The Eversharp company was a world leader in the production of mechanical pencils from 1914 and set the standard for decades to come.  In 1929, after an acrimonious merger, all  products were named 'Wahl Eversharp' but in 1941 the branding returned to 'Eversharp'.

This pencil has a clear 'Eversharp' imprint, meaning it is either pre 1929 or post 1941, the 'chef's hat' finial and clip design suggest it is the later pencil and the hallmark confirms it at 1951.

A 13.5 cm., full sized pencil, it is constructed in Sterling Silver, this is 92.5 % pure silver with 7.5% other metals, usually copper.  The 'lion passant' hallmark certifies that a product is Sterling silver, pure silver is too soft for most applications. The 'lion' mark is imprinted on the finial and clip.  The barrel carries a full hallmark for the Eversharp company, Sterling Silver, London assay office, and 1951. 

The pencil is in excellent working condition the lead is expelled by turning the finial with a manual retract. There is a shallow depression at the top of the finial and small initials on the barrel but the pen is otherwise ding free with a first class surface and a sharp engine turned pattern.

Due to the huge success of the Eversharp pencils over a long production period and the good build quality, there are still a good number of survivors but a solid Silver example in such outstanding condition doesn't come along very often.  The 'chef's hat' design is particularly hard to find.