Villiers & Jackson pocket fruit knife, 1909

Description

Villiers & Jackson was a silversmith partnership founded by Joseph Villiers and Walter Jackson around 1880.

The partnership was dissolved in 1883 after which Walter Jackson continued the business under the name Villiers & Jackson. As well as being prolific makers of pocket fruit knives, the firm was also renowned for cigarette holders and propelling pencils. The firm continued until around 1940.

This bijou pocket fruit knife was made in 1909. It has a slight swell-centre shaped body and is made with brass liners, carved iridescent mother-of-pearl scales, and inlaid shield-shaped cartouche, silvered bolsters and a solid silver spearpoint blade.

The blade has four hallmarks from the Birmingham Assay Office: the anchor, lion passant, “V&J” maker’s mark and date letter ‘k’ for 1909.

This lovely little knife is in excellent condition.