George III pocket fruit knife made between 1786 & 1796

Description

This superb knife is difficult to date accurately but the duty mark places it between 1786 & 1796. It measures 2 7/8 inches closed and is made with brass liners, rounded iridescent mother-of-pearl scales carved with a ribbed pattern matched by the ribbed silver bolsters. There is an inlaid silver cartouche engraved with the original owner’s monogram “W”, and the silver back bar sleeve has a fine gadrooned pattern that was fashionable in the early 1790s. The solid silver blade has two hallmarks: a George III duty mark and the lion passant guardant. This charming knife is in excellent condition.