Set of Six Mother of Pearl Knives, Asprey, c.1920s

An elegant set of six English table knives, retailed by Asprey of 166 Bond Street, London, and presented in their original fitted Asprey case.

Each knife has a mother-of-pearl handle, gently tapering towards a faceted pointed terminal, with a simple metal ferrule joining the handle to the blade. The natural variation and iridescence of the mother of pearl gives each handle an individual character.

The stainless-steel blades are stamped “W.H.&S. Stainless Steel”, the mark associated with William Hutton & Sons, the long-established English cutlery and silver manufacturer. William Hutton & Sons remained in operation until 1930, making an early 20th-century date appropriate for the set. Scribd

The knives retain their original dark blue fitted case, the cream silk-lined lid bearing a crown above:

ASPREY
166 BOND ST
LONDON

Asprey moved to 166 Bond Street in 1847 and became one of London's best-known luxury retailers, selling jewellery, silverware, leather goods and other fine objects.

A refined example of early 20th-century English tableware, combining the restrained luxury of mother of pearl with the added desirability of its original Asprey presentation case.

Condition:
The knives present well overall, with age-related surface marks and light wear to the blades and handles consistent with use. The mother-of-pearl handles retain good lustre and all blades are straight and firm in their handles. The original fitted Asprey case shows wear, rubbing and losses to the exterior covering, together with age-related staining and discolouration to the interior silk and velvet. Please refer to the photographs for detail.