is this an antique dip pen?

[conquistador]

   I dug this up with my metal-detector when I was young.it's about 3" long, wood, with a gold cap at each end, engraved with ornate scrollwork.you twist the bottom cap, and a ribbed shaft extends out.(fig.A)then you twist the ribbed shaft,and a long, thin rod extends from that(fig.B).It can adjust to any size,then retract back in(fig.C).The other end unscrews to reveal a hollow tube.(fig.D).Is it some kind of writing utencil?PLEASE HELP!!!
gregorypayne@yahoo.com

[D&b antiques]

it look's to be a fancy' mechanical pencil. prior to circa 1900 if it is. it's carrying a value. best bet is to contact some ink pen collectors.