Fruit Knife by Thomas Marples, 1884

An elegant Victorian folding fruit knife by Thomas Marples of Sheffield, made in 1884, with a sterling silver blade and mother-of-pearl handle.

The slender handle is formed from lustrous mother of pearl with soft silver, cream and subtly iridescent tones. A narrow silver cartouche is inset to one side, while the hinge is finished with an especially attractive engraved silver collar decorated with stylised foliate ornament.

The sterling silver blade carries clear Sheffield hallmarks, including the crown for Sheffield, lion passant for sterling silver, the date letter for 1884, and the maker's mark TM for Thomas Marples. Marples worked from Arundel Street, Sheffield, and is recorded as a maker of folding silver fruit knives during the second half of the 19th century.

Silver-bladed fruit knives were refined personal accessories in Victorian England. The use of silver was practical as well as decorative, being resistant to the effects of acidic fruit juices, while mother of pearl provided a suitably luxurious material for the handle.

At approximately 13 cm long when open, this is a beautifully proportioned example, distinguished by its engraved silver mount, understated form and attractive natural mother of pearl.

Presented in a Barrington & Son gift box.

The knife is in excellent condition. The blade closes flush and opens straight with the handle. The spring is nice and firm.