Here is a clever little piece of Victorian ingenuity, disguised as something far more playful. This late Victorian telescopic pencil is crafted in the form of a miniature pipe, comprised of a warm wood bowl and metal stem that holds a telescoping mechanism. With a gentle twist, the pencil extends, transforming from novelty object to a fully functional writing tool (just add lead).
Pieces like this would have been worn as part of a chatelaine, sitting at the waist alongside other small tools of daily life. While the pipe form nods to traditionally masculine imagery, here it’s reimagined as something whimsical and decorative, very much in line with the Victorian love of trompe l’oeil design.
Perfect for collectors of antique and Victorian accessories!
-Details-
Dimensions: roughly 2” long x 1/2” tall
Materials: Metal, wood
Total Weight: 5.04 grams
Condition: The pencil extends and retracts smoothly. There appears to be a small piece of lead/graphite broken-off inside the tube that I have no been able to remove to insert new lead. The wood shows light surface wear consistent with age. The metal components show patina and minor wear consistent with age. The suspension ring is intact and secure.
A Note to Our Customers: All of our vintage or antique pieces have been loved in a previous life. Because of this, you may notice subtle signs of wear consistent with age, a soft patina, or minor surface marks. These pieces have a lived-in character that comes with time. We take great care to photograph and describe each piece as accurately as possible, and will always note anything significant. These small imperfections are part of what makes each piece unique and are a reflection of its history and the life it has already lived.
Here is a clever little piece of Victorian ingenuity, disguised as something far more playful. This late Victorian telescopic pencil is crafted in the form of a miniature pipe, comprised of a warm wood bowl and metal stem that holds a telescoping mechanism. With a gentle twist, the pencil extends, transforming from novelty object to a fully functional writing tool (just add lead).
Pieces like this would have been worn as part of a chatelaine, sitting at the waist alongside other small tools of daily life. While the pipe form nods to traditionally masculine imagery, here it’s reimagined as something whimsical and decorative, very much in line with the Victorian love of trompe l’oeil design.
Perfect for collectors of antique and Victorian accessories!
-Details-
Dimensions: roughly 2” long x 1/2” tall
Materials: Metal, wood
Total Weight: 5.04 grams
Condition: The pencil extends and retracts smoothly. There appears to be a small piece of lead/graphite broken-off inside the tube that I have no been able to remove to insert new lead. The wood shows light surface wear consistent with age. The metal components show patina and minor wear consistent with age. The suspension ring is intact and secure.
A Note to Our Customers: All of our vintage or antique pieces have been loved in a previous life. Because of this, you may notice subtle signs of wear consistent with age, a soft patina, or minor surface marks. These pieces have a lived-in character that comes with time. We take great care to photograph and describe each piece as accurately as possible, and will always note anything significant. These small imperfections are part of what makes each piece unique and are a reflection of its history and the life it has already lived.
