Pocket Knife by William Moulson, 1878

A fine English antique pocket knife by William Moulson, dating to 1878, with a sterling silver blade and finely carved mother-of-pearl handle.

The beautifully figured mother-of-pearl is particularly attractive, with elegant carved detailing and a rich natural iridescence. The folding blade is solid sterling silver and retains very clear English hallmarks.

Of particular interest is the Queen Victoria duty mark, showing the monarch's profile. Duty marks were applied to indicate that the required duty had been paid on the silver and are a distinctive feature of British silver from this period. The remaining hallmarks confirm the silver standard, maker and date.

Silver-bladed fruit and pocket knives were fashionable personal accessories during the Victorian period. Silver was particularly suited to cutting fruit because it resisted the corrosive effects of acidic juices, while the folding form allowed the knife to be conveniently carried.

The knife retains a firm folding action. The blade sits straight in relation to the handle when open and very slightly ajar when closed, as shown in the photographs. The blade has a very slight bend and is relatively thin, but retains an excellent polish.

Maker: William Moulson
Origin: England
Date: 1878
Period: Victorian
Materials: Sterling silver and mother-of-pearl
Length: 14 cm when open
Condition: Good, with minor age-related characteristics as described