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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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 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 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…

Asprey of London, two boxed sets of silver and enamel bridge…

Silver and Enamel Bridge Pencils Set by Asprey

Asprey of London, two boxed sets of silver and enamel bridge pencils. Individually hallmarked and presented in original fitted box

A late-Victorian silver letter opener/with propelling pencil;…

Victorian Silver Letter Opener with Pencil

A late-Victorian silver letter opener/with propelling pencil; Sampson Mordan & Co., London 1898. Length 18 cm. (fitted case)

Two Victorian sterling silver propelling pencils and pen,…

Victorian Sterling Silver Pencils and Pen Set

Two Victorian sterling silver propelling pencils and pen, foliate and Corinthian column design and stone set. One fully marked with Sampson & Mordan marks Victorian, 40g (2)

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

Sterling silver bridge pencils engraved to the ends with a…

Engraved Sterling Silver Bridge Pencils in Velvet Case

Sterling silver bridge pencils engraved to the ends with a heart, diamond, spade & club, marked 'Sterling silver' & set in a red velvet lined case, length of each 8.7 cm, weight not including lead 25g

A cased set of four sterling silver bridge pencils

Sterling Silver Bridge Pencils Set

A cased set of four sterling silver bridge pencils

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

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

Pencil/extending Rule. Sterling silver Birmingham 1902

1902 Sterling Silver Extending Rule

Pencil/extending Rule. Sterling silver Birmingham 1902

Sterling silver bridge pencils engraved to the ends with a…

Silver Bridge Pencils with Engraved Symbols in Case

Sterling silver bridge pencils engraved to the ends with a heart, diamond, spade & club, marked 'Sterling silver' & set in a red velvet lined case. Condition: good, all in working order. Length of each 8.7 cm. Weight not including lead 25g

Elizabeth II boxed sterling silver bridge pencils, hallmarked…

Elizabeth II Sterling Silver Bridge Pencils

Elizabeth II boxed sterling silver bridge pencils, hallmarked Birmingham 1969, maker William Manton

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

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

English sterling silver, London 1957 - ruler (both inches and…

Sterling Silver Ruler and Pencil, London 1957

English sterling silver, London 1957 - ruler (both inches and metric) and propelling pencil

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.

Sterling silver chatelaine notebook & pencil, Birmingham 1911

1911 Birmingham Sterling Silver Chatelaine Notebook & Pencil

Sterling silver chatelaine notebook & pencil, Birmingham 1911

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 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

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

Vintage USA sterling silver Cisele propelling pencil

USA Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil with Cisele Design

Vintage USA sterling silver Cisele propelling pencil

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 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.

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)

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'

S. Mordan sterling silver retractable pencil hallmarked Chester,…

Sterling Silver Retractable Pencil by S. Mordan & Co

S. Mordan sterling silver retractable pencil hallmarked Chester,stamped S. Mordan & Co, H. Brs, 9.4 cm long approx

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

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

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 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

Hallmarked sterling silver pencil, S. Mordan & Co London…

Engraved Sterling Silver Pencil with Family Crest

Hallmarked sterling silver pencil, S. Mordan & Co London 1919-20, engraved with a family crest

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

A silver Tiffany & Co pencil, comes with Tiffany & Co pouch.

Tiffany & Co Silver Pencil with Pouch

A silver Tiffany & Co pencil, comes with Tiffany & Co pouch.

Two silver pencils, late 19th century.

Late 19th Century Silver Pencils

Two silver pencils, late 19th century.

Two sterling silver pencils, Samson Mordan, circa 1880.

Sterling Silver Pencils by Samson Mordan, 1880

Two sterling silver pencils, Samson Mordan, circa 1880.

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

Silver pencil with jewelled end

Jewelled Silver Pencil

Silver pencil with jewelled end

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 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…

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 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 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.

S. Mordan & Co, silver mechanical pencil,

Silver Mechanical Pencil by S. Mordan & Co

S. Mordan & Co, silver mechanical pencil,

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

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.

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

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 sterling silver antique style pencil. Weight: 14.5g

Antique Sterling Silver Pencil - 14.5g

A sterling silver antique style pencil. Weight: 14.5g

Sterling silver 1937 coronation pencil with enamel top

Enamel-topped Sterling Silver 1937 Coronation Pencil

Sterling silver 1937 coronation pencil with enamel top

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

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

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 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…

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

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

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 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

Silver Egyptian pencil holder,

Egyptian Silver Pencil Holder

Silver Egyptian pencil holder,

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

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

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

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

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