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 gold lined telescopic pencil, plain case, length 7.5 cm

Gold Telescopic Pencil in Plain Case (7.5cm)

A gold lined telescopic pencil, plain case, length 7.5 cm

Vintage 'Eversharp' rolled gold mechanical pencil in original…

Vintage Eversharp Rolled Gold Mechanical Pencil in Box

Vintage 'Eversharp' rolled gold mechanical pencil in original box, worn.

Antique gold and turquoise pencil, with agate seal to top, as…

Antique Gold and Turquoise Pencil with Agate Seal

Antique gold and turquoise pencil, with agate seal to top, as inspected.

Two gold lined propelling pencil including an Eversharp, one…

Gold-lined Propelling Pencils with Engine Turned Detail

Two gold lined propelling pencil including an Eversharp, one with engine turned detail, length 8-9 cm

Two Wahl Eversharp gold lined propelling pencil, engine turned…

Gold-lined Wahl Eversharp propelling pencils with arrow pattern

Two Wahl Eversharp gold lined propelling pencil, engine turned arrow pattern, with engraved initial Ryc, length 10-13.5 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

A rolled gold propelling pencil, 7.25 cm long not extended

Compact Rolled Gold Propelling Pencil

A rolled gold propelling pencil, 7.25 cm long not extended

Antique Gold cased propelling pencil length 6.5 cm

Antique Gold Propelling Pencil - 6.5cm

Antique Gold cased propelling pencil length 6.5 cm

Victorian propelling pencil with a bloodstone set plain shield…

Victorian Bloodstone Propelling Pencil with Shield Cartouche

Victorian propelling pencil with a bloodstone set plain shield cartouche. Pencil propels there is no ink nib. Tests as rolled gold

Victorian 9ct gold pencil holder

Victorian 9ct Gold Pencil Holder

Victorian 9ct gold pencil holder

A 9ct yellow gold (tested) miniature telescopic pencil in the…

9ct Gold Cross-shaped Telescopic Pencil Miniature

A 9ct yellow gold (tested) miniature telescopic pencil in the form of a cross, 3.5 cm long, total weight 1.6gms

A 14ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic miniature pencil, 4 cm…

14ct Gold Telescopic Miniature Pencil with Seal Top

A 14ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic miniature pencil, 4 cm long, total weight 2.2gms

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, engraved body,…

Engraved 9ct Gold Telescopic Pencil with Seal Top

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, engraved body, 4.5 cm long, total weight 3gms

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, amethyst, of…

9ct Gold Amethyst Seal Top Telescopic Pencil

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, amethyst, of plain form, 4.5 cm long, total weight 3.3gms

A gold lined, black enamel pencil, filigree detail, length 8 cm

Gold and Black Filigree Pencil - 8cm Length

A gold lined, black enamel pencil, filigree detail, length 8 cm

Two miniature gold lined, bloodstone & carnelian seal top…

Miniature Gold & Gemstone Seal Top Pencils

Two miniature gold lined, bloodstone & carnelian seal top propelling pencils, length 4-5.5 cm

Two miniature gold lined, glass seal top propelling pencils,…

Gold-lined Glass Seal Top Propelling Pencils - Miniature Pair

Two miniature gold lined, glass seal top propelling pencils, length 4 cm

A gold lined, agate seal top propelling pencil, ridged detail,…

Gold-lined Agate Seal Pencil with Engraved Initials

A gold lined, agate seal top propelling pencil, ridged detail, column, final, engraved initials to seal, length 8.5 cm

A Wahl Eversharp gold filled pencil, made in Chicago USA.

Wahl Eversharp Gold Filled Pencil from Chicago

A Wahl Eversharp gold filled pencil, made in Chicago USA.

Vintage 14K gold filled cross Biro & pencil

Vintage 14K Gold Cross Biro & Pencil Set

Vintage 14K gold filled cross Biro & pencil

Gold plated pencil, lightly engraved with foliate designs and…

Foliate Gold Plated Pencil with Green Stone Finial

Gold plated pencil, lightly engraved with foliate designs and hard green stone finial. Length 10.3 cm. Weight 12g.

A rolled gold propelling pencil with bloodstone finial and…

Bloodstone Pencil with Rolled Gold and Engraved Pattern

A rolled gold propelling pencil with bloodstone finial and engraved pattern, length 9 cm

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) seal top telescopic pencil, engraved…

Engraved 9ct Gold Telescopic Pencil with Seal Top

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) seal top telescopic pencil, engraved body, 5.5 cm long, total weight 5.2gms

A 9ct gold (tested) mounted sheath vest pencil, gold mounted,…

Enamel and Gold Sheath Vest Pencil, 9ct Tested

A 9ct gold (tested) mounted sheath vest pencil, gold mounted, enamel body, 6 cm long

Two antique rolled gold propelling pencils

Antique Rolled Gold Propelling Pencils

Two antique rolled gold propelling pencils

Antique gold lined propelling pencil with bloodstone seal end,…

Antique Gold Pencil with Bloodstone Seal

Antique gold lined propelling pencil with bloodstone seal end, length 12.5 cm

An Edwardian 9ct yellow gold propelling pencil with a onyx…

Edwardian Gold Pencil with Onyx Bird Intaglio

An Edwardian 9ct yellow gold propelling pencil with a onyx intaglio carved with a bird, length 8.5 cm (closed)

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 9ct gold (tested) mechanical pencil, of plain circular form,…

9ct Gold Mechanical Pencil, 5cm, 8.7g

A 9ct gold (tested) mechanical pencil, of plain circular form, 5 cm long, total weight 8.7gms

An 18ct gold (hallmarked) mounted polished agate body pencil, 6…

18ct Gold Agate Pencil

An 18ct gold (hallmarked) mounted polished agate body pencil, 6 cm long

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, extensively…

Decorative 9ct Gold Seal Top Telescopic Pencil, 5g

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, extensively decorated body, 8 cm long, total weight 5gms

Two gold lined, agate & purple glass seal top propelling…

Gold-lined agate & glass seal top propelling pencils

Two gold lined, agate & purple glass seal top propelling pencils, engraved filigree detail, column finial, length 9.5 cm

A gold lined, orange glass seal top propelling pencil, ridged…

Gold and Orange Filigree Propelling Pencil

A gold lined, orange glass seal top propelling pencil, ridged detail, filigree column finial, length 9.5 cm

Two miniature gold lined, citrine seal top propelling pencils,…

Miniature Citrine Seal Top Propelling Pencils

Two miniature gold lined, citrine seal top propelling pencils, length 5-6.5 cm

Two miniature gold lined, citrine & glass seal top propelling…

Miniature Gold & Turquoise Propelling Pencils

Two miniature gold lined, citrine & glass seal top propelling pencils with turquoise detail, length 4-4.5 cm

A gold lined, bloodstone seal top propelling pencil, engine…

Gold Bloodstone Propelling Pencil with Filigree Finial

A gold lined, bloodstone seal top propelling pencil, engine turned pattern, filigree column finial, length 9.5 cm

Two propelling pencils including an arrow, USA 14ct gold filled…

Gold-filled and Ceramic Propelling Pencils with Arrow and Crest

Two propelling pencils including an arrow, USA 14ct gold filled & a rolled gold with ceramic crest seal top, length 13 cm

Victorian 9ct gold cased mechanical pencil in original case,…

Victorian Gold Mechanical Pencil in Case (Slide Missing)

Victorian 9ct gold cased mechanical pencil in original case, slide missing.

A 9ct yellow gold mounted sheath vest pencil, hallmarked, 9.5…

9ct Gold Sheath Vest Pencil, Hallmarked, 6g Total Weight

A 9ct yellow gold mounted sheath vest pencil, hallmarked, 9.5 cm long, total weight 6gms

A 9ct gold (tested) propelling pencil, in the style of an…

9ct Gold Bullet Pencil - 7cm Long

A 9ct gold (tested) propelling pencil, in the style of an elongated bullet, 7 cm long, total weight 5.9gms

A gold lined, carnelian seal top propelling pencil, engraved…

Gold and Carnelian Filigree Propelling Pencil

A gold lined, carnelian seal top propelling pencil, engraved filigree detail, column finial, length 9.5 cm

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) pencil cover, of plain form, 6.2gms

Plain 9ct Gold Pencil Cover - 6.2g

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) pencil cover, of plain form, 6.2gms

A gold lined, orange glass seal top propelling pencil, ridged…

Orange Gold Pencil with Filigree Finial

A gold lined, orange glass seal top propelling pencil, ridged detail, column filigree finial, length 8 cm

9ct gold and carnelian fob pencil holder weight approx 6.3 grams

9ct Gold Carnelian Fob Pencil Holder - 6.3g

9ct gold and carnelian fob pencil holder weight approx 6.3 grams

A gold plated pencil, with amethyst crest finial. Length 8 cm.…

Gold Plated Amethyst Pencil

A gold plated pencil, with amethyst crest finial. Length 8 cm. Weight 4.8g.

An American Wahlesharp gold filled telescopic pencil and an…

Gold and Embossed Telescopic Pencils, American Made

An American Wahlesharp gold filled telescopic pencil and an embossed telescopic pencil, length 8 cm and 13.5 cm

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) Mordan's English made sheath vest…

Mordan's 9ct Gold Sheath Vest Pencil - English Made

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) Mordan's English made sheath vest pencil, retractable, 7 cm long, total weight 7gms

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

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, facet cut seal,…

Faceted Seal Top Gold Pencil

A 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, facet cut seal, engraved body, 8 cm long, total weight 7.5gms

Small Victorian mechanical gold pencil with engine turned and…

Victorian Gold Mechanical Pencil with Agate Decoration

Small Victorian mechanical gold pencil with engine turned and agate decoration

Vintage S.Mordan gold mechanical pencil engine turned…

S. Mordan 9ct Gold Mechanical Pencil with Engine Turned Design

Vintage S.Mordan gold mechanical pencil engine turned decoration. 9ct yellow gold, London hall mark.

9ct rose gold pencil holder weight including pencil stub 11.5…

Rose Gold Pencil Holder with Perry & Co Pencil

9ct rose gold pencil holder weight including pencil stub 11.5 grams, together with pencil by Perry & Co

Sampson Mordan extending propelling pencil Marked Sampson…

Sampson Mordan Gold Propelling Pencil with Extender

Sampson Mordan extending propelling pencil Marked Sampson Mordan 3 to barrel. Approx 65 mm closed, 120 mm extended. Gold sleeved

A 9ct gold cased pencil, Baker's Perm-point; engine-turned

Baker's Perm-point Gold Pencil - Engine-Turned Design

A 9ct gold cased pencil, Baker's Perm-point; engine-turned

A 1900's pencil, 9ct rose gold, well etched, with paste finish.…

Etched Rose Gold Pencil with Paste Finish

A 1900's pencil, 9ct rose gold, well etched, with paste finish. Length 55 mm. Total weight 1.9g.

A S Mordan & Co 9ct yellow gold propelling pencil, length 9 cm…

9ct Gold Propelling Pencil by S. Mordan & Co

A S Mordan & Co 9ct yellow gold propelling pencil, length 9 cm Wt 22.5 grams

Two 9ct yellow and rose gold telescopic pencils, one very fine…

Telescopic Gold Pencils with Filigree Detail - 9.5g

Two 9ct yellow and rose gold telescopic pencils, one very fine and slim, the other with engraved filigree detail, length 5 cm and 8 cm Wt 9.5 grams

Two 9ct rose gold telescopic pencils with a bloodstone and blue…

3 Gold Telescopic Pencils with Gemstones and Engraving

Two 9ct rose gold telescopic pencils with a bloodstone and blue paste gemstone finial, a 9ct gold (tested) seal top telescopic pencil, engraved body, 5.5 cm L, total weight 2gms, length 5.5 cm Wt 3.7 grams

A 14ct yellow gold dual telescopic pencil, cross hatched tube…

Cross-Hatched Gold Telescopic Pencil with Star Buttons

A 14ct yellow gold dual telescopic pencil, cross hatched tube with star buttons, length 5 cm Wt 8.7 grams

A 9 carat gold Prince of Wales feather fleur-de-lys propelling…

9ct Gold Prince of Wales Feather Pencil - 3.9g, 6cm

A 9 carat gold Prince of Wales feather fleur-de-lys propelling pencil, total weight 3.9gms, 6 cm long

Two gold lined, purple & orange glass seal top propelling…

Gold and Glass Propelling Pencils with Filigree Detail

Two gold lined, purple & orange glass seal top propelling pencils, filigree detail, column finial, length 8 cm

Victorian gold Butler & Co. propelling pencil, with seal

Victorian Gold Propelling Pencil with Seal

Victorian gold Butler & Co. propelling pencil, with seal

Vintage L & C Hardtmuth patent 9ct gold pencil, marked to…

L&C Hardtmuth 9ct Gold Pencil, Vintage

Vintage L & C Hardtmuth patent 9ct gold pencil, marked to barrel. Length 7.5 cm Weight 10grams

Vintage Mordan & Co gold mechanical pencil, Mordan mark to…

Vintage Gold Mechanical Pencil with Bloodstone Finial

Vintage Mordan & Co gold mechanical pencil, Mordan mark to barrel, (gold carat value unmarked, but external barrel tests as 9ct. Internal mechanism untested), bloodstone finial. Monogrammed. Weight 14grams

Victorian 14ct gold pencil, of slender form with reeded body…

Victorian 14ct Gold Pencil with Agate Seal

Victorian 14ct gold pencil, of slender form with reeded body and agate seal, total weight 7.67gm, height 8 cm

A S Mordan & Co 18ct yellow gold telescopic pencil, lozenge…

18ct Gold Telescopic Pencil by A.S. Mordan & Co

A S Mordan & Co 18ct yellow gold telescopic pencil, lozenge registration mark, length 4.5 cm Wt 9.2 grams

9ct rose gold pencil holder, 4.2 grams

9ct Rose Gold Pencil Holder - 4.2g

9ct rose gold pencil holder, 4.2 grams

Samuel Mordan gold plated mechanical pencil (length 11 cm…

Gold Plated Mechanical Pencil by Samuel Mordan

Samuel Mordan gold plated mechanical pencil (length 11 cm approx).

14ct yellow gold mechanical pencil, stone set decorative finial.…

14ct Gold Mechanical Pencil with Stone Finial

14ct yellow gold mechanical pencil, stone set decorative finial. Length 10 cm (extended). Weight 12grams

Vintage 14K gold Eversharp Skyline pencil

Vintage 14K Gold Eversharp Skyline Pencil

Vintage 14K gold Eversharp Skyline pencil

9ct yellow gold antique pencil with onyx seal top

Antique Onyx Seal Top Pencil in 9ct Yellow Gold

9ct yellow gold antique pencil with onyx seal top

A Mordant Everpoint 9 ct (hallmarked) gold pencil

9ct Gold Mordant Everpoint Pencil

A Mordant Everpoint 9 ct (hallmarked) gold pencil

Small Victorian mechanical gold pencil with turquoise and topaz…

Victorian Turquoise Topaz Gold Mechanical Pencil

Small Victorian mechanical gold pencil with turquoise and topaz decoration

Victorian 9ct gold cased mechanical pencil, in original box

Victorian Gold Mechanical Pencil in Original Box

Victorian 9ct gold cased mechanical pencil, in original box

Antique mechanical pencils (two) as inspected, 9ct gold pencil…

Antique Mechanical Pencils - Gold and Gold Plated

Antique mechanical pencils (two) as inspected, 9ct gold pencil (purple glass end and turquoise) the other gold plated

9ct gold cased drop pencil hallmarked London 375, maker :…

Gold Drop Pencil by Sampson Mordan & Co

9ct gold cased drop pencil hallmarked London 375, maker : Sampson Mordan & Co

Vintage Sampson Mordan gold plated pencil maker's name marked…

Gold Plated Mechanical Pencil with Stone Inset Decoration

Vintage Sampson Mordan gold plated pencil maker's name marked to mechanical pencil, inset stone decoration to top.

A pencil, 'Life Long', 9ct yellow gold, circa 1930. In original…

1930 Life Long 9ct Gold Pencil in Original Box

A pencil, 'Life Long', 9ct yellow gold, circa 1930. In original box. Weight all in 14.2g.

A S Mordan & Co 9ct yellow gold propelling pencil with…

Gold Propelling Pencil with Bloodstone Intaglio

A S Mordan & Co 9ct yellow gold propelling pencil with bloodstone intaglio, length 8 cm (closed)

Victorian gold propelling pencil, with acanthus motifs and…

Victorian Gold Acanthus Propelling Pencil with Bloodstone Finial

Victorian gold propelling pencil, with acanthus motifs and bloodstone finial

A German Fendograph 9ct gold (tested) pencil, of triangular…

German Fendograph 9ct Gold Triangular Pencil

A German Fendograph 9ct gold (tested) pencil, of triangular form, engine turned body, 9.5 cm long, total weight 13gms

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) mechanical pencil, engine turned petite…

Gold Mechanical Pencil with Swizzle Stick Ball End

A 9ct gold (hallmarked) mechanical pencil, engine turned petite body, the ball end opening into 6 pronged swizzle stick, registration no. 765096, 9 cm long, 5.5gm

Vintage 14ct yellow gold retractable pencil, with bloodstone…

Vintage 14ct Gold Bloodstone Pencil

Vintage 14ct yellow gold retractable pencil, with bloodstone finial. Test confirms 14ct sleeve, with copper internal operating section, weight 12grams (total).

An early 20th century 9ct gold propelling pencil; guilloche…

Guilloche 9ct Gold Propelling Pencil, Early 20th Century

An early 20th century 9ct gold propelling pencil; guilloche handle extending to 100 mm. Wt. 13.9g.

An antique gold cased propelling pencil and toothpick, both…

Antique Gold Pencil and Toothpick with Purple Stones

An antique gold cased propelling pencil and toothpick, both with engraved detail set with foil backed purple stones, tooth pick extended length 55 mm, pencil with a ring of turquoise colour beads, extended length 52 mm.

9ct yellow gold propelling pencil, circa 1899, approx. 10.18…

1899 9ct Yellow Gold Propelling Pencil, 10.18g

9ct yellow gold propelling pencil, circa 1899, approx. 10.18 grams

9ct rose gold propelling tooth pick marked SJR Birmingham 1972.…

1972 SJR Rose Gold Toothpick - 2.7g

9ct rose gold propelling tooth pick marked SJR Birmingham 1972. Approx weight 2.7 grams

Vintage 9 carat yellow gold propelling pencil marked for…

Vintage 9ct Gold Propelling Pencil, Birmingham 1955, SJR Maker

Vintage 9 carat yellow gold propelling pencil marked for Birmingham circa 1955, date mark rubbed, maker SJR. Weight 18 grams

Two 9ct yellow gold propelling pencils, pink and orange finish.

Gold Propelling Pencils in Pink and Orange Finish

Two 9ct yellow gold propelling pencils, pink and orange finish.

Late Victorian 9ct gold fob pencil, engraved with acanthus…

Late Victorian 9ct gold fob pencil, engraved with acanthus motif and 'A.B 1899', total weight 6.21gm, length 4.5 cm compact, 8 cm extended

Two miniature telescopic pencils, one in 14ct yellow gold with…

Telescopic Pencils: Gold & Gemstone Miniatures

Two miniature telescopic pencils, one in 14ct yellow gold with a turquoise finial, the other in 9ct yellow gold with a agate seal, length 4.5 cm and 5 cm Wt 5.3 grams

A 14ct gold (tested) propelling pencil with cover, engraved…

Engraved 14ct Gold Propelling Pencil with Cover, 8.3g

A 14ct gold (tested) propelling pencil with cover, engraved body, 7 cm long, total weight 8.3 gms

9ct gold propelling pencil with citrine end

Citrine-tipped 9ct gold propelling pencil

9ct gold propelling pencil with citrine end

18ct gold Sampson Mordan retractable pencil, not marked but…

18ct Gold Sampson Mordan Retractable Pencil (Unmarked)

18ct gold Sampson Mordan retractable pencil, not marked but tests as 18ct gold

Two gold filled pencils and a pen, Mordan Everpoint, Wahl…

Vintage Gold Writing Set: Mordan, Wahl, and Parker

Two gold filled pencils and a pen, Mordan Everpoint, Wahl Eversharp and Parker

A gold propelling pencil, foliate design and machine turned…

9ct Gold Propelling Pencil with Carnelian Seal

A gold propelling pencil, foliate design and machine turned detail, carnelian seal; testing as 9ct gold. Weight 9.9g.