Fruit Knife by Hilliard & Thomason, 1862

A substantial Victorian folding fruit knife by Hilliard & Thomason, Birmingham, 1862, with a sterling silver blade and richly coloured mother-of-pearl handle.

At approximately 15.5 cm long when fully open, this is a notably large and impressive example of the type. The elongated mother-of-pearl scales display attractive natural tones of silver, green, gold and pink, changing subtly with the light.

The handle is finished with an elegant engraved silver end cap decorated with scrolling foliate ornament, together with a rectangular silver cartouche. It is still black which will allow the new owner to engrave it. The sterling silver blade retains clear Birmingham hallmarks, including the maker's mark H&T for Hilliard & Thomason, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, lion passant for sterling silver and the date letter N for 1862.

Hilliard & Thomason were Birmingham silversmiths John Hilliard and John Thomason, working from Spencer Street and particularly associated with small silver objects and folding fruit knives.

Silver-bladed fruit knives were fashionable personal accessories during the 19th century. Silver was particularly suited to cutting fruit because, unlike carbon-steel blades, it was resistant to staining and reaction with acidic fruit juices.

A particularly attractive mid-Victorian example, distinguished by its generous proportions, lustrous mother-of-pearl and decorative silver mount.

Presented in a Barrington & Son gift box.

The knife is in excellent condition. The blade opens straight when open. Light surface marks and wear consistent with age and use are visible, as shown in the photographs.