Sampson Mordan of London, England created this figural mechanical pencil; represented as a sword with sheath. Material is silver. The pencil dates to the 1880's period. The writing section is deployed by pulling the pommel (ball) away from the body. This extends the two stage telescopic writing section. The piece is then ready to write. Pushing in on the pommel returns things to the carry position. Sheathed the piece is 4 1/2 inches inches in length. Extended, the writing section is 5 5/8 inches long.

Today I'd like to show a figural mechanical pencil presenting the Budda in his classic sitting position. The piece was produced by the Leroy Fairchild Company of New York, New York. Circa 1880, give or take a couple years.. The pencil mechanism is deployed by pulling the ring away from the body. This action simultaneously induces an outward push of the tip section to the writing position. Magic pencil is the descriptive name for instruments of this type. The pencil is of all metal construction. Lengths without the top ring unit are 1 1/8 inches closed and 2 1/8 inches extended