{"product_id":"18th-century-french-mother-of-pearl-18ct-gold-folding-knife","title":"18th Century French Mother-of-Pearl \u0026 18ct Gold Folding Knife","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA refined French folding knife dating from the late 18th century, finely made with mother-of-pearl scales and warm gold mounts. Superb condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade is approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e800-grade silver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while the gold fittings are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e18 carat gold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The blade carries several struck marks, illustrated in the photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e France\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Late 18th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mother-of-pearl, silver blade, 18ct gold mounts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Barrington and Son","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67636166000740,"sku":"376","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/3836\/5540\/files\/37618thCFrenchPocketKnife18ctgold_80_silverblade_cmSteel260euro_shippingIMG_5403-Photoroom.jpg?v=1791194599","url":"https:\/\/www.barringtonandson.com\/products\/18th-century-french-mother-of-pearl-18ct-gold-folding-knife","provider":"Barrington and Son","version":"1.0","type":"link"}