Pencils: Mechanical and Vintage Writing Instrument Collectibles
Collectible pencils include both vintage mechanical (propelling) pencils and notable graphite pencils from significant makers and historical periods. Mechanical pencils have been produced since the early 19th century, evolving from simple push-point designs to elaborate gold and silver retractable models. The collecting field encompasses everything from sterling Victorian pencils and Art Deco examples to mid-century advertising pencils and rare early patents.
History
The first mechanical pencil patent is attributed to Sampson Mordan and John Isaac Hawkins in England in 1822. Mordan became the preeminent maker of silver and gold mechanical pencils throughout the Victorian era. In America, the Wahl-Eversharp company revolutionized the market in 1915 with the Eversharp mechanical pencil. The mid-20th century saw pencils from Parker, Sheaffer, and Cross become standard business accessories.
Types and Categories
| Type | Description | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sampson Mordan silver/gold | English hallmarked precious metal pencils | 1822-1940s |
| Victorian novelty pencils | Figural, combination (with pen or seal), telescoping | 1840s-1900 |
| Wahl-Eversharp | American celluloid and metal mechanical pencils | 1915-1960s |
| Advertising pencils | Branded bullet or mechanical pencils, promotional items | 1920s-1970s |
| Art Deco mechanical | Geometric designs, enamel decoration | 1920s-1940s |
| Vintage graphite | Dixon, Faber-Castell, Eagle, in original boxes | 1880s-1960s |
Identification and Marks
- Sampson Mordan pencils bear "S. MORDAN & CO" and London hallmarks with date letters
- Wahl-Eversharp pencils marked on clip or barrel with maker name
- Victorian pencils in precious metals carry appropriate hallmarks (English, Continental)
- Patent numbers and dates help identify mechanism types and production periods
- Original boxes, particularly for graphite pencil sets, add significant value
- Celluloid pencils can be identified by barrel patterns (striped, marbled, woodgrain)
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Common advertising bullet pencil | $3-$15 |
| Wahl-Eversharp mechanical, standard | $20-$80 |
| Parker or Sheaffer mechanical, boxed | $30-$150 |
| Sampson Mordan silver pencil, plain | $50-$250 |
| Sampson Mordan figural or novelty | $200-$2,000+ |
| Victorian gold combination pencil/pen | $150-$800 |
| Box of vintage graphite pencils, unopened | $20-$200 |
| Art Deco enamel mechanical pencil | $50-$400 |
Condition Factors
- Mechanical pencils must have functioning mechanisms; jammed or broken internals reduce value substantially
- Enamel decoration should be intact; chips and losses are difficult to restore
- Silver and gold pencils should show appropriate hallmarks; polishing that removes marks is damaging
- Celluloid barrels may show discoloration, cracks, or warping
- Original clips, erasers under caps, and lead tubes add to completeness
- Advertising pencils should retain legible imprints
Collecting Tips
- Sampson Mordan pencils represent the premier collecting area, with figural designs commanding the highest prices
- Victorian combination pieces (pencil/pen/seal/ruler) are mechanically fascinating and display well
- Wahl-Eversharp celluloid pencils in unusual colors match well with pen collections
- Advertising pencils are an affordable niche; brewery, automotive, and tobacco brands are most collected
- Vintage graphite pencils in original display boxes appeal to both stationery enthusiasts and graphic designers
- Condition and completeness are more important than age; a pristine 1940s pencil outperforms a damaged 1880s one