Wright Auction

British silversmith Sampson Mordan was born in 1790 and founded his own business in 1815. Mordan's expertise in lock making, acquired through apprenticeship with locksmith Joseph Bramah, led to the manufacture of durable and secure Bramahrian Patent locks. By 1822, Mordan had partnered with John Isaac Hawkins to patent a metal pencil with an internal, lead-propelling mechanism. Despite the success of the pencil, the business relationship between Mordan and Hawkins ended soon after, with Mordan buying out Hawkins. After partnering briefly with stationer Gabriel Riddle, Mordan continued to expand the business, specializing in writing and stationery goods. Operating as a sole proprietor, under the name of Sampson Mordan & Co., the firm continued making silver mechanical pencils and fountain pens—some of which took whimsical, figural forms—as well as silverware, match safes / vestas, and novelty items. Following Mordan's passing in 1843, his sons continued the company's legacy until its closure in 1941 due to bombing during the London Blitz in World War II.