William IV Silver & Gilt Sliding Propelling Pencil with Conflicting Marks

Sampson Mordan & Gabriel Riddle, London 1836
Photo 1 of 14

An unusual and good quality William IV fully hallmarked silver sliding Propelling Pencil, the barrel with engine turned and dot decoration, the slider ring and terminal with raised gilded foliate scroll highlights, the screw-off terminal revealing a lead reservoir and set with a citrine seal stone engraved with an initial.

By Sampson Mordan, & Gabriel Riddle, London, 1836. Also stamped: PATENT.G.RIDDLE.MAKER. LONDON.

The combination of the 'SMGR' hallmark and the Riddle (on his own) Patent mark is unusual and interesting. The partnership was dissolved in December 1836 and Riddle only started using his Patent mark in 1837. Presumably at the split of the partnership Riddle took a stock of pencil shafts that had already been sent to assay and then added his own stamp before selling the piece.

Open 120 mm
closed 96 mm

Sold - £350.00

Condition
In good condition with no damage or repair and in full working order. The citrine seal stone with minor inclusions
Weight
22.50 Grams (0.72 troy ounces)
Country
England
Stock Code
TRS060819F
Medium
Silver
Literature
Gabriel Riddle was a partner of Sampson Mordan. In December, 1836, Mordan and Riddle dissolved their partnership and in March, 1837, Riddle posted notice in “The Register of Engravings” that his pencil cases would be stamped “Patent G. Riddle Maker London”. This dates this pencil as one of his early ones, when he first started his own business. Later ones were stamped “Patent G. Riddle London”.
Call Dealer Email Dealer