{"product_id":"sterling-silver-propelling-pencil-birmingham-1937","title":"Sterling Silver Propelling Pencil | Engine-Turned | Engraved \"E. \u0026 E. Kaye Ltd\" | Birmingham | 1937–38","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSterling Silver Propelling Pencil | Engine-Turned | Engraved “E. \u0026amp; E. Kaye Ltd” | Birmingham | 1937–38\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBefore the ballpoint, a good pencil was carried for years, and often given to mark an occasion.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePropelling pencils, in which a turning or sliding mechanism advances the lead, became everyday companions in the early 20th century. Silver examples were popular as gifts and presentation pieces, often engraved with a name. This one was assayed in Birmingham in 1937–38.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe barrel is engine-turned in a fine diamond pattern, between a plain polished cone and cap. A pocket clip with a ball end runs down from the cap, and there is a small round hole near the top of the barrel. Along the barrel, “E. \u0026amp; E. Kaye Ltd” is engraved in script, possibly marking a company gift or presentation. The barrel is hallmarked with the maker’s mark WM, the Birmingham anchor, the lion passant and the date letter N.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pencil is in excellent condition, and the propelling mechanism works, with lead in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eMaker: maker’s mark WM (unidentified)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHallmarks: WM, Birmingham anchor, lion passant, date letter N (Birmingham, 1937–38)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMaterial: sterling silver\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eForm: propelling pencil with engine-turned barrel and pocket clip\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEngraving: “E. \u0026amp; E. Kaye Ltd” in script along the barrel\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDimensions: 13 × 1.3 × 1 cm (length × width × height)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWeight: 24 g\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCondition: excellent; mechanism working, with lead\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eBuyer profile: collectors of silver writing instruments and English hallmarked silver, and anyone looking for a practical gift with history\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector Appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA working silver pencil with clear Birmingham marks and a crisp engine-turned barrel is a piece meant to be used, not only displayed. The engraved company name hints at an earlier life, though the occasion it marked is not recorded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNames change on the door of a business; the one engraved on this pencil has stayed exactly where it was put.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Dancing Faun Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40427313791176,"sku":"","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/3497\/2104\/files\/2021-06-28_14.55.17.png?v=1775923698","url":"https:\/\/dancingfaun.co.za\/products\/sterling-silver-propelling-pencil-birmingham-1937","provider":"The Dancing Faun Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}