{"product_id":"fruit-knife-by-thomas-marples-1884","title":"Fruit Knife by Thomas Marples, 1884","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn elegant Victorian folding fruit knife by Thomas Marples of Sheffield, made in 1884, with a sterling silver blade and mother-of-pearl handle.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"\"\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eengraved silver collar decorated with stylised foliate ornament\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe sterling silver blade carries clear Sheffield hallmarks, including the crown for Sheffield, lion passant for sterling silver, the date letter for \u003cstrong\u003e1884\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the maker's mark \u003cstrong\u003eTM for Thomas Marples\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eSilver-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAt approximately \u003cstrong\u003e13 cm long when open\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is a beautifully proportioned example, distinguished by its engraved silver mount, understated form and attractive natural mother of pearl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePresented in a Barrington \u0026amp; Son gift box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe knife is in excellent condition. The blade closes flush and opens straight with the handle. The spring is nice and firm.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Barrington and Son","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50422037905508,"sku":"297","price":150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/3836\/5540\/files\/297MOPKnife1884byThomasMarpelscm_297MOPKnifeIMG_1966-Photoroomcopy.jpg?v=1790170338","url":"https:\/\/www.barringtonandson.com\/products\/fruit-knife-by-thomas-marples-1884","provider":"Barrington and Son","version":"1.0","type":"link"}