Victorian Mother of Pearl Handled Butter Knife, c. 1890

Story

Victorian dinner parties were high-stakes social theater where using the wrong fork was a scandal. This knife was part of an arsenal of tools designed to show off a host's sophistication. Its iridescent handle comes from oyster shells.

Maker / Origin

The 'EPNS' mark stands for Electro-Plated Nickel Silver, a technology perfected in Sheffield, England. This allowed the rising middle class to own 'silver' that looked identical to the solid sterling used by the aristocracy. These workshops were the high-tech startups of the 19th century.

Condition & Value

The Mother of Pearl handle appears well-preserved with no visible cracks. The silver plating on the blade shows minor surface wear consistent with age, which is expected. Excellent handle condition maintains the value.