Antique pair of 2 sterling silver cutlery knives with carved french ivory handles, manufactured by Landers, Frary & Clark.
This pair of beautiful sterling silver flatware knives is in excellent condition, with no silver wear, pitting or bent knife blades. The condition of the carved french ivory handles is excellent with a beautiful luster, and no chips or cracks are noted. This is an exceptionally clean pair of sharp knives and may have never been used.
Landers Frary & Clark's history dates back to 1842 when they began as a partnership. The New Britain, Connecticut company became Landers, Frary & Smith Mfg. Co. in 1853, and Landers, Frary & Clark in 1865. In 1866, they purchased the Meriden Cutlery Co. and continued to use the Meriden trademark on some sterling wares. They began the manufacturer of cutlery in 1865 and discontinued flatware production in 1950. Landers, Frary & Clark are now completely liquidated.
French Ivory is an imitation of ivory tusk in grained celluloid or plastic. "French Ivory" is a registered trademark. Other ivory imitations, not quite as good, were Ivorette, Ivorine, Ivory Pyralin, and DuBarry Pyralin. In the 1870's, there was a shortage of ivory for billiard balls and a prize was offered to anyone who could produce an excellent substitute. John Wesley Hyatt won with his mixture of nitric acid and cellulose (guncotton), to make celluloid. It was the first plastic to look like ivory. "French Ivory" products were produced by J. B. Ash Co. (Rockford, Illinois).
The stainless knife blades of the knives are marked UNIVERSAL RESISTAIN, MADE IN THE USA, and the ferrules are marked STERLING. Each knife measures 10" with a 5.5" blade and weigh 1.9 ounces each.
A1290 - LANDERS, FRARY & CLARK Sterling Silver Flatware Cutlery - Carved French Ivory Handles Knife Knives - PAIR
$75.00
