Our Sold Archive provides information to budding vintage fountain pen/writing equipment collectors and social history students.
Each fountain pen or piece of writing equipment forms part of the collective history of its period and has a history unique to that particular item. In the 1930’s a silver banded fountain pen was purchased by estate workers, with no doubt hard earned wages, and inscribed to present as a silver wedding gift to the land owner. It was reported recently that, in the days before the National Health Service, when health care had to be paid for, a man pawned his fountain pen to raise funds to enable his wife to be released from hospital. A recently sold writing cabinet was originally a presentation piece to recognise 40 years of loyal service in a period when jobs were for life
. Just three examples which only scratch the surface of the lifetime of memories held within each item. A treasure trove of history that no new fountain pen could convey.
The French Lily of the Valley writing set (above right) is an example of the language
of writing equipment. Lily of the Valley is a symbol of purity, humility and sweetness and this set was purchased by a soldier to present to his fiancé on his return home.
Below, and on following pages, are all the desktop items in our Sold Archive, displayed in a random order. If you wish to search the sold archive, then the Search Catalogue page gives you an opportunity to do so. On another page you can find the vintage fountain pens part of our Sold Archive, as well as lists of our current stock of desktop items and pens.
Desktop Item: Turquoise Enamel Perpetual Desk Calendar | Stock number: 9247 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
This is a superb example of a 1920’s perpetual desk calendar – with exquisite turquoise coloured enamel facing – in working order. The wheels on both left and right should be turned together to change the date and month. The wheels on the furthest top edges change the date (by moving the red line) on all but the first week, and the wheels one in from each end change the month in the centre window. The bottom wheel changes the way in which the numbered dates appear under the days so you can fix the first of the month on the correct day for that month. So changing this by using the bottom wheel ensures that the calendar will always be able to show the correct date no matter what the year – hence it is termed a perpetual calendar. They are usually found with a silver or plated facing and this beautiful turquoise enamel is a rare find and a delight to see. It measures 12.2cm across for the calendar itself with the wooden base measuring 14.5cm across. It is 9.4cm high from base to top of wheel. The condition is good with some age wear to the turning knobs and the wooden base. The mechanism is obviously old and would not take rough handling but is still in working order. The glass front, whilst in good order, is a little loose in the fittings. The colour is a little deeper than is shown above. A lovely example of vintage desk furniture. | |
Desktop Item: French - Lily of the Valley Writing Set | Stock number: 9219 |
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Condition: Very Good |
Sold |
This exquisite French writing set, within its original presentation box, comprises dip pen, inkwell and seal. The floral pattern of Lily of the Valley wraps itself around the dip pen, forms the handle of the seal and is echoed in the inkwell lid. The set is in very good condition with a clear lozenge on the seal. The dip pen measures 18.5cm from top finial to tip of nib. The seal measures 8.3cm and is not inscribed. The inkwell is 3cm square.
It has two spare nibs. The nib text reads “No.0, Blanzy Poure & Cie 229”. They manufactured steel nibs from 1846 to 1900 and were based in Paris. They were very successful and exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876.
The box, which measures 20cm long x 8.5cm wide x 4.5cm deep, shows minor wear on the interior as can be seen from the photograph. The exterior is covered by an olive green leather and has some wear to the lid but overall the box is in fair to good condition with a working clasp.
Lily of the Valley was first cultivated in 1420 and is believed to signify “a return to happiness”. It is much used in bridal arrangements as a symbol of purity, humility and sweetness. It has a particular association with France where it is known as “Les Muguets”. At the turn of the century fashion houses gave sprigs of Lily of the Valley to customers and apprentices on May Day.
Having taken expert advice on the composition of the set I understand that it is "continental silver" which, if purchased at auction, would be classed as white metal as it is not hallmarked.
It is an exceptionally beautiful set which I am sure will provide much pleasure to its next owner.
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Desktop Item: Silver Sliding Cedar Pencil | Stock number: 9216 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
This lovely silver pencil dates from around 1880. It was termed a “Cedar Pencil” as the sliding mechanism was made to hold a wooden pencil made of Cedar which retracts into the pencil body when not in use, protecting the point. It has the silver mark of 925. Whilst I am unable to read the maker’s name it is typical of English pencils of the period. As you can see it currently has a cedar pencil and the gripping and sliding mechanism is in working order. It measures 9.5mm in length and is in surprisingly good condition for its age. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Desktop Item: Mappin & Webb Crocodile Portable Writing Wallet | Stock number: 9218 |
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Condition: Very Good |
Sold |
This rare and exceptional portable writing wallet was made for retail by Mappin & Webb around 1920. It has a genuine crocodile leather exterior with a leather carrying handle and a dark green leather interior. The outer clasp is silver with a lion hallmark but no date lozenge. The clasp is in working order but has no key. Despite its compact carrying size of 26cm wide by 22 cm deep, as can be seen in the photograph it opens to reveal a number of letter compartments including one running behind the main paper holding panel. The folder increases its extended size to 51cm deep fully open and so is a good size to also use as a desk item whilst folding to a compact size for easy transportation. It has the Mappin & Webb branding in gold on the interior leather pen/pencil holding strip which reads “Mappin & Webb Oxford Street London W.” The main interior panel has the additional attraction of a leather covered wooden central pen/pencil case with working clasp. On either side of this are leather holders containing on one side a match striker (Lights) and on the other a travelling inkwell (Ink). The striker still has its striking plate and the inkwell its internal ink bottle, although the seal on the well is such that I would not recommend you carrying ink around in this. The leather, both external and internal is in very good condition with only minor signs of age. You will note that it has been initialled “GC” but this does not detract from the overall attractiveness of this genuine and unusually rare item of writing equipment. | |
Desktop Item: Writing Wallet | Stock number: 9205 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
This unusual writing wallet has a crocodile skin style exterior and green leather interior. It opens to reveal a writing pad area, pencil holder (with pencil) and space for stamps and note sheets. It also has a gusseted area for envelopes (some small old envelopes are included). It opens further to reveal a writing surface and blotter. It is an unusual piece of writing equipment. It is in good condition and measures 13cm x 15cm closed, 27cm x 15 cm part open and 38.5cm x 15cm fully open. | |
Desktop Item: Targa Amber Ronce Ballpoint | Stock number: 9223 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
This vintage ballpoint pen is one of the successful Targa range produced by the Sheaffer Pen Company during the 1980's. Its official pattern name is "Amber Ronce" but is also known as "Mother in Law's Carpet" and it is a rare finish. It is a match for the cartridge filling fountain pen available in the pen section under item number 4143. It is in full working order and good condition overall. As you would expect it has the Sheaffer "Lifetime" dot on the clip. It measures 13cm. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Desktop Item: Parker 51 Pencil leads | Stock number: 9194 |
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Condition: Mint |
Sold |
This phial of pencil leads for the Parker 51 rotary pencil is in mint condition and contains 12 leads. In this instance the price does not include postage in the UK and the item will be sent by standard mail. This is in an effort to keep the cost to a sensible sum. A special price can be agreed for multiple purchases of this item. | |
Desktop Item: Chester 1923 Desk Calendar | Stock number: 9245 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
This delightful English silver and tortoiseshell desk calendar was made in Chester in 1923 and, as you will see from the photograph, the hallmark remains clear. It was retailed by John Bagshaw & Sons a long standing Liverpool family, who produced a range of quality items including leather travelling cases. This particular item is an adjustable calendar, the days of the week are moved by the slide mechanism on the reverse. You simply move this slide to the correct day of the week for the start of the month and the dates will be correct for the rest of the month. It stands upright via the rear support. It is a small desk item measuring 9cm wide by 7cm high and is in full working order. An excellent piece of writing equipment, in good condition throughout and one which will be a pleasure to own. | |
Desktop Item: c1840 Candle, wax & pen stand | Stock number: 9138 |
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Condition: Very Good |
Sold |
Silver plated candle, wax and pen stand c1840 - complete with original waxes and quill. | |
Desktop Item: Birmingham 1920 - amethyst lid silver capstan Inkwell | Stock number: 9200 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
Silver capstan inkwell with amethyst lid – Birmingham 1920. This capstan style inkwell is hallmarked Birmingham 1920. It has an amethyst enamel inlay lid and an internal glass liner. It measures 8cm circumference and 4.5 cm in height and is in good condition. | |
If you would like us to try to source another copy of a previously sold item, please stating the stock number of the item in question, which you will see above its picture on the right.