Victorian Novelty Silver Police Bullseye Lantern Telescopic Propelling Pencil

Sampson Mordan & Co c1873
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An extremely rare and large Victorian novelty silver 3-drawer telescopic Propelling Pencil, made in the form of Policeman's Bullseye Lantern. The hinged peaked cover opening to reveal a lead reservoir. The body with a circular domed glass magnifying lens with three foiled coloured backgrounds (red, green and clear) changed by rotating the top section. Two moveable oval handles and attached suspension ring. The large 3 drawer telescopic pencil pulling out from the base.

Almost certainly made by Sampson Mordan & Co for Thornhills c1873.

Stamped THORNHILL and engraved with diamond registration mark for the 23rd May 1873.

This is the larger and rarer of the two sizes of this pencil known. This one complete with lead reservoir and rotating body unlike the smaller version which has a fixed body and no lead reservoir.

See: The KB Collection of Pencils by Kenneth Bull, page 189.

122 mm open.
50 mm closed.

Sold - £2,350.00

Condition
In good condition with no damage or repair and in good working order. The interior coloured backgrounds unfortunately now faded.
Weight
52.00 Grams (1.67 troy ounces)
Country
England
Stock Code
EBPP100612A
Medium
Silver
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