An extremely rare George III Tortoiseshell Pique Folding Fruit Knife & Fork. Made most probably in London circa 1786-90.

The blade of the knife and tines of the fork are decorated with crisp bright cut designs, as are the silver tops of the handles. The tortoiseshell panels are beautifully shaped and are inlaid with stylised flower heads and a navette shaped cartouche engraved with the contemporary script initial A. The blades are clearly marked with the duty mark and sterling mark which dates them to the 1786-90 period. These were most probably used for travelling and could be folded away when not in use. Both pieces are in excellent condition and we have to emphasise that, to find tortoiseshell pique examples, is most unusual.



Length of knife and fork: 5.5 inches, 13.75cm.