Handheld Pencil Appraisal

Art Nouveau Guilloche Enamel Chatelaine Pencil

This is an exquisite Art Nouveau era chatelaine pencil, characterized by its vibrant blue guilloche enamel finish and sterling silver fittings. The pencil has an elongated, slender, and slightly tapering cylindrical form, designed to be decorative and functional. The main body of the pencil is meticulously decorated with a fine, wavy or engine-turned guilloche pattern beneath a translulcent, bright robin's egg blue enamel, which creates a captivating play of light and depth. Scattered across the blue enamel surface are hand-painted floral motifs, primarily depicting small pink roses with green foliage, adding a delicate and artistic touch. The top of the pencil features a sterling silver cap, which appears to be a finial for attachment to a chatelaine or a similar suspension mechanism; it has a rounded, bulbous element above a ribbed collar, and a smaller faceted top, possibly for a jump ring (not visible). The silver shows some tarnishing and minor surface wear consistent with age and use. The bottom tip of the pencil is dark, likely the lead mechanism, which is not fully extended or visible in detail. The craftsmanship suggests a high-quality piece, potentially European, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures in the provided image, but such pieces often bear hallmarks on the silver. The enamel appears largely intact, though subtle variations in color and minor surface inconsistencies might be present upon closer inspection, indicative of its antique nature. The overall condition appears good for its age, showcasing detailed artistry typical of the period.