Description
Gold bladed pocket fruit knives are extremely scarce. They first appeared in very small numbers in the mid-18th century but became popular among the very wealthy towards the end of the century.
The Sheffield and Birmingham Assay Offices were not licensed to hallmark gold at that time, only the London Office could stamp hallmarks on gold items.
This beautiful knife has chamfered iridescent mother-of-pearl scales pinned to the liners with micro-engraved gold rivets that are surround by inlaid micro-engraved gold circles.
The ribbed bolsters are in gold as is the plain back bar sleeve. The blade is solid gold.
Undoubtedly the knife was made in Sheffield and the reason the blade is not hallmarked is because the Sheffield Assay Office was not licensed to hallmark gold — only silver.
Condition report: There is a contemporaneous hairline crack to the rear scale (shown in the close-up photo) otherwise this fabulous knife is in truly excellent condition.
The knife comes with its original embossed leather-covered case which remains in very good condition.
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