Charming Victorian propelling pencil pendant, modelled in sterling silver and 9 carat gold, and fashioned as a dolphin, coiled around the stem of the pencil, and holding a gold ball in his mouth.
Pull the ring and the pencil expands, a rosey reeded 9 carat gold (jump ring is hallmarked for 9 carat)
These pencils are most often made by the renouned company Sampson Mordan but I cannot see their makers mark here.
 
The story goes that these were worn by ladies at dinner dances to mark their dance cards with..
 
Dolphins are an interesting symbol due to their dynamic symbolism in ancient Greek culture. Some accounts claim that Greek and Roman culture regarded dolphins as sacred guardians or sea travellers, further emphasising the connection between the Greeks and the oceans.
 
weighs - 7.8g
measures -35mm long closed.  57mm long open (not including bail or ring)
english circa 1870 - 1880
good antique condition (to use please add lead)