Description
Victorian Silver Fruit Knife
Victorian silver fruit knife with mother of pearl handle, hallmarked from Sheffield in 1868.
The makers mark is that of John Yeomans Cowlishaw.
In good order, however the cartouche which has been engraved has evidence of someone trying to scratch away these initials.
Measures 125 mm when opened and 72 mm when closed.
Folding fruit knives first appeared in Europe during the 17th century. They had blades of silver or gold which were resistant to the corrosion of acidic fruit juice and men often gave them as presents to their wives or girlfriends. During the 18th century, as folding fruit knives became popular in England, they spread to the British Colonies and into America becoming a popular type of knife as a result of their versatility. In recent years, the sterling silver and mother of pearl folding fruit knives have become collectors’ items, particularly those crafted in France during the late 18th century together with early ones made in England.
REF:200C
