18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife
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18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl & 18ct Gold Folding Knife

$1,800 AUD
$1,800 AUD
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Each piece is individually selected for quality, authenticity and character. Complimentary standard shipping worldwide. Express shipping options are available at checkout.

Description

A refined French folding knife dating from the late 18th century, finely made with mother-of-pearl scales and warm gold mounts. Superb condition. 

The slender handle is faced on both sides in softly iridescent mother-of-pearl, framed by reeded gold end caps and centred with an oval gold escutcheon. When opened, the knife reveals a long, elegant silver blade bearing a series of French hallmarks near the hinge.

The restrained proportions and precious materials are characteristic of the sophisticated personal cutlery made for affluent European society during the 18th century. Small folding knives of this type were carried as personal eating implements and were particularly suited to fruit, desserts and light table use at a time when travellers and guests often carried their own cutlery.

The combination of mother-of-pearl, gold and silver gives the piece an unusually jewel-like quality. The handle remains especially attractive, with subtle variations in the natural nacre visible beneath the polished surface.

The blade is approximately 800-grade silver, while the gold fittings are 18 carat gold. The blade carries several struck marks, illustrated in the photographs.

A beautiful and highly decorative survivor of late 18th-century French craftsmanship, equally appealing as an example of antique personal cutlery, French objets de vertu or historic mother-of-pearl work.

Origin: France
Date: Late 18th century
Materials: Mother-of-pearl, silver blade, 18ct gold mounts
Condition: Excellent condition overall. The blade opens straight and closes flush. It it firm in the handle and the mechanism is smooth. Excellent antique condition with age-related surface wear, light scratches and patination consistent with use and age. Please refer closely to the photographs, which form part of the description.
Shipping & Returns
  • Free standard shipping worldwide on every order.
  • Express shipping is available at checkout for an additional charge.
  • Orders are dispatched from Sydney, Australia, typically within 1–2 business days.
  • All items are securely packaged and fully insured while in transit.
  • Tracking details are provided once your order has been shipped.

Returns

We want you to purchase with complete confidence.

If your purchase is not as expected, you may return it within 14 days of delivery for a full refund, provided it is returned in its original condition. Return postage not covered.

Please contact us before returning an item so we can provide return instructions.
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