Sampson Mordan Pencils

Having just compiled the pens and writing equipment section of the new edition of the Miller’s Collectables Price Guide (out next Spring), my love for Mordan’s marvellous silver propelling pencils has been rekindled. In 1822, Sampson Mordan patented the propelling pencil with fellow inventor John Hawkins. Mordan bought Hawkins out, and then sold half the […]

Antiques For Everyone

I’ve just spent the past four days at the wonderful Antiques for Everyone Spring fair at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. This is the largest quality antiques show in the UK, taking out the higher-end Olympia fairs in London. Living up to its name, there truly was something for the thousands who attended (see […]