Rare Hardy Bell & Company pocket fruit knife, 1832

Description

A partnership between Samuel and Thomas Hardy and John Bell made pocket fruit knives from a small workshop in Union Lane, Sheffield between 1831 and 1834 after which the partnership was dissolved. They registered their ‘H&B’ Sheffield silver mark on 24 March 1831. Pocket fruit knives by this short-lived partnership are scarce. This outstanding example is 2 5/8 inches closed and is made with fine brass liners, rounded iridescent mother-of-pearl scales, ribbed silver bolsters, a finely tolled silver back bar sleeve, and a silver blade. The blade has a milled border on both sides, the engraved initials of the original owner “EM”, and five hallmarks from the Sheffield Assay Office: the William IV head duty mark, lion passant, Sheffield crown, date letter ‘K’ for 1832 and the ‘H&B’ maker’s mark. This rare pocket knife is in excellent condition.