Adandy,Victorian erapencil, modeled in 14k yellow gold anddecorated on both sides with raised, pictorial representations of the four vices of man— horses, drink, women, and cards. The decorated halfof this wonderful object functions as a sheath for abroad, flat carpenter's pencil, while the stub end is crimped around the pencil's base. These pieces fit snugly together.The sides of this case are beautifully inscribed,one with the sentiment “all’s well that ends well,” and the other with a dedication: “Westy from George.”This splendidold pencil might have been used to mark-up a race sheet, or to keep score in a game of cards, or to jot down names in a little black book!A large bail and jump ring are affixed to the top.This is a rarity, and it wears beautifully on a long, weighty chain. Marked 14k for purity, and for the maker Battin & Co., of Newark, NJ.

Thistypeof pencil is easily replaced, if you're a scribbler. These pencils are typically sharpened with a small knife. Carpenter's pencils are often used by artists and calligraphers, as well as builders.

Materials

14k gold
Pencil

Age

c. 1900

Dimensions

Length isapprox 3 1/2", including bail and ring; width is approx 10.6 mm.