The pencil's date can be researched via information contained in the beautiful 2012 "KB Collection of Pencils" - specifically on page 18.  There, one finds that the mark “S. MORDAN’S” was used during one year only – 1824 – and, significantly, without a hallmark. This was during the transitional period between 1823 when Mordan entered his own “SM” mark at Goldsmith’s hall after buying out his co-patentee Hawkins, and April 1824 when he entered a new mark “SM-GR” as a result of his partnership with Gabriel Riddle. For this short period of a few months, Mordan was without a hallmark for his silver pencils, and he deployed the short-lived maker's mark of "S. MORDAN'S".  Thereafter, Mordan introduced stamps including words like "PATENTEES", "& CO." etc.

This particular pencil is in genuinely fine condition for its 202 years of age.  It does not have any substantial wear and tear, scoring or damage to the body or top.  The gemstone top is polished and clean, no cracks or damage, some inclusions.  The gemstone is either a grey citrine or a pale peridot in colour.  The top unscrews to access the lead storage compartment, which contains leads.  The body is slender and carries a clear-cut barleycorn pattern throughout.  The top of the barrel carries the stamp "S. MORDAN'S", no hallmark and no personalisations.  There is handling wear commensurate with age, and two imperfections:  one small split at the tip of the barrel out of which the lead propulsion mechanism slides (see photo) and the actual lead cone has some slight damage at its delicate tip (detail below).

The pencil tip slides out to reveal the early design of longer, more needle-like lead cone.  It is stamped "H" indicating the lead grade and size (H = 0.81mm, or Monument size 000).  The tip of the lead cone is worn with a couple of hairline splits, and this is visible under magnification (see photos).  However, what this means is that the pencil does take 0.7mm lead, which is commonly available (unlike 000 which is very rare). 

The pencil's lead propulsion system is working perfectly (see video) - the pin which propels the lead is strong and the mechanism is smooth (see photo).

I have tested and written with the pencil, and I am absolutely charmed by its form, function and balance.  It is an incredible piece of engineering and it works as though made yesterday.

Everything about the pencil works, with the sole caveat that the last quarter of the slide, to push to lead cone fully out, is very tight indeed.  It does come out (as shown in the photos), but it helps to use something grippy to pull it out (and thus not strain the slider) - I used rubber bands or a piece of bicycle inner tube.  I have cleaned and oiled everything as best as I can, and it may yield with more work.  Perhaps its fine condition indicates it has been barely used in its 200 years - and thus it has lost some of its youthful ease.

Dimensions (all approximate):

Length (open):  10.3cm

Length (closed):  8.2cm

Width (barrel):  0.4cm

Width (top):  0.7cm

Weight:  5.55g

Lead size:  officially "H" / "000" / 0.81mm, but takes 0.7mm

The pencil is supplied with plenty of lead to keep it working, and is boxed in a silk and velvet lined case.

I will send this piece of pencil history under Royal Mail special delivery in the UK.  Please note if you are buying from outside the UK, this pencil will be delivered by the eBay Global Shipping Programme, and it will take around 10 days to get to your door.