Antique Gold Mechanical Pencil / Dip Pen Info

[Beansgood]

Hello Pen Enthusiasts!

 

I recently acquired this gold pen in a thrift shop, not even sure what it was at first. When I got it home, I quickly figured out it was a pencil and proceeded to test for gold (I buy a lot of silver jewelry so a test kit is a must-have). It tests positive for 10k gold and when I tested with the 14k solution, the gold slightly darkens on the testing stone. It was suggested to me that it may be 12k gold.

 

I finally figured out it's a telescopic pencil with a gold nib. Sadly the nib is broken. The 'mechanical' parts are brass. I found a similar type pencil for sale which was described as having a 14k gold case over a brass interior. I see others in various selling venues that are described as being gold plate which would indicate it shows areas of the base metal, I would think. I'm pretty sure this pen has more gold than just plating or rolled gold (gold filled).

 

It has a beautiful etched design and the owner's name is engraved in a lovely script. There are no other markings on the pen except for the nib (Warren, Ludden & Solace).

 

 

Can anyone shed any further light on this gem? I don't plan to keep it and when I do list it for sale, I like to be accurate about the item. I'm also a research junkie! As I'm learning about my find, I'm quite intrigued about all these wonderful vintage and antique pens.

 

Thank you for any information!

 

 

Michelle

[Shannon]

I have no info for you, but it's pretty!

[Beansgood]

I guess my timing is bad?

[pen2paper]

I guess my timing is bad?

Hi Michelle,

There are several here who focus on early writing instruments. Look through this forum for discussion, with links to their blogs with additional details.

[IrishEyes]

I have seen several like this on Ebay in the past month or so, and they always go for more than I was willing to pay for them ($100-$200). IIRC, one seller had a lot of info on them. Maybe if you can find one of those still for sale, there, you could get some info from the seller? They're certainly gorgeous "things", and I would love to own one, someday. I envy your thrift store find :-).

 

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Pickwick]

Have you checked the pencil for any maker's gold stamp? S. Mordan for example made pencils similar to that design. I believe he was a co-inventor of the propelling lead mechanism. You might research the internet where there are sites discussing the history of the propelling pencil.

[Beansgood]

Have you checked the pencil for any maker's gold stamp? S. Mordan for example made pencils similar to that design. I believe he was a co-inventor of the propelling lead mechanism. You might research the internet where there are sites discussing the history of the propelling pencil.

 

I've looked it over with a 10x loupe and have found no other markings. I was point to one blog in particular that I have yet to pursue.

[Beansgood]

I have seen several like this on Ebay in the past month or so, and they always go for more than I was willing to pay for them ($100-$200). IIRC, one seller had a lot of info on them. Maybe if you can find one of those still for sale, there, you could get some info from the seller? They're certainly gorgeous "things", and I would love to own one, someday. I envy your thrift store find :-).

 

Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

I didn't find 'IIRC' on eBay but I've seen a few of these "things" on eBay and Etsy. Are you saying $100-$200 is the price you're willing to pay? I'm not planning to sell for the highest amount I can get as compared to what others are selling for. Certainly not over $200 but not as low as $100. My profit margin will be healthy. I didn't pay for a gold pen. I paid for a thing in a bin full of stuff. I find treasures others overlook as junk.

[flipper_gv]

IIRC means If I Recall Correctly.

[Beansgood]

IIRC means If I Recall Correctly.

 

Oh. Ahahahahha! I would be embarrassed if I was younger.

[chunya]

Sorry for joining the party so late, and I will message the OP.

 

Your pen looks an awful lot like one that I have in my collection, and with the 'Warren' on the nib I think that it's going to have the same origin. Mine has the benefit of being imprinted with the full Patent information.

 

The pen/pencil mechanism was patented by D.T Warren and Amadee Spadone in June 1866 when they were partners in a jewellery business. Their partnership survived for many years, but they moved from jewellery after Spdone invented the Rubber Hose!! of all things. So these pens probably won't date much later than the 1870s.

 

I would think that the pens are particularly important because of the twist mechanism employed, I've not come across one this early that didn't employ the simple slide method (but I'm no expert).

 

If yours is the same size as mine then the scrap gold value alone of your pen will exceed £200, its worth as a pen of interest is likely to be much more.

 

Sadly yours has the original nib which is broken, I'm sure that it could be repaired at a cost, but mine has a much later Waterman's nib. Also, as yet, I've still not managed to extend the pencil section on mine.

 

 

[Bo Bo Olson]

Great pen......even if it needs a new(er) nib.