Pocket Knife by Hilliard & Thomason, 1866.

A particularly attractive Victorian folding fruit knife, made by the celebrated Birmingham silversmiths Hilliard & Thomason and hallmarked 1866.

The knife is fitted with mother-of-pearl scales, beautifully worked with a finely faceted geometric pattern. One side incorporates a shaped silver cartouche with a period engraved inscription, adding a pleasing trace of the knife's original ownership.

The folding blade is sterling silver and carries a clear set of English hallmarks, including the H&T maker's mark for Hilliard & Thomason, Birmingham anchor, lion passant for sterling silver, Queen Victoria duty mark and date letter R for 1866–67.

Silver-bladed fruit knives were fashionable personal accessories during the Georgian and Victorian periods. Silver was particularly suited to cutting fruit because, unlike the carbon-steel blades of the period, it was resistant to the corrosive effects of acidic fruit juices. Small folding examples could be conveniently carried and were often finely finished as personal possessions or gifts.

The knife retains its original silver fittings and mother-of-pearl scales, with the narrow back of the handle displaying further decorative detailing.

Maker: Hilliard & Thomason
Origin: Birmingham, England
Date: 1866
Period: Victorian
Materials: Sterling silver and mother of pearl
Length: Approximately 13.5 cm open

A finely made and highly decorative example of the Victorian folding fruit knife, combining beautifully worked mother of pearl with fully hallmarked English sterling silver.

Condition: Especially fine condition for a piece of this age. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of condition.