This bizarre (but cute!) late 19th-century fob conceals a telescoping pencil within a hazelnut. The nut's rich brown surface is left largely intact, accented only by finely worked silver fittings at each end. These combination tools were novelties in their day—part functional writing instrument, part "look what I have!" It still works.
MATERIALS: silver, sea bean, new sterling silver chain
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 1 1/2" length closed, 1 3/4" length extended, 18" chain