18th-century silver travel cutlery with mother-of-pearl inlay. Schager knife.

18th-century silver cutlery with mother-of-pearl – Schager type knife (ca. 1721)

A rare and exceptional 18th-century cutlery set , consisting of a knife and fork , with beautifully crafted silver handles inlaid with mother-of-pearl and silver ornamentation . This type of luxury cutlery reflects the refined culinary culture and craftsmanship of the early 18th century.

The cutlery is not hallmarked , which is common in this early period and with this type of utensil. The knife belongs to the so-called Schager type , recognizable by the boat hook. A similar knife is published in the standard work Eight Centuries of European Knives by Klaus Marquardt , page 119, illustration 371 , and is dated there as 1721. This supports an early 18th-century dating for the present piece.

The mother-of-pearl and silver inlays give the cutlery a rich and decorative character. Small pieces of the inlay are missing in some places, reflecting the object's age and use, without detracting from its historical value.

Specifications:

• Object: cutlery (knife and fork)
• Period: early 18th century (ca. 1721)
• Handle material: silver with mother-of-pearl and silver inlay
• Knife length: approx. 21 cm
• Fork length: approx. 18.5 cm
• Total weight: approx. 110 grams
• Approved: unapproved
• Condition: small losses in the investment
• Reference: Klaus Marquardt, Eight Centuries of European Knives , p. 119, fig. 371

An exceptional and collectible example of early 18th century European table silver , of interest to enthusiasts of antique knives , Schager knives , historical cutlery and documented objects from trade literature .