A common style of Victorian mechanical pencils was a jewel-ended, all-metal retractable pencil with a hexagonal shaft. Some have sliding side rings and would be worn by women on either a chatelaine or on long slide chains.

Some of these may have real gems, especially those with opaque or semi-opaque gems, like this pencil, for example. Pencils like this one were convenient for the times - you could write correspondence to someone and seal the letter with your personalized intaglio seal signature, all with the same piece. 

This beautiful fully-etched pencil features a shield-shaped shaft with a bloodstone seal of a fist penetrating a crown, clutching an ax. Bloodstone is symbolic of courage, motivation, and creative energy, encouraging presence and persistence. 

Materials and Features: 9k gold, bloodstone

Age/Origin: Victorian, c. 1870

Measurements: 4.5"

Condition: Excellent condition. Minor associated age wear.  

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.