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Dessert Knife

Probably 1800-1820 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type

Smaller knives evolved in the early 18th century as cutlery became specialised. A desire to eat more elegantly prompted the need for table equipment that could be used only at particular times in the meal or with certain foods. The fruit or dessert knife was designed for use with the last course or dessert, which might consist of fresh or candied fruit. A Victorian etiquette book of 1880 advised, 'In eating pears or apples, they would be peeled and cut into halves and quarters with a fruit knife and fork.' These knives could also be used to cut cheese or cake.

Design & Designing

Dessert cutlery had always been more highly decorated than that for the earlier courses, to reflect the status and expense of the dessert. Handles, in particular, were often more ornate. This knife has a handle made of mother-of-pearl (the most expensive material used for such purposes), which adds to the effect of luxury. In the Victorian period fruit knives were commonly sold with fruit forks in boxed sets of a dozen. The manufacturer Elkington & Co. could charge up to £22 a set in 1885 for richly engraved blades with carved handles and accompanying matching forks.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver, engraved and mother-of-pearl
Brief description
Dessert knife, silver with mother of pearl handle, one of a set of 6 knives and 6 forks, England, ca.1800-1820.
Physical description
Knife, silver blade, engraved, with mother of pearl handle.
Dimensions
  • Length: 180mm
  • At widest point width: 14mm
  • Highest point when lying down height: 8mm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'JA' and '1819' (Inscription; decoration; On one side of blade; engraving (incising))
  • Duty mark and sterling mark. (On other side of blade; punching)
Gallery label
Dessert knife, silver with mother of pearl handle, one of a set of 6 knives and 6 forks. Marks: duty and sterling guarantee only, England, ca. 1800-1820. Miss D. B. Simpson Bequest M.198-1977(10/09/2003)
Credit line
Bequeathed by Miss D.B. Simpson
Historical context
Object Type

Smaller knives evolved in the early 18th century as cutlery became specialised. A desire to eat more elegantly prompted the need for table equipment that could be used only at particular times in the meal or with certain foods. The fruit or dessert knife was designed for use with the last course or dessert, which might consist of fresh or candied fruit. A Victorian etiquette book of 1880 advised, 'In eating pears or apples, they would be peeled and cut into halves and quarters with a fruit knife and fork.' These knives could also be used to cut cheese or cake.

Design & Designing

Dessert cutlery had always been more highly decorated than that for the earlier courses, to reflect the status and expense of the dessert. Handles, in particular, were often more ornate. This knife has a handle made of mother-of-pearl (the most expensive material used for such purposes), which adds to the effect of luxury. In the Victorian period fruit knives were commonly sold with fruit forks in boxed sets of a dozen. The manufacturer Elkington & Co. could charge up to £22 a set in 1885 for richly engraved blades with carved handles and accompanying matching forks.

Production
Place and date of manufacture uncertain, as date letter and town mark are missing. However, other knives and forks in the set can be dated to between 1800 and 1810, and to manufacturers in Sheffield and Birmingham. The engraving of 1819 on the blade may give the end of the upper date range.
Summary
Object Type

Smaller knives evolved in the early 18th century as cutlery became specialised. A desire to eat more elegantly prompted the need for table equipment that could be used only at particular times in the meal or with certain foods. The fruit or dessert knife was designed for use with the last course or dessert, which might consist of fresh or candied fruit. A Victorian etiquette book of 1880 advised, 'In eating pears or apples, they would be peeled and cut into halves and quarters with a fruit knife and fork.' These knives could also be used to cut cheese or cake.

Design & Designing

Dessert cutlery had always been more highly decorated than that for the earlier courses, to reflect the status and expense of the dessert. Handles, in particular, were often more ornate. This knife has a handle made of mother-of-pearl (the most expensive material used for such purposes), which adds to the effect of luxury. In the Victorian period fruit knives were commonly sold with fruit forks in boxed sets of a dozen. The manufacturer Elkington & Co. could charge up to £22 a set in 1885 for richly engraved blades with carved handles and accompanying matching forks.
Collection
Accession number
M.198E-1977

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Record createdSeptember 12, 2003
Record URL
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