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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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 pencil rule, rare form combination pencil and…

Sterling silver pencil rule, rare form combination pencil and ruler with numerical cm and inch measures, hallmarked London 1963 'E.G. Xmas 1957' weight 45g, length 33 cm

Two boxed sets of sterling silver card players' retractable…

Asprey Sterling Silver Card Players' Pencils Set

Two boxed sets of sterling silver card players' retractable pencils by Asprey, late 20th century, an engine turned set and a white guilloche enamel set both with card suit symbols and in fitted boxes, retailed through Asprey & Co Ltd, London, the largest…

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

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

Two sterling silver propelling toothpick holders, engine turned…

Sterling Silver Engine Turned Toothpick Holders

Two sterling silver propelling toothpick holders, engine turned detail, length 4.5-5 cm

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 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 sterling silver propelling pencil, length 13 cm

13 cm Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil

A sterling silver propelling pencil, length 13 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, amethyst seal top propelling pencil,…

Filigree Amethyst Propelling Pencil

A sterling silver, amethyst seal top propelling pencil, filigree detail, column finial, length 9.5 cm

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

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

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

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 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 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 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

A Sampson Mordan & Co sterling silver pencil holder, c.1910,…

Sterling Silver Pencil Holder, c.1910

A Sampson Mordan & Co sterling silver pencil holder, c.1910, length 7.5 cm

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

1923 Sterling Silver Pencil Holder with Engine Turned Detail

A Sampson Mordan & Co, sterling silver pencil holder with push button, London, 1923, cross hatch engine turned detail, length 8.5 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

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

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

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 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

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

A Sampson Mordan & Co Everpoint sterling silver propelling…

Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil by Sampson Mordan & Co

A Sampson Mordan & Co Everpoint sterling silver propelling pencil, London, 1935, length 11 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 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

Vintage USA sterling silver Cisele propelling pencil

USA Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil with Cisele Design

Vintage USA sterling silver Cisele propelling pencil

Sterling silver propelling pencil, and fountain nip with…

Engraved Sterling Silver Pencil and Fountain Nib Set

Sterling silver propelling pencil, and fountain nip with engraved decorations, hallmarked, 'Sterling'

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

Antique yellow gold & a silver propelling pencils marked Wahl…

Antique Gold and Silver Propelling Pencils by Wahl Eversharp

Antique yellow gold & a silver propelling pencils marked Wahl Evershart 18k solid gold, Wahl Evershart sterling silver. Approx length 10 cm each, weight of gold item 19 total includes parts etc. 2

1920's Mummy Form silver mechanical pencil with gilded and…

Enamel-decorated Mummy Mechanical Pencil

1920's Mummy Form silver mechanical pencil with gilded and enamel decoration. Pull action to extend the pencil. Total length extended 12 cm, unextended 7 cm

1920's Mummy Form silver mechanical pencil with gilded and…

Silver Mummy Pencil with Gilded Enamel Decoration

1920's Mummy Form silver mechanical pencil with gilded and enamel decoration. Twist action from the feet. 9 cm in length.

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 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

A collection of antique propelling pencils, including…

Antique Silver Propelling Pencils with Gemstone Accents

A collection of antique propelling pencils, including bloodstone, carnelian and paste set in engraved silver.

Two antique gold propelling pencils, the cylindrical pencil…

Antique Gold Propelling Pencils, Fishscale & Crucifix Design

Two antique gold propelling pencils, the cylindrical pencil with fishscale design in two tone 14ct gold, signed Leroy Fairchild, together with a cylindrical pencil with crucifix in two colour 14ct gold and silver.

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…

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.

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

An S. Mordan & Co. sterling silver perpetual calendar…

S. Mordan & Co. Sterling Silver Perpetual Calendar Pencil

An S. Mordan & Co. sterling silver perpetual calendar propelling pencil with citrine finial, rotating day and dates with blue and green enamel detail and citrine finial, propelling stick lever missing, length 10 cm, wt 19 grams

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

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

Tiffany & Co. Enamel Telescopic Pencil in Silver Square Form

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

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.

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

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 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)

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.

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 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.

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 vintage Yard-O-Led hallmarked silver mechanical pencils,…

Vintage Yard-O-Led Silver Mechanical Pencils with Engine Turned Decoration

Two vintage Yard-O-Led hallmarked silver mechanical pencils, hexagonal and round, both with engine turned decoration, patent no. 422767, hallmarked JM & Co. London 1946 & 1947, total wt. 42.55g.

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

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

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 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.

Edwardian sterling silver stamp holder, hallmarked Birmingham,…

Edwardian Silver Stamp Holder with Ivory Slate and Pencil

Edwardian sterling silver stamp holder, hallmarked Birmingham, 1912, Wm (William Manton), on the form of an envelope with two pockets to the back, set with ivory slate and slide pencil, total weight 12gm, length 5 cm approximately

Vintage Mordan silver mechanical pencil, length 11 cm

Mordan Silver Mechanical Pencil - Vintage 11cm Length

Vintage Mordan silver mechanical pencil, length 11 cm

A Victorian silver notebook, which ivory leaves and propelling…

Victorian Silver Notebook with Ivory Leaves and Pencil

A Victorian silver notebook, which ivory leaves and propelling pencil. Marks rubbed. 8 x 5.5 cm.

A mechanical Egyptian mummy magic pencil, silver and enamel, 4…

Silver Enamel Egyptian Mummy Magic Pencil

A mechanical Egyptian mummy magic pencil, silver and enamel, 4 cm long, closed

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 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 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 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

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

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 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

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 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 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 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 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

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

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.

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)

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.

Sterling silver pencil holder Birmingham, Thomas Henry Vale…

1915 Birmingham Sterling Silver Pencil Holder by Thomas Vale

Sterling silver pencil holder Birmingham, Thomas Henry Vale 1915, length 8 cm, 6g (without pencil)

A Wahl Eversharp sterling silver retractable pencil

Sterling Silver Retractable Pencil by Wahl Eversharp

A Wahl Eversharp sterling silver retractable pencil

Sterling silver retractable pencil, full sized

Retractable Sterling Silver Pencil

Sterling silver retractable pencil, full sized

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