Collection of 11 Sterling Fruit Knives, 1860-1890

About the Item

Four with engraved mother of pearl handles, three with added nut picks, two with five hallmarks, several with names or monograms. Folding fruit knives first appeared in France in the 17th century. They often had blades made of silver or gold for corrosion resistance as stainless steel was not yet available and often gave them as presents to their wives and girlfriends. In England silver fruit knives flourished after the silver assay offices opened in Sheffield and Birmingham in 1773. The blades were hallmarked following Assay. In accordance with the system conceived in London during the early 14th century. A series of five small stamp marks disclose a city of origin, the maker’s initials, the year of assay, the sterling silver (.925) and the duty stamp, the latter which no longer carried after the duty was abolished in 1890. A fruit knife owned by Abraham Lincoln is on display at the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Period: 1860-1890 Origin: England Dimensions: 5". Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Knife, Cutlery, Silverware, Antique, Fruit Knives,

Dimensions:

Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 1 in (2.54 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Sterling Silver

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

1870-1879

Date of Manufacture:

1870

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.