This Odd Little Gadget Turned Out to Be a Piece of Victorian Genius
October 21, 2025
Source: Reddit
To hold an antique is a uniquely fascinating experience… To speculate as to its history, is again one of those joys which more than one of us has experienced in the family heirlooms. A recent instance of this came to light owing to the fact that a little thin piece of metal. It was discovered in an old family house, wrought in form of a Mordan propelling pencil, having a top of red gem-like colour, screw parts of a most elaborate description—what it was, nobody could imagine, till it was patently a S. Mordan & Co.’s propelling pencil. There was a renaissance of back of Victorian ingenuity in these trappings.
What is a Propelling Pencil?
Long before the present-day disposable mechanical pencils were in existence… Long before the present day soft lead was invented… The Victorians found another and much better means of effecting the desired marvel by the use of a propelling pencil. The virtue of this pencil was the fact that the user was able to “propel” the lead forward to the extent necessary by the aid of internal machinery… We therefore get its name.
This pencil was much sought after, not to say sought out. It was not only the question of use that was of primary importance. But it was of the utmost necessity that it was also beautiful. Most of these pencils so made were in silver and the more costly ones even in solid gold, with the elite of brass and other undertones, all being finished with many elaborate and exquisite details. The one found in the old abode proved to be a fine specimen of beauty at least, being made by S. Mordan & Co., a household word in the days of long ago, when the name was synonymous of beautiful and luxurious writing implements. The Mordan propelling pencil was a status symbol of that era.
A Brief History of S. Mordan & Co
The history of the firm was briefly this: Sampson Mordan, a well known British inventor of repute, was the inventor who combined with his partner John Isaac Hawkins, the first mechanical pencil patented in this country in the year 1822. The two partners thereupon acted together until Mordan bought out Hawkins and set on foot his firm. S. Mordan & Co. began producing some of the finest engineered pens of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They were not simply tools, they were the symbols of social prestige. Made in sterling silver or gold and engraved or set with semi-precious stones, these pens were the gift, treasuring and handing them down from parent to child. One notable creation was the Mordan propelling pencil which exemplified their craftsmanship.
Identifying Marks and Design Features
The marks and features which denote that the pens are genuine S. Mordan & Co. pens are:
- The engraving or hallmark… Which is generally found on the shaft or nib. Denoting his name as maker and also the quality of the metal.
- The screw top mechanism… Which generally is that part having the red “gem,” and which can be unscrewed for the purpose of locking in new lead.
- The ring for attachment… Many being made for attachment to a chain or chatelaine, particularly those made for the use of women.
- The slide or twist action… The internal mechanisms perhaps varying, but generally of the same nature by turning or pushing to force out the lead.
- The pens have this fascination for they are not only a convenience, but amongst the best manufactured. Many still work today, in the purpose for which they were made, after the lapse of over a century. The Mordan propelling pencil remains a remarkable example of this legacy.
A Glance in the Past
Picture a man in the late 1800’s, carrying about with him this slender pencil in his waist coat pocket or hung by chain. It was not simply a tool but an integral part of his whole daily life. With which he had to do, with health given who did but the desires occasioned him by his worthy possession. It was carried about with pride and used with care.
The pencil acted also as a piece of jewelry. To some the novelty shape was given, in forms of animals, bullets, or parasols which render it one of the most delightful objects to collect in the present day.
Why They are Treasured To-day
The S. Mordan & Co. pencil has now become one of the keenly-sought collectors’ items for lovers of antiques. Particularly those who have a measure of appreciation for fine-finish writing implements of the day. Their value lies not only in their metals or brand but also in their history. The history of how so small a thing can represent the whole trend of an era, with respect to the combination in those days of usefulness and beauty. Additionally, the Mordan propelling pencil captures the essence of intricate design and utility.
For those who are fortunate enough to possess one such pencil, received as an heirloom given them by a father or given them in their thrift purchases at a flea market will feel like themselves as their most to them pleasant reminder of things pass. Forget not these little insignificant looking objects from the past have their story also.