The pencil can be dated between 1848 and 1890 due to the style of stamp of the W.S. Hicks name on the pencil - prior to 1848, Hicks was in a partnership and had a different stamp, and from 1890, the company went to his son on Hicks' death, and became "Wm. S. Hicks and Sons".  So we can be confident that this is a 19th century pencil, and thus is over 125 years old.

The design is enchanting even today - the "magic" pencil works by telescopically extended from both ends when pulled open, virtually doubling its length.  It thus goes from a discrete, jewellery-like item to a fully functioning mechanical pencil in one motion - it still has its "wow" factor.

The pencil is in a beautiful diamond-ridged pattern along the main barrel, and has a vacant cartouche, plus a panel stamped "SOLID GOLD".  When telescoped open, the upper barrel shows a light-catching milleraies pattern and a discrete panel stamped "W. S. HICKS".  The finial at the top is a foliate engraved crown, with a suspension ring and an oval loop.  At the other end, the lead propulsion mechanical extends and is in excellent condition, fully working with a twist to propel the lead.

The pencil is in overall very good condition, clean and bright and the "magic" telescopic mechanism works perfectly.  Some age related handling wear is visible under magnification.  There is one dent towards the lead-propulsion end of the main barrel.  This means that the pencil does not fully retract when telescoped back to its smallest size - it misses the full closure by just over 1mm.  See photos and video for close-ups and seeing the pencil in action.

Also included is a Wm S Hicks box of leads, dated from 1902, so it is definitely more recent than the pencil.  It contains 12 pieces of lead for the pencil, which will keep it going for a very long time.

The pencil is cased in a velvet and silk lined clip-case, which is in good condition, some age-related wear to the exterior, but working perfectly.

Dimensions (all approximate):

Length (closed):  4.5cm (not including suspension rings), 5.4cm including suspension rings

Length (open):  7.9cm (not including suspension rings), 8.8cm including suspension rings

Width (barrel):  0.6cm

Width (crown top):  0.75cm

Weight:  7.0g

I will send this beautiful item very carefully packaged under fully tracked and signed-for Royal Mail delivery in the UK.  Please note if you are buying from outside the UK, this pencil will be delivered using the eBay Global Shipping Programme and it will take around 10 days to get to your door.