Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1880s.
The Mahogany box is inlaid with Boxwood and an inlaid brass vacant cartouche in the centre.
Below is a fruit and nut serving set, two berry spoons, two nut crackers two nut picks, and a pair of grape shears, all intricately engraved matching the cutlery.
There is a gold embossed English design registration lozenge which when deciphered dates the registration of this piece to 20th June 1882. Below is a button which when pressed releases the sprung drawer below which houses another matching set of fruit or desert eaters for another six; so the set is for 12 and with the serving set totals 31 pieces.
The pieces are marked Joespeh Ridge and Co. of Sheffield, this mark was only used between 1881-1886, which fits in perfectly with registration mark.
Quite fabulous and a rare find. Excellent condition. The knives measure 7 3/4", the forks 6 1/4", the berry spoons 8 1/2", the nut crackers 5 3/4", the nut picks 4 1/2", the grape shears 6 3/4". The presentation case measures 13 1/2" x 11 1/2" x 4 1/2".
Item ID: 35265
FREE Worldwide Registered Airmail Directly From London, England
Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1880s.
A quality online collection of fine english antique smalls with free worldwide shipping from london, england
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Puckerings Profile Page
Antique English Fruit Eaters for 12 - Fruit & Nut Serving Set by Joseph Ridge C.1882
