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Antique Victorian sterling silver single-blade folding fruit pen knife manufactured by Thomas Marples & Son in Sheffield, England. The blade face displays an intricately hand-engraved floral vine scroll motif housing a full set of deep, crisp British hallmarks: the TP&S makers mark, the Sheffield crown, the solid silver lion passant, a Queen Victoria duty mark, and the clear 1896 date letter code D.
The knife features premium, genuine fiery mother-of-pearl handle scales, deeply hand-carved in a stunning ornamental leaf design along the pommel base. The display side houses an inlaid sterling silver presentation cartouche bar elegantly hand-monogrammed with the period initials "C.L.C.". Based on the measurements shown next to the green ruler, the handle measures approximately 3 3/8 inches when closed, housing a single folding solid sterling silver spear blade extending to an open length of 2.5 inches.
The item is in excellent antique condition and presents as a true collection showpiece. The authentic iridescent mother-of-pearl handles are magnificently preserved, exhibiting a breathtaking array of pink and green fiery luster with zero structural cracks, chips, or pin fractures. The solid sterling silver blade remains full and thick with crisp, sharp engraving lines, minor age tarnish highlights, and regular pocket-wear surface micro-scratches. Mechanically, this piece is spectacular: the blade operates with good spring tension along the backspring, opening and closing smoothly with a positive, tight mechanical snap. Silver bolsters and brass pins remain completely tight. Please look at the high resolution photos for condition details, if you have any questions, just ask.
