Attractive Silver Retractable Pencil with Lead Storage Compartment, Victorian

This is a decorative pencil which has a fine engraved design. The holder for the lead slides out for use. A feature is the fact that the end which is decorated with either an amethyst or amethyst-coloured glass screws off to reveal a storage compartment for the leads. There is no maker’s mark. There are a couple of minuscule dents but the condition is really very good for age. This would be a lovely item to add to a Victorian writing box, or to a collection of early writing tools. Length closed 3.3 ins (8.5cm). Weight 8 grams.