Sheffield Mother-of-Pearl Service for Six

An exceptionally charming Victorian Sheffield fruit service by John Harrison & Co, comprising six knives and six forks with beautifully iridescent mother-of-pearl handles, presented in its original fitted walnut case. John Harrison was an important early figure in Sheffield electroplating, becoming the first Sheffield manufacturer to obtain an electroplating licence in 1843; the company adopted the name John Harrison & Co in 1866, before becoming John Harrison & Co Ltd in 1873, making the c. 1866–1872 date particularly appropriate for this set.

The combination of mother-of-pearl handles, silver-plated fittings, and a purpose-made presentation case speaks to the Victorian tradition of specialized dessert and fruit services, which were often among the more decorative pieces of a well-appointed dining table. The set is especially desirable for its complete service for six and original fitted box, with the walnut case retaining its original key. The mother-of-pearl handles have lovely natural variation and subtle carved detailing, while the fitted blue-lined interior keeps each piece individually presented. Complete cased examples of Victorian mother-of-pearl handled cutlery are increasingly sought after by collectors, particularly when the original components and presentation case survive together. Comparable John Harrison & Co mother-of-pearl handled cutlery remains actively collected today.

Origin: c. 1866–1872; Sheffield, England
Material: Silver plate, mother-of-pearl, walnut box, brass inlay
Dimensions: 
Condition: Very good antique condition with expected age-related wear to the silver plate, mother-of-pearl, and original walnut case. The set is complete for six, with all twelve pieces present. Original fitted case and key included; the case lock is no longer functional.