I am finally disposingof my collection of English sterling silver & Mother of Pearl pocket andfruit knives. Really don’t want to give them up, but they are going to helpfund another project. All items will be sold with and a low startingprice.

Offered withoutreserve and a very low starting price is an attractive and well made sterlingsilver and Mother of Pearl pocket knife by Sheffield maker William Needham. Ithas been hallmarked for Sheffield in 1918.

The knife blade has been engraved along the length of oneside with leaf and bird designs. The very clear hallmarking consists of aSheffield crown; a rampant lion; a small letter “a” and Needham’s maker’s mark(W.N) in an oblong cartouche with clipped corners. I was very tempted to polishthis up, as it would look spectacular; however most collectors want to keeptheir knives in original condition, so it has been left “as is”. It is, nevertheless,in very good condition, despite obviously having been used and sharpened. Please see the detailed photos, which form a part of thedescription.

This attractive knife measures 2 7/8 inches long whenclosed; and just under 5 inches overall when opened, with a blade length of approximately2 ¼ inches. As noted above, the single edged blade is well stamped with the Sheffieldhallmarks for 1918 and has a small recess for the fingernail to facilitateopening. The blade still opens in two stages with a noticeable detent at the 90degrees position.

The scales are of a deep luster mother of pearl. One sidehas been finely engraved with a series of lozenges, each containing a finesilver pin, for a total of 24. There is also a small silver oval inserted for amonogram, which has not been engraved. All the pins appear to be original. Thereverse has a stylized bouquet engraved on it. The bolsters are of lineengraved silver or nickel silver and the frame is of an unidentified yellow metal – I have nottested for gold. Please see the photos. The knife weighs 26 grams or 7/8 ounce.

This is an attractive, original item, complete and in goodcondition. Finding early 20th Century silver folding knives(possibly a gentleman’s fruit knife) in this condition is quite unusual,especially for the war years. Again, please see the photos, which form a partof the description.

Good luck if you decide to offer.

Sorry about the statement here, but, as this is a knife, byofferding on the item you are acknowledging that you are over 18 years of age andin compliance with all local, state and federal laws and ordinances related tothe purchase and ownership of edged weapons.