Victorian 9k Calligraphy Pen and Pencil Circa 1830-40s

This Victorian mechanical pencil and dip pen is crafted in 9k yellow gold made by Sampson Mordan. It features an engine-turned outer barrel with a large jump-ring attached to allow it to be worn as a charm or pendant. Telescopic propelling pencil and dip pen are within. Stamped and makers mark of S.Mordan + Co.

Metal: 9k yellow gold – XRF tested

Weight: 18.40 grams

Measurements: Pendant length 7cm, case length 5.5cm, extended length 13.5cm

Era: Victorian Circa 1830-40s

Sampson Mordan who was born in 1790 and died in 1843, was a silversmith and a co-inventor of the first patented mechanical pencil. In 1822, Mordan and his co-inventor John Isaac Hawkins filed the first patent in Great Britain for a metal pencil with an internal mechanism for propelling the graphite “lead” shaft forward during use, as an improvement on the less complex lead holders. Mordan bought out Hawkins and entered into a business partnership with Gabriel Riddle, an established stationer. From 1823 to 1837, they manufactured and sold silver and gold mechanical pencils with the marking “SMGR”. After the partnership with Riddle dissolved, Mordan continued to sell his  pencils as S.Mordan & Co.