Willliam Needham ‘Cobble-carved’ Pocket Fruit Knife, 1911

William Needham was a prolific silver pocket fruit knife maker with a workshop at 13 Jessop Street, Sheffield. This fine, yet simple example of his craftsmanship has a sleeveboard shaped body measuring 2 1/2 inches closed. The knife is made with brass liners, rounded iridescent mother-of-pearl scales and silver bolsters. The solid silver spearpoint blade has four hallmarks: Sheffield crown, lion passant, date letter “t” for 1911 and the maker’s mark “WN”. This superb Edwardian knife is in mint condition.