Lot of 4 English Sheffield Sterling Silver Fruit Knives, Mother-of-Pearl Handles, Cowlishaw, Nowill & More

$175.00
A charming lot of four English sterling silver-bladed fruit knives, all made in Sheffield and all featuring attractive mother-of-pearl scales. The group includes examples by J. Nowill & Sons, John Yeomans Cowlishaw, H.W.L., and Thomas Marples, representing several well-established Sheffield makers of the Victorian and early 20th-century period. These knives are particularly interesting as a group because they illustrate the extraordinary variety of Sheffield's silver fruit-knife trade. The mother-of-pearl handled fruit knife was a popular personal accessory during the Victorian era, and Sheffield makers became renowned for producing beautifully finished examples in a remarkable range of forms and decorative treatments. John Yeomans Cowlishaw, in particular, developed a strong reputation for his silver-bladed fruit knives with carved mother-of-pearl scales; his business grew to employ approximately 50 people by the 1880s. The group includes knives by: J. Nowill & Sons — a long-established Sheffield cutlery firm whose history extends back to the early 19th century. A documented 1841 example of a silver-bladed mother-of-pearl fruit knife by John Nowill demonstrates the firm's early involvement in this specialized trade. John Yeomans Cowlishaw — one of the most desirable names in Sheffield silver fruit knives. Cowlishaw registered his silver mark in 1854, and his mother-of-pearl handled knives became sufficiently well regarded that the business prospered largely through its reputation for quality. Thomas Marples — another prolific Sheffield maker of silver-bladed mother-of-pearl fruit knives, with surviving examples spanning the Victorian and Edwardian periods. H.W.L. — completing the quartet with another Sheffield-made example. All four knives are in need of minor repairs, and they are being offered together as found rather than individually restored. The mechanical issues are precisely the sort of straightforward problems that will appeal to someone who enjoys working on antique knives and small mechanisms. For the collector or hobbyist who is handy with this sort of repair, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire four genuine Sheffield silver fruit knives at once, including examples by some particularly interesting makers. The knives are offered as a group and would also make an excellent starting point for someone beginning a collection of Victorian Sheffield fruit knives and mother-of-pearl cutlery. Their condition is reflected in the price, while the variety of makers gives the lot considerably more interest than four anonymous examples. A very appealing project lot for the Sheffield silver collector, antique cutlery enthusiast, or hands-on restorer. Quantity: 4 fruit knives Origin: Sheffield, England Material: Sterling silver blades with mother-of-pearl handles Makers: J. Nowill & Sons; John Yeomans Cowlishaw; H.W.L.; Thomas Marples Period: Victorian–early 20th century Condition: All four require minor repairs; sold as a restoration/project lot, with condition reflected in the price Please see other silver jewelry here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=16957559 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg
A charming lot of four English sterling silver-bladed fruit knives, all made in Sheffield and all featuring attractive mother-of-pearl scales. The group includes examples by J. Nowill & Sons, John Yeomans Cowlishaw, H.W.L., and Thomas Marples, representing several well-established Sheffield makers of the Victorian and early 20th-century period. These knives are particularly interesting as a group because they illustrate the extraordinary variety of Sheffield's silver fruit-knife trade. The mother-of-pearl handled fruit knife was a popular personal accessory during the Victorian era, and Sheffield makers became renowned for producing beautifully finished examples in a remarkable range of forms and decorative treatments. John Yeomans Cowlishaw, in particular, developed a strong reputation for his silver-bladed fruit knives with carved mother-of-pearl scales; his business grew to employ approximately 50 people by the 1880s. The group includes knives by: J. Nowill & Sons — a long-established Sheffield cutlery firm whose history extends back to the early 19th century. A documented 1841 example of a silver-bladed mother-of-pearl fruit knife by John Nowill demonstrates the firm's early involvement in this specialized trade. John Yeomans Cowlishaw — one of the most desirable names in Sheffield silver fruit knives. Cowlishaw registered his silver mark in 1854, and his mother-of-pearl handled knives became sufficiently well regarded that the business prospered largely through its reputation for quality. Thomas Marples — another prolific Sheffield maker of silver-bladed mother-of-pearl fruit knives, with surviving examples spanning the Victorian and Edwardian periods. H.W.L. — completing the quartet with another Sheffield-made example. All four knives are in need of minor repairs, and they are being offered together as found rather than individually restored. The mechanical issues are precisely the sort of straightforward problems that will appeal to someone who enjoys working on antique knives and small mechanisms. For the collector or hobbyist who is handy with this sort of repair, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire four genuine Sheffield silver fruit knives at once, including examples by some particularly interesting makers. The knives are offered as a group and would also make an excellent starting point for someone beginning a collection of Victorian Sheffield fruit knives and mother-of-pearl cutlery. Their condition is reflected in the price, while the variety of makers gives the lot considerably more interest than four anonymous examples. A very appealing project lot for the Sheffield silver collector, antique cutlery enthusiast, or hands-on restorer. Quantity: 4 fruit knives Origin: Sheffield, England Material: Sterling silver blades with mother-of-pearl handles Makers: J. Nowill & Sons; John Yeomans Cowlishaw; H.W.L.; Thomas Marples Period: Victorian–early 20th century Condition: All four require minor repairs; sold as a restoration/project lot, with condition reflected in the price Please see other silver jewelry here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=16957559 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg