For dip pens listed without nibs, steel or brass nibs can be provided upon request without charge.
The items below are sorted by maker; click here to sort by date
Pencil lead links: order - sizes and sources
12862: Aikin Lambert magic pencil: sterling silver twist-pattern ringtop, 7.7 cm long closed, 13.25 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead; fully marked, metal crisp and clean, mechanism smooth and positive.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $265
12225: Aikin Lambert sheath pencil: sterling silver, 8.2 cm long, engraved "APOLLO CLUB", fully marked, suspension ring.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine • $65
15305: Aikin Lambert dip pen, pencil, and manicure set in box: a most unusual presentation set, all in sterling silver, the three pieces engraved "M.M.", "to", and "Maiza". The reversible dip pen carries a ventless gold #4 Aikin Lambert nib, while the pencil uses .075 inch lead and extends and retracts. Some small dings here and there (see details), faceted colored glass end stones. Pencil is 12 cm long, other two pieces are 9.3 cm long, closed.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $650
12335: American Pencil Co. No. 19 "Midget" dip pen: giant novelty pen, 29.5 cm long including nib, plated brass ferrule, usual cracquelure to swirled lacquer finish, nib has a bit of superficial rust but is overall quite clean, fragments of decal next to ferrule identify pen as souvenir from Lookout Mountain.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine semiflex • $105
15210: Brown & Bigelow dip pen: aluminum, 15.3 cm long excluding plated nib, an advertising item marked for the Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh. Brown & Bigelow were later known as the makers of the Redipoint mechanical pencil, but they had previously had a long history of making aluminum promotional items of all sorts. Crimp marks at the holder mouth may be from original manufacture.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine • $50
14327: Butler extending pencil: early slide-action, sterling silver, 9 cm long closed, 11.7 cm extended, bloodstone seal; nozzle marked "H", denoting 0.8 mm lead, characteristic form with steel tip insert.
DATE: c. 1840 • CONDITION: fine • $220
12247: Butler (?) dip pen and pencil combination: sterling silver, 9.8 cm long closed, full London hallmarks with strong date letter, maker's mark only partially visible, appears to be "TW" for Thomas Wise, Butler's partner and successor; rare with Bramah clamp holder for quill slips, pencil nozzle has been shortened, uses 1.05 mm "M" lead; engraved name "B. Stephens".
DATE: c. 1837 • CONDITION: VG* • $595
14569: Byers & Hayes Pencil-Quill: scarce and unusual black chased hard rubber lever-filler with triangular nib, over and underfeed; 13.1 cm long, gold filled trim, hard rubber is crisp and glossy with sharp imprints, clip can wiggle from side to side, which appears to be a function of the small size of the inner cap.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $275
14788: Collins (?) extending pencil: very early American production, unmarked as to metal content but by all appearances solid gold of relatively low karatage, 8.7 cm long closed, 11.1 cm extended, steel tip insert, bulbous crown characteristically early, uses 1.0 mm lead, "M. Collins" in tiny letters on shaft, could be either maker or owner. Scattered shallow dings, even wear to shaft, tiny spot of solder over slider pins.
DATE: c. 1840 • CONDITION: G • $225
7829: Conklin paper knife: laminated celluloid, 22.2 cm long, imprinted "COMPLIMENTS OF THE CONKLIN PEN CO."; side panels are the same distinctive mottled green used for Conklin pens, tip of blade has been chipped and smoothed.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $165
15302: Crown dip pen in box: unmarked gold filled holder, knobby branchiform mother of pearl taper, 14 cm long overall excluding ventless gold Crown #2 nib. Pen in excellent condition, but hinged box is rather rough, wood core has shrunk so will not close and latch. Crown was a Chicago company.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $150
12297: Edward Baker magic pencil: large 9K solid gold ringtop, 7.4 cm long closed, 13.5 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead; solid with real heft, weight 30 g.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $450
12702: Edward Baker ejector dip pen: sterling silver, London hallmarks worn but legible, 15.4 cm long excluding nib. The end of the taper is spring-loaded; when pushed, the nib is ejected. Plunger spring has taken a set, so plunger does not spring all the way back, slight bend to plunger, small seam split at end of taper (see detail), but all fully functional.
DATE: c. 1902 • CONDITION: fine* • $250
15794: Edward Todd dip pen: unmarked gold plated holder, shallow chevron pattern, unusual milk glass twisted taper, overall length 16.25 cm excluding ventless gold Edward Todd #3 nib. Holder plating mostly worn away, nib imprint is worn but mostly legible, appears to be early, nib is functionally excellent.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: extra-fine flex • $175
13629: Edward Todd telescoping ruler pencil: sterling silver ringtop, 11.3 cm long, square body ruled to 3 5/8 inches, extends to 32.5 cm to measure a full 12 inches; hand-engraved numbers, 1897 patent date, uses standard 2 mm thick lead. Early production, unusual size, only example we have handled that is three-draw, rather than two. Ringtop attachment appears to have been resoldered in the past (see detail).
DATE: c. 1898 • CONDITION: fine* • $350
15892: Edward Todd dip pen: unusual and striking sterling silver holder in fine ribbed pattern, 16.4 cm long, excluding #4-size Edward Todd ventless gold "B" nib. Maker's mark light but recognizable, imprinted model number 111. Holder is tight, condition is excellent but for polishing. Nib tip is very fine indeed, toothy on paper like a flexible steel calligraphy nib, nib may be rather earlier than the holder.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $285
12224: Fairchild magic pencil: unusual ringtop, 6.75 cm long closed, 11.8 cm extended, alternating rose gold filled and black celluloid ribbed rings; slight gap between end rings due to age shrinkage of celluloid, mechanism works smoothly and positively, uses 1.0 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $150
15796: Fairchild (?) retracting dip pen: rare twist-action model, 13.1 cm long retracted, clean and crisp gold filled engine turned barrel, unusually bold patterning; wooden taper is turned to extend and retract the nib. Repaired hairline crack in taper, bumps to nib holder, solid gold #4 nib is an E. S. Johnson (Fairchild and Johnson later merged). Unmarked, but we have had very similar Fairchild-marked examples.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $285
11957: Fairchild (?) magic pencil: unmarked gold filled ringtop of good size, 6.3 cm long closed, 12 cm extended, black lacquered bands and fluted center for a sculptural effect, attached badge for Delta Omega Sigma in low carat rose gold; uses standard 1.1 mm lead, mechanically perfect noting hairline crack in front cap (see detail).
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine* • $125
15833: Fisher dip pen: unmarked gold filled holder with removable wooden taper, 14.7 cm long excluding nib; unusual imprint of two crossed quills and letters standing for "Paragon Gold Quill-Pens", trademarked on Nov 11, 1873.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: extra-fine flex • $225
12588: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, fully marked, 16 cm long excluding plated nib, bold twist pattern, engraved initials, incipient stress cracks at hinge points on underside of holder, but no dings.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: VG* • $265
13672: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, 15.2 cm long, fully marked, model number 140, beautiful floral repoussé work; bumps to nib holder, overall surface roughness from chemical dip cleaning; ex-Tefft collection.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG • $165
13675: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, 15.25 cm long, fully marked, model number 140, beautiful floral repoussé work; initials on nib holder, minor roughness to front, some waviness to taper; ex-Tefft collection.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $200
14829: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, 15.2 cm long excluding plated nib; fully marked (design number 110), clean with well defined decorative panels.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $225
15885: Gorham dip pen: sterling silver, unusual variant twist pattern, 16 cm long excluding gold plated steel nib, fully marked including model number 17, scattered light marks, fine overall appearance, holds nibs securely despite small stress cracks to underpiece of holder (see detail).
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG* • $275
15790: Gorham dip pen: large with bold "pineapple" pattern, 16.1 cm long excluding plated nib; fully and strongly marked, unusual form, scattered shallow nicks around gripping area.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG • $295
15311: H. M. Smith dip pen in box: unmarked checkerboard pattern gold filled holder with celluloid taper, simulated ivory with real gold and silver inlay work on either side; 14.6 cm long overall excluding lovely long-tined #3 ventless gold nib -- a notably flexible and controllable writer. A couple of minor losses to the inlay, usual slight age warpage of the taper, excellent appearance.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine flex • $275
13460: Heath dip pen: sterling silver, 15.75 cm long excluding plated nib, fully marked, relief work is an interesting variant of the Waterman "Puritan" or "Patch", with larger patches of scrollwork and the areas separating those patches narrower and with a hand-hammered surface; crisp and details not softened by polishing, one nip towards end of taper (see details).
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $265
14821: Hicks figural pencil: gold filled ringtop, 5 cm long retracted, in the form of a cannon; back end turns to extend pencil, mechanism good, scattered dings, uses 1.4mm lead. Not marked, but known through identical marked examples. A scarce American-made novelty pencil.
DATE: c. 1885 • CONDITION: G • $225
13318: Hicks dip pen: sterling silver, 16.2 cm long excluding plated nib, acorn maker's mark, metal crisp with original manufacturing marks visible on the ferrule, excellent quality, nice girth; initials "C. L." engraved in cartouche.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $265
13928: Hicks magic pencil: rare oversize ringtop, 8.7 cm long closed, 15.3 cm extended, uses 2.5 mm lead, advances and retracts; no maker's marks but of distinctive construction, scattered pinprick dings, one larger bump and test mark on end (see details), mechanism works solidly and smoothly.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG • $245
14131: Hicks magic pencil: large sterling silver ringtop, hexagonal body, 7.8 cm long closed, 13.7 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead; acorn mark on front ferrule, scattered dings to periphery of end knob.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine • $205
13081: Hicks magic pencil: large smooth gold filled ringtop, 7.9 cm long closed, 14.4 cm extended, uses 2.5 mm lead, extends and retracts; interesting and elegant 1915-dated presentation inscription, maker's mark and "10K GOLD PLATE" imprint. Some small marks and dings to the end of the extending shaft, and to the ends of the barrel.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: fine • $195
15785: Hicks magic pencil: large, 14K gold filled, with sheath carrying suspension ring; 11.6 cm long extended, 7 cm retracted, uses .075 inch lead, propels and retracts; fully marked, mechanism works perfectly, no dents.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: exc • $195
11917: Hicks magic pencil: 10K gold filled, with swivel and ring suspension sheath; 11.4 cm long extended, 6.4 cm retracted, uses 1.7 mm lead, propels and retracts; pencil has a couple of shallow bumps, hard to photograph.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: fine • $120
14346: Jessap penner: portable brass writing compendium, 13.5 cm tall, Sheffield manufacture, marked "JES/SAP" on the bottom of the inkwell base; screw-off top to carry quills. This design was made from the 18th century up into the beginning of the 19th, making individual specimens difficult to date. Typical dings, tapering top has a hole in the side and a seam split at the base (see details).
DATE: c. 1800 • CONDITION: fair-G • $450
15838: John Holland dip pen in box: gold filled #3-size holder with twist-pattern mother of pearl taper, fully marked, 13.6 cm long excluding nib. Tiny hairline at mouth of holder (see detail) does not affect function, holds nib securely. Nib is imprinted "Wright & Spencer" -- the mark Holland used for their 10K gold nibs.
DATE: c. 1879 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $165
15734: John Sheldon dip pen and pencil compendium in box: scarce and desirable Birmingham-made combination dip pen, pencil, coin gauge, toothpick, wax seal, and letter scale (British weights and rates, ounces and pence), 10.3 cm long closed, nickel silver, clean condition noting "SHELDON" imprint nearly polished away, though February 1842 patent date stamp strong and clear.
DATE: c. 1845 • CONDITION: fine • $600
14238: Leech Brothers porte crayon: short sterling silver ringtop, coarse barleycorn pattern, 5.6 cm long, Birmingham hallmarks.
DATE: 1888-89 • CONDITION: fine • $65
13449: Mabie Todd desk pencil: sterling silver, pearl taper, 14.6 cm long, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $120
15800: Mabie Todd dip pen: noteworthy large and crisply engraved sterling silver holder, 16 cm long excluding #5 Mabie Todd ventless gold nib; rare to find engraving so sharp and pristine, ferrule is marked "STERLING" with the Mabie Todd "M" cartouche, nib is very springy and easy flexing.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: extra-fine flex • $385
15893: Mabie Todd desk pencil: sterling silver cable twist pattern, 14.6 cm long, pearl taper, mechanism propels and retracts lead, can use 2.0 mm lead though original lead slightly thinner (.076"). Partial seal split in taper socket, does not affect function (see detail).
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • $120
15841: Mabie Todd dip pen and pencil set: sterling silver and gold filled two-tone twist pattern with pearl taper, 11.7 cm long excluding #4 Mabie Todd ventless gold nib; matching desk pencil accepts standard 2.0 mm lead though originally designed for .076".
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $425
15884: Mabie Todd dip pen: sterling silver twist pattern with pearl taper, 12.1 cm long excluding #4-size Mabie Todd ventless 313 gold nib; this mid-length model was often sold as a set with a matching desk pencil, with the pen sometimes equipped with an internal lead storage compartment.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $275
15793: Mabie Todd (?) dip pen: sterling silver, 16.1 cm long excluding plated nib, scrolling deep fluted twist relief pattern, excellent quality, marked only "STERLING" but in same distinctive serif typeface used by Mabie Todd.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine • $250
14960: Miller Brothers scraper: 12.4 cm long eraser knife, bone handle has crack but is functionally sound; American-made, in Meriden, Connecticut.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: G* • $60
14412: Mordan combination dip pen and pencil: sterling silver, 9.5 cm long retracted, unusual hexagonal with plain smooth finish, clean with no dings, elegant baluster finial with round bloodstone seal; marked "S. MORDAN & CO.", pencil uses "VS" 1.5 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine • $225
15266: Mordan novelty pencil: silver figural magic pencil, using a genuine early 18th-century Dutch needle case; 9.2 cm long closed, 13.1 cm long extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead. Mechanism in good working order, tiny and almost invisible stress line at very mouth of nozzle, needle case shows independent level of wear including minor dings and a repaired crack (see details).
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: * • $425
14413: Mordan combination dip pen and pencil: sterling silver, 9.1 cm long fully retracted, hexagonal with fine barleycorn engine turning, pattern worn on sliders but good on shaft, marked "S. MORDAN & CO.", engraved "S. H. Pettitt 1879"; pencil nozzle marked "VS", uses 1.5 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1879 • CONDITION: VG • $225
14376: Mordan retracting dip pen and pencil combination: reeded solid gold, 9.1 cm long retracted, pencil nozzle uses "VS' lead; weight is 12.5 grams.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $375
15604: Mordan writing compendium: sterling silver, barleycorn pattern, 7.55 cm long closed, sliders extend dip pen, pencil, and silver paper knife. Pencil nozzle takes 1.5 mm VS lead, maker's mark on knife blade, an unusual form in notably clean condition.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $695
15603: Mordan three-color pencil: unusually large sterling silver ringtop, 10.2 cm long retracted, 11.9 cm extended, some minor bruises to colored enamel on sliders, nozzles marked "W", use 2.0 mm lead. Only blue nozzle propels lead properly, other two need attention to internal mechanisms. Overall condition otherwise fine or better.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: VG* • $465
15605: Mordan three-color pencil: large sterling silver twist-pattern ringtop, 7.15 cm long closed, 9.4 cm extended. Most unusually, the maker's mark is placed under the red transparent enamel of one of the color-coded sliders. Nozzles marked "W", take 2.0 mm lead. One small ding towards the front of the barrel (see detail).
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine • $450
14237: Mordan porte crayon: long sterling silver ringtop, coarse barleycorn pattern, 9.6 cm long.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $150
15263: Mordan desk pencil: sterling silver, cable twist pattern, 15.4 cm long, fully marked, a couple of pinhead bumps at the end; uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine • $245
15791: Mordan dip pen and pencil set in box: sterling silver, cable twist pattern with smooth baluster finial tapers, pen is 18 cm long, takes standard nibs, pencil is 19 cm long, uses 1.5 mm VS lead. Both pieces fully marked, pen holder has additional fine twisted wire ornamentation. Box marked with retailer name of Howell and James of London.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • $595
14418: Mordan pencil: sterling silver, 9 cm long retracted, large reeded body, plain trim, bloodstone seal, fully marked with London hallmarks for 1894-95; nozzle is for "VS" lead, has tool marks and dents, propelling mechanism not functioning.
DATE: 1894-95 • CONDITION: VG* • $95
14416: Mordan pencil: sterling silver, 9.2 cm long retracted, reeded barrel, unusually large and hefty (just under 29 g) and crisply preserved, proportionately large nozzle uses "VS" 1.5 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1898 • CONDITION: exc • $265
14233: Mordan porte crayon: sterling silver ringtop, bold cable twist pattern, 8.3 cm long, fully marked, London hallmarks.
DATE: 1901-02 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $120
12105: Mordan Ejector dip pen set in box: patent dip pen in solid 9K rose gold, 15.3 cm long, ferrule body slides forward to eject a used nib without soiling the fingers; matching pencil uses 1.5mm "VS" lead, both engraved with monograms, but oddly the pencil bears "JRB" and the pen, "JEB". Box will not close fully, latch needs attention.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: exc • $575
14234: Mordan porte crayon: smooth 9K solid gold ringtop, 5.8 cm long, full London hallmarks, weighs 9.1 grams.
DATE: 1908-09 • CONDITION: fine • $165
14235: Mordan porte crayon: 9K solid gold fluted ringtop, 8.4 cm long, full London hallmarks, weighs 12 grams.
DATE: 1918-19 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $225
14858: Mordan (?) pencil bracelet: sterling silver, pencil is 4.2 cm long retracted, twist-action to extend nozzle, uses 1 mm lead, bracelet is 6.1 cm across. Unmarked, but very similar Mordan-marked examples are known.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $450
15894: Murat magic pencil: silver and rose gold filled ringtop, French manufacture, 5.6 cm long closed, 10.5 cm open, twist pattern with applied floral decoration, uses 1.75 mm (.069") lead. Scattered small bumps, attractive and unusual, mechanism in good working order, marked "C.M." for Charles Murat.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG • SOLD
14771: Mycock penner: classic Sheffield brass writing compendium, 11.1 cm high, engraved with initials "R E"; some chips to mouth of ceramic inkwell insert, brass has old repair to split on base. This design was produced unchanged for decades, through the 18th century up into the beginning of the 19th, with examples in use in the Americas in the Revolutionary War era.
DATE: c. 1800 • CONDITION: G • $465
15846: Parkin & Marshall quill knife: classic English design, 17.3 cm long with wooden handle, impressed with the mark of Her Majesty's Stationery Office and also bearing scratched marks added by past users; blade is sound and sharp, part of original molded cardboard case included.
DATE: c. 1860 • CONDITION: VG • $120
15653: Perry magic pencil in box: sterling silver, 8.25 cm long closed,13.3 cm extended, fully marked "PERRY & CO. PATENT" with hallmarks for Birmingham, date letter for 1891/2. Deep yellow faceted seal stone, mechanism works smoothly, both propels and retracts lead, size is 1.5 mm.
DATE: c. 1891 • CONDITION: exc • $250
15873: Tiffany retracting dip pen and pencil combination: large gold filled holder, marked only with patent date of Feb 19, 1867 for US62227, assigned to Hicks, 8.4 cm long closed, 13.8 cm extended excluding #6 ventless gold Tiffany-marked nib. Taper is pulled to extend, twisted to extend pencil nozzle, uses 1.5 mm lead. The Hicks-Tiffany connection was long, continuing well into the 1900s.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $600
15792: Tiffany dip pen: beautiful sterling silver holder, 16.7 cm long excluding nib, with finely-chased floral repousse decoration with acanthus-bordered rings; fully marked, top-quality work, not to be confused with run-of-the-mill Tiffany-marked pens made by lesser subcontractors. Nib is gold, an excellent Edward Todd #4 with great flexibility.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $1100
14405: Tiffany magic pencil: large sterling silver ringtop, hexagonal body, 7.8 cm long closed, 13.7 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead, made by Hicks for Tiffany, and nearly identical to our item 14131. Presentation inscription from Commonwealth Insurance Company with dates of 1886 and 1911. Test mark on shaft, dings to nozzle.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: VG* • $265
10944: Tiffany magic pencil: large hexagonal sterling silver ringtop, 13.8 cm long extended, 7.9 cm retracted, interesting 1911 presentation inscription with engravings of a thistle and roses; uses 1.5 mm (VS) lead.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $325
12327: Unger Brothers dip pen: sterling silver, Art Nouveau grotesque mask design in high relief, 16.2 cm long excluding nib; highly desirable model from a premier American maker, fully marked, ferrule heavily dinged with split on one side (see details), but still fully functional; listed as model #7744 in Unger Brothers' catalog of 1904.
DATE: c. 1904 • CONDITION: G-VG* • $985
15748: Unger Brothers dip pen: sterling silver "Love's Dream" design in high relief, 16.7 cm long excluding brass nib; highly desirable model from a premier American maker. Shallow dents on ends, fully marked.
DATE: c. 1904 • CONDITION: G-VG • $985
15831: unmarked dip pen: sterling silver with Bramah clamp quill nib holder, London hallmark with date code for 1823-4; extremely refined workmanship, 16.1 cm long excluding quill slip, finely and elaboratedly engine turned with a notably refined finial. Surfaces are crisp with almost no signs of wear, extraordinary for a functional item of this age.
DATE: c. 1823 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $650
15331: unmarked extending pencil: gold filled, excellent quality, characteristically American with a steel-tipped nozzle and a square-section barrel with fluted angles; 8.85 cm long retracted, 11.45 cm extended, uses standard 1.1 mm lead, round carnelian seal stone. Engine turning panels are clean, wear concentrated on high points of fitting bands.
DATE: c. 1850 • CONDITION: VG • $125
13954: unmarked extending pencil: 8.5 cm long closed, 11.1 cm extended, uses 1.0 - 1.05 mm lead; construction appears to combine gold filled and solid gold components, typically American nozzle with inset steel tip. Some scratches to sides of nozzle body, crack and missing material at front of slider slot (see detail), faceted yellow end stone.
DATE: c. 1850 • CONDITION: VG* • $80
15306: unmarked extending pencil: slender gold filled American slide-action, 7.3 cm long closed, 9.7 cm extended, uses 1.0 mm lead; purple glass end, excellent quality and fully functional but wear commensurate with age, one slider pin missing, spot of solder on side of nozzle (see detail).
DATE: c. 1860 • CONDITION: VG* • $65
10656: unmarked extending pencil: slender, 8.1 cm long, 10.3 cm extended, yellow seal stone has chip on rim, metal crisp, noting short area of seam opening at front of slider slot; nozzle marked for "H" lead, appears to be English manufacture though not hallmarked, and of solid gold with no sign of wear-through.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine* • $65
15166: unmarked extending pencil: sterling silver12.2 cm long extended, 9.4 cm retracted, French hallmarks, excellent quality with plain unengraved rectangular seal end. Nozzle unmarked, unusual propelling pin with socket end holds 1.0 to 1.1 mm lead for both extending and retracting action (may be an added feature, as the nozzle end opening is larger, around 1.4 mm.
DATE: c. 1870 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $150
15313: unmarked dip pen and pencil set: sterling silver, barleycorn pattern, clamp-action pen uses a sliding collar, 15.5 cm long excluding plated nib, desk pencil uses 1/16 inch l(1.55 mm) lead; by all appearances of English manufacture and of excellent quality, with the unusual feature of the engine turned patterning applied to the ends as well.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: exc • $650
11815: unmarked magic pencil: a rare and desirable American-made ringtop figural novelty pencil in the form of an owl, 3.3 cm long retracted, 6.1 cm extended, gold filled trim, lapis blue celluloid body, red (ruby?) eyes; excellent detail and workmanship, probably Fairchild or Aikin Lambert, uses standard 1.1 mm lead. Action is a bit sticky but mechanism fully functional, usual age shrinkage to body has led to the side seam opening on one side and partially opening on the other (see details).
DATE: c. 1885 • CONDITION: VG* • $565
12230: unmarked magic pencil: gold filled ringtop, hexagonal red and white marbled celluloid barrel, 4.75 cm long closed, 9.2 cm extended, uses 1.05 mm lead; usual seam openings to celluloid from age shrinkage, otherwise good clean condition.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG • $80
14397: unmarked combination dip pen and pencil: sterling silver, 9.5 cm long closed, hexagonal body with hand engraved scrolling decoration, shield-shaped bloodstone seal, high quality English manufacture, nozzle uses "VS" lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $225
11991: unmarked desk pencil: long and elegant, gold filled trim with twist pattern black hard rubber barrel sleeve, 15.1 cm long, propels and retracts, uses 2.65 mm lead (lead clutch could be squeezed slightly to allow use of more readily available 2.5 mm lead).
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG • $95
15262: unmarked dip pen and pencil set: sterling silver, cable twist pattern, pen is 16.6 cm long excluding plated nib, desk pencil uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead; English manufacture, excellent quality, possibly Mordan; condition excellent but for tool marks to pencil nozzle.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $425
15332: unmarked extending pencil: gold filled ringtop, twisted fluting and scroll pattern, 7.45 cm long closed, 9.85 cm extended, American manufacture, front of barrel is turned to extend nozzle; uses 1.5 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $80
11943: unmarked pencil: slender, barleycorn pattern with what appear to be traces of gilding (material appears to be solid silver and not plate), 9.3 cm long, uses 1.4 mm lead, probably American.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • $70
11202: unmarked dip pen: sterling silver, American manufacture, marked only "STERLING"; bold twist decoration of fine quality, 15.5 cm long excluding plated steel nib.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $160
14851: unmarked dip pen: sterling silver, 17.8 cm long excluding plated nib, American made, some denting and damage to underside of ferrule (see details), but fully functional, scrollwork of body is unusually richly engraved with wavelike patterning.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG* • $120
15046: unmarked pen wiper: round base, 7.7 cm (3 inches) in diameter, acanthus molding decoration, bronze finish, heavily weighted, bristles in fine condition, small stress crack on top side (see detail).
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • $95
13678: unmarked dip pens: sterling silver, beaded decoration, marked only "STERLING"; sold as a pair, though it is noteworthy that even these seemingly identical holders differ slightly, an indication of the hand work still required to finish die-stamped components (one is 16.2 cm long, the other 16.1). These appear to be new old stock, evenly tarnished, with a few very shallow storage bumps.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc • $250
15237: unmarked magic pencil: sterling silver with suspension sheath, 5.6 cm long closed, 8.5 cm extended; marked only "STERLING", beautiful floral relief work, accepts standard 1.1 mm lead. Mechanism works smoothly, only one tiny pinprick mark on end knob.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc • $150
11024: unmarked pencil and pencil topper: small sterling silver ringtop, uses standard 2 mm lead, 6.6 cm long, with similarly marked silver topper for a wooden pencil -- chased sleeve slides up to hide eraser, has some roughness and a small split at the top edge (see details). Both pieces probably New York manufacture.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $65
14845: unmarked dip pen: black hard rubber holder, 17 cm long excluding plated nib, ribbed gripping section, flattened letter-opener taper with interesting advertising imprint for the Leviseur and Conway Leather company of Boston.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: fine • $85
14469: unmarked magic pencil: sterling silver ringtop, 6.1 cm long closed, 10.8 cm extended, uses 1.5 mm lead, propels and retracts; beautiful relief work with ribbons and inverted torches around an oval cartouche, appears to be French manufacture, excellent quality, one small bump at front end.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $165
14769: unmarked dip pen, pencil, and stamp compendium: nickel-plated brass, 11.7 cm long closed, clamp-style pencil nozzle takes standard 2 mm lead; reversing rubber stamp in end is self-inking..
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG • $120
15395: unmarked dip pen, pencil, and stamp compendium: nickel-plated brass, 11.1 cm long closed, made in Germany, clamp-style pencil nozzle takes standard 2 mm lead; self-inking reversing rubber stamp in end is spring-loaded.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG • $80
15763: unmarked magic pencil: solid 14K yellow gold, with chatelaine suspension sheath with ringtop, 6.9 cm long overall including bale fitting but not the attached ring, pencil alone is 6.2 cm long closed, 11.1 cm extended, uses standard 1.1 mm lead. No dings or test marks, marked only "14K", engraved monogram on end bulb; overall weight excluding interior mechanism is 12g.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $495
15769: unmarked dip pen: copper-plated brass holder in the shape of a quill, 23.5 cm long excluding steel nib, engraved "Ausstellung Mannheim.1907/Louis Markert". The Mannheim exhibition of 1907 was devoted to art and horticulture.
DATE: c. 1907 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $120
15045: unmarked pen wiper: gold plated finish, 6.7 cm (2 5/8 inches) square at base, bristles worn but usable, name scratched on bottom along with "Xmas '09".
DATE: c. 1909 • CONDITION: VG • $75
14457: unmarked writing set in box: German-made, comprising a dip pen, letter opener, pencil, and seal, all in what appears to be casein-based plastic, salmon and black. Box is 21.7 cm wide, dip pen is 13.8 cm long excluding nib. Some loss to the leatherette on the upper front part of the box, otherwise showing no signs of use.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $95
14189: unmarked mummy pencil: unusually small figural magic pencil, gold plated with multicolored enamel, 3 cm long retracted, top ring, fine working order, uses standard 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $195
14188: unmarked mummy and obelisk magic pencils: silver (?) with multicolored enamel, mummy is 6.1 cm long closed, obelisk 6 cm; mechanisms work smoothly, traces of gold wash visible on mummy. These are larger than typical examples, especially the obelisk. Mummy uses 1.5 to 1.7 mm lead, obelisk 1.1 mm.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $495
15231: unmarked mummy pencil: silver figural with multicolored enamel, 5.3 cm long retracted; mechanism works smoothly, screw-in nozzle tip is missing but works fine with standard 2 mm lead inserted. Scattered losses to enamel, fine overall appearance.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: VG* • $225
14856: unmarked magic pencil: small figural novelty ringtop in the form of an Egyptian obelisk, blue enamel decoration on what appears to be gold-plated silver; 3.8 cm long closed, 6.4 cm extended, German made, uses standard 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $150
15886: unmarked dip pen: large and chunky holder, 15.6 cm long excluding gold plated steel nib; beautiful blue and gold pearl material appears to be casein-based, and probably of French origin.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc • $95
15717: unmarked dip pen: beautiful tortoiseshell pattern celluloid, hollow construction adds to the translucence of the material, 13.1 cm long excluding gold-plated nib, probably European production.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc • $125
