Sampson Mordan silver triple colour propelling pencil, heavy and enamelled. 

A rare item in overall very good condition, no damage or dents.  This is a silver Sampson Mordan Co. triple colour propelling pencil, stamped with the manufacturer's name.  Not hallmarked, but based on its age (late 1800s) it will have been made from solid silver.  

Carries 3 silver sliding rings, enamelled with the colour of their lead, which slide down the barrel to reveal their propelling end.  They then propel the lead with a manual turn of the tip.  Repelled by rewinding and pressing the proud lead back in to the barrel. Model 335a according to the Sampson Mordan catalogue 1898.

Has no personalised engravings.

Both red and blue propelling mechanisms are working perfectly.  Black is free spinning and has a loose propelling pin in place - a repair for a connoisseur.  However, lead can still be seated in the lead cone for the Black as shown in the photographs, and thus it can be used normally, it simply cannot be propelled.  All three lead mechanisms contain the correct lead and I will include a bundle of 2mm spares with the pencil.

Silver and enamel both in very good condition - this pencil probably dates back to c1880s, so there is some age-related wear.  However, there are no dents, gouges or damage along the barrel body and the rings all slide smoothly and tightly.  There is one small ding to the end through which the lead dispensers protrude (see photo).  The blue enamel has undergone a good quality historical repair to a section, colours match very well - I have dazzled light on it in the photograph to make it show, however in normal light it is a great match of colour and barely detectable.

Marked with "W" at lead dispenser, which equals 2mm leads.  

Dimensions (all approximate):  

• Weight = 33.6g;  
  
• Length (not including ring at end) = 9.6cm
• Length (including ring at end) = 11.0cm  
• Diameter at lead dispensing end = 1.2cm
• Width of silver sliding rings = 0.9cm
• Width of enamel bands = 0.4mm.
  

Box is silk and velvet lined and is showing more signs of age-related wear than the pencil, both inside and out (missing some decor on the base and side).  However the hinges and clip-closure are working perfectly.