sterling silver antique style pencil. Weight: 14.5g

Antique Sterling Silver Pencil - 14.5g

A sterling silver antique style pencil. Weight: 14.5g

A 19th century sterling silver antique pencil, guilloche work,…

Antique Guilloche Sterling Silver Pencil by S. Mordan & Co

A 19th century sterling silver antique pencil, guilloche work, pattern by S. Mordan & Co. In fitted box.

A sterling silver pencil, Walker & Hal, Birmingham, 1956.…

Sterling Silver Pencil, Walker & Hal, Birmingham 1956

A sterling silver pencil, Walker & Hal, Birmingham, 1956. Weight all in 19.8g.

A S Mordan & Co sterling silver propelling pencil with…

ASM Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil with Bloodstone Intaglio

A S Mordan & Co sterling silver propelling pencil with bloodstone intaglio, length 9 cm

Two Victorian sterling silver propelling pencils, set with seal…

Victorian Sterling Silver Propelling Pencils with Seal Tops

Two Victorian sterling silver propelling pencils, set with seal top, above reeded and engraved bodies, length 9.5 cm and 11 cm (2)

Two sterling silver telescopic pencils, one Birmingham, 1907,…

Birmingham Sterling Silver Telescopic Pencils (2)

Two sterling silver telescopic pencils, one Birmingham, 1907, engraved body, Birmingham 1907, engraved body telescopic pencil of circular form, action very loose, length 7 cm and 9.5 cm

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, London, 1917 with an…

Pair of 1917 Sterling Silver Propelling Pencils with Engine Turning

Two sterling silver propelling pencils, London, 1917 with an engine turned body, length 11.5 cm and 13 cm

An S. Mordan & Co. Sterling silver telescopic bullet form…

Sterling Silver Telescopic Bullet Pencil

An S. Mordan & Co. Sterling silver telescopic bullet form pencil, in the form of a bullet, hallmarked sterling silver, inscribed 'Harry shepherd Yakroma' (action loose), length 12 cm

Two sterling silver lidded pencil holders with Chatelain Loops,…

Sterling Silver Pencil Holders with Chatelain Loops, 1918

Two sterling silver lidded pencil holders with Chatelain Loops, London, 1918, filigree detail, length 6 cm

A Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling…

1947 Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil by Yard-O-Led

A Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling pencil, London, 1947, length 12 cm

A sterling silver propelling pencil, Birmingham, 1936, engine…

Birmingham Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil with Engine Turned Detail

A sterling silver propelling pencil, Birmingham, 1936, engine turned detail, length 12 cm

Two Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver…

Sterling Silver Propelling Pencils with Engravings

Two Johnson, Mathey & Co, Yard-O-Led, sterling silver propelling pencils, London, 1964, engraved with names, length 11-12.5 cm

Two vintage silver mechanical pencils, with engine turned…

Pair of Vintage Silver Mechanical Pencils with Engine Turned Design

Two vintage silver mechanical pencils, with engine turned design Sarastro, other unmarked of triangular form, length 10.5-11 cm, wt. 42.31g.

Two sterling silver, citrine & glass seal top propelling…

Filigree Citrine Pencils with Glass Seal Top

Two sterling silver, citrine & glass seal top propelling pencils, filigree detail, length 8 cm

A sterling silver, agate seal top propelling pencil, filigree…

Sterling Silver Agate Propelling Pencil with Filigree Detail

A sterling silver, agate seal top propelling pencil, filigree detail, length 9 cm

A Sampson Mordan & Co, sterling silver pencil holder with…

Sterling Silver Filigree Pencil Holder by Sampson Mordan & Co

A Sampson Mordan & Co, sterling silver pencil holder with Filgree detail, London, length 6.5 cm

S. Mordan & Co, silver mechanical pencil,

Silver Mechanical Pencil by S. Mordan & Co

S. Mordan & Co, silver mechanical pencil,

A sterling silver pencil, Sampson Mordan, London 1900, and one…

Antique Sterling Silver Pencils by Mordan and London

A sterling silver pencil, Sampson Mordan, London 1900, and one other.

A sterling silver propelling pencil, embossed floral design,…

Floral Embossed Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil with Clip

A sterling silver propelling pencil, embossed floral design, with clip.

A Tiffany & Co. sterling silver pencil and a gold filled…

Tiffany Silver & Propelli Gold Pencils

A Tiffany & Co. sterling silver pencil and a gold filled Propelli pencil

Silver and Amythest seal top propelling pencil, unmarked, by…

Silver and Amythest seal top propelling pencil, unmarked, by Wilmot & Co., of hexagonal form, set with amythest seal top, decorated with acanthus motifs in relief to top, with incised flower and foliage pattern to body, total weight 16gm, length 9.5 cm-12…

Sterling silver telescoping pencil by S. Mordan & Co., London,…

Telescoping Sterling Silver Pencil with Bloodstone Seal

Sterling silver telescoping pencil by S. Mordan & Co., London, c.1860, with unengraved bloodstone seal end.

Silver pencil with jewelled end

Jewelled Silver Pencil

Silver pencil with jewelled end

A sterling silver, citrine seal top propelling pencil, with…

Ridged Citrine Seal Top Pencil in Sterling Silver

A sterling silver, citrine seal top propelling pencil, with ridged engraved detail, length 10.5 cm

Sampson Mordan sterling silver writing set comprising of a lead…

Sampson Mordan Sterling Silver Writing Set

Sampson Mordan sterling silver writing set comprising of a lead projecting pencil and pen, both marked S. MORDAN STERLING, 14 cm long approx

Antique sterling silver pencil holder marked Chester 1905 and…

Antique Silver Pencil Holder, Chester and Birmingham Marks

Antique sterling silver pencil holder marked Chester 1905 and Birmingham 1909. Approx length 14 cm