Bidspirit auction | Victorian Mother of Pearl and

Victorian Mother of Pearl and Gold Filled Telescopic Propelling Pencil - A Victorian telescopic propelling pencil designed for use as a chatelaine or watch fob accessory. The hexagonal barrel features three iridescent mother-of-pearl panels alternating with three gold-filled metal panels decorated with hand-engraved floral and foliate motifs. The upper telescopic section is cylindrical with an engine-turned diamond pattern, terminating in a fluted cap and suspension ring. The writing end consists of a sliding tip with a split-collet lead holder. Several worn indentations are visible on the metal collar and suspension ring, but these markings are not legible as a maker name or specific hallmark. The object exhibits heavy wear to the gold finish, exposing the copper-colored base metal on the raised surfaces and the sliding inner sleeve. Length: 2.75 inches. The piece exhibits significant brassing, where the gold-filled layer has worn through to the underlying base metal, particularly on the inner telescopic sleeve and the edges of the hexagonal barrel (photo 2, photo 4). Moderate verdigris corrosion is visible within the engraved floral patterns and around the edges of the mother-of-pearl inlays (photo 2, photo 4). The suspension ring is slightly bent (photo 6). The mother-of-pearl panels remain intact without apparent cracks, although they show surface soiling (photo 3). The writing tip shows slight wear and minor indentation at the lead aperture (photo 8).