Pocket Knife by Atkin Brothers, 1901

An elegant Edwardian folding fruit knife by Atkin Brothers of Sheffield, made in 1901, with a sterling silver blade and mother-of-pearl handle.

The gently curved handle is formed from mother of pearl with attractive silvery-grey, cream and subtle iridescent tones. A narrow silver cartouche is inset to one side, while the simple silver mount at the hinge complements the restrained design.

Of particular interest is the decoratively worked backspring, visible along the spine of the handle, with alternating textured and linear decoration — a fine detail that gives the knife additional character when viewed from the side.

The sterling silver blade carries Sheffield hallmarks together with the H.A. maker's mark used by Atkin Brothers, successors to Henry Atkin. Atkin Brothers continued to use their founder's mark well into the 20th century and were established makers of folding silver fruit knives.

The date letter corresponds to 1901, placing the knife at the very beginning of the Edwardian period. Contemporary Atkin Brothers silver bearing Sheffield 1901 hallmarks is also documented in auction records.

A refined example of the traditional English silver fruit knife, combining lustrous natural mother of pearl with the clean proportions for which these Sheffield-made pieces are admired.

Presented in a Barrington & Son gift box.

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