Rare Antique Three Bladed Folding Penknife with Manicure File and Tortoise Shell Grip Scales by Mappin & Webb of London c1880

Here on offer is a very rare example of an antique three bladed folding penknife with a manicure file and tortoise shell grip scales by
by the famous silversmith’s Mappin & Webb of London, circa 1880.

This fine example of a fine quality penknife is made up of three sharp blades and a manicure file/tool, which are all stamped on their ricasso with the Mappin & Webb maker’s mark:

M
TRUSTWORTHY (inside a ribbon)
MAPPIN & WEBB
SHEFFIELD

My understanding is that this maker mark was granted in 1860 and I believe this penknife dates from around 1880, making it from the Victorian period.

The grip scales have been made from two sections of beautiful tortoise shell, that was popular back in Victorian times.

One of the scales has been inset with a vacant silver escutcheon.

Unfortunately, this penknife has sustained some damage to the tip of one of the smaller blades and the round end of one of the grip scales. The scale has been repaired with the addition of a rounded piece of tortoise shell, but you can see the repair.

This penknife is a true collector’s piece and if it didn’t have the damage, it would be worth over £300. It is still a beautifully made piece and displays well with all the blades and file locking in place securely.

There is some light pitting to the polished finish of the blades, that may well clean off.

The largest blade is 2.1” (5.5cm) long and the other blades and the manicure file are now 1.6” (4.2cm) long. When closed the penknife measures 3.5” (8.9cm) long and it weighs 40g.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52104