Solid Silver combination dip pen and propelling pencil decorated with hand engraved floral swags and Oval Union Jack & Double Crown sliders (1st & 2nd photos). Plain rounded finial with flat faced purple stone (Amethyst) which unscrews to reveal the single lead storage chamber. The length fully retracted is: 9.2cm. With pen advanced it is: 10.2 cm. (not including fitted nib). Length with pencil advanced is 11.4cm. the Weight (no nib fitted) is: 13g. The Nib fitted has a large impressed “J” and is further engraved with “W. OWEN WESTBOURNE GROVE W”.
The hallmarks are the “Lion Passant”: Sterling Silver (925). “O” for 1888 (although in lower edge bevelled cartouche not expected circular). The “Anchor” for Birmingham Assay Office. Finally “F.W” for F. Webb Ltd. the Birmingham maker who’s mark was registered in 1887 the year before this pen/pencil was made.
Although assayed in 1888 It is a fact that the Oval Union Jack & Double Crown motifs were connected to the celebration or recognition of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee which had been celebrated on 20 and 21 June 1887. This motif appears on other pencil and pen sliders made for the Golden Jubilee by various silversmiths.
The body of the Pen / Pencil is personalised with the engraved "copperplate" script: "A.Wilkinson" in a slanted cartouche.
This beautiful example of silver pens and pencils of the latter Victorian era was purchased from famous dealer Karen Dalmeny (3rd photo). Karen has appeared and “starred” in many British television shows about antiques and collectables as an expert, valuer and dealer. This includes a majority of episodes of “Dickenson’s Real Deal” and many episodes of “Secret Dealers”. She is a very knowledgeable dealer with a “bubbly” and “photogenic” personality. She attends most of the major antique fairs and shows around the UK, buying and selling antique and collectable items. We had a good chat while she was quiet on her stand. Regarding provenance or background; Karen stated that she had bought this pen/pencil combination from a member of the public and this had been filmed during the last episode of “Dickenson’s Real Deal” for 2012. As a "TV Celebrity" she kindly autographed the back of one of my business cards....which unfortunately as you can see in the last photo is one of those "cheepskate" free varieties available online...ho..hum!