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 old and exceptionally wellmade sterling silver and Mother of Pearl pocket knife. Hallmarked for Sheffieldin 1797, it does not have a maker’s mark, sadly. Nevertheless, it is abeautiful, slim and very elegant piece with some very nice features.

The knife blade has been engraved along the top edge on bothsides and is hallmarked with the Sheffield crown over the letter X; a rampantlion; and a right facing head of King George III. I was very tempted to polishthis up and remove some of the light age staining, as it would lookspectacular; however most collectors want to keep their knives in originalcondition, so it has been left “as is”. It is, nevertheless, in very goodcondition with a couple of minor blade issues, described below. Please see thedetailed photos, which form a part of the description.

This attractive knife measures 3 inches long when closed;and approximately 5 5/8 inches overall when opened, with a blade length of justover 2 ½ inches. As noted above, the single edged blade is well stamped withthe Sheffield hallmarks for 1797and has a small recess for the fingernail tofacilitate opening. It has been nicely engraved along the top edge on bothsides with floral or leaf designs. There appears to be a small bend at the tip(but not snapped off, like many of this era) and another at the spine. Thereare some light scratches to the blade, which would polish out. The blade stillopens in two stages with a noticeable detent at the 90 degrees position.

The scales are of a deep luster mother of pearl, which hasbeen finely checkered along the entire length. One side has a small silverlozenge inserted for a monogram, which has not been engraved. All the pinsappear to be original. The bolsters are of line engraved silver and the spineof the handle has been finely engraved with lines of different thickness ingroups. The frame is of an unidentified yellow metal – I have not tested forgold. Please see the photos. The knife weighs 17 grams or 5/8 ounce.

This is a wonderful, original item, complete and in goodcondition. It is extremely slim and elegant, making me believe the maker was aprominent one of the period, but without a maker’s mark it is impossible totell. Finding 18th Century silver folding knives (possibly agentleman’s fruit knife) in this condition is quite unusual. Again, please seethe photos, which form a part of 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.