C.1860 Ladies' Folding Pocket Knife, Carved Mother of Pearl Handles

Antiques : Vanity Items : Fruit Knives

 

A fine example of the fancy but very practical little knives often included in Victorian sewing or travel kits, typically used for trimming dip pen nibs or quills. The lustrous white M.O.P. in the handles, or "scales", also shows a bit of colorful iridescence, and each side is hand shaped and carved in a simple design representative of the period (similar to that seen in other sewing tools, straight razors, and tableware).

The shell is white ocean pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima), the liners and three pins are of brass, and the backspring and single blade are steel (unlike true folding fruit knives, which always had sterling silver blades). Unmarked, other than for a 6-pointed star imprinted on one side of the tang.

2 13/16" closed, 4 3/16" open. Overall condition is excellent; there is some old but light pitting on the blade (which has been carefully cleaned of any remaining rust). The blade is straight, opens and closes fully with an audible "snap", and the half-stop position is solid.

A nice piece for display, or to complete an old sewing kit, but don't be afraid to actually use it!

Item ID: 00655