Introduction

Sampson Mordan was born around 1790 and was an apprentice with Joseph Bramah, inventor of patent locks. On the back of the success of the propelling pencil S Mordan and Co's range of products expanded; by 1838 the firm listed smelling bottles, ink stands, locks, letter balances and many other small high quality items. In 1851 at the Great Exhibition, they displayed ‘Bright steel, fire proof jewel box, decorated with ormolu ornaments, carved ink stands, inlaid with pearl and gilt ink glass attached', as well as gold pens. Sampson Mordan died in 1843 and the business was carried on by two of his sons Sampson and Augustus.


This blog is intended to look, from a collector’s point of view, at the history of the company and their diverse range of products.







Mordan Propelling Pencil

Mordan Propelling Pencil

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Mordan Marks

Mordan pieces are often marked with both a hallmark and a makers stamp. These stamps were changed over time so are particularly usefull in dating item when the date letter of the hallmark is rubbed or there is no hallmark present.

Hallmark Sponsors Mark
Pre 1824               SM
1825-1836            SM.GR
After 1837           SM
Makers Stamp
1823-1824            Mordan & Co Patent
1824-1830            S. Mordan and Co’s Patent
1830-1845            S. Mordan and Co Makers & Patentee
1845-1852            S. Mordan and Co Makers
Post 1852             S. Mordan and Co.
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1 comment:

  1. Unknown3 December 2014 at 14:59

    Hi, I have a beautiful samson mordan propelling pencil in gold gilded, it bears no hallmark only there arrow discreetly done within the pattern.
    It is immaculate and works perfectly but any idea on the absence of no hallmark?

    ReplyDelete

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