Philip Marks King's Pattern Silver Plated Handle Table Knife with Stainless Steel Blade
Flatware (Knife) · Philip Marks, a well-known Sheffield-based silversmith and distributor specializing in traditional British cutlery and silverware.
Pattern: King's Pattern, a classic and highly ornate traditional British silverware pattern featuring prominent shell and scroll motifs, introduced in the 19th century and still produced in various iterations.
Type
Flatware (Knife)
Maker
Philip Marks, a well-known Sheffield-based silversmith and distributor specializing in traditional British cutlery and silverware.
Material
Silver-plated handle over a base metal (likely nickel silver or electroplated white metal) with a stainless steel blade.
Dimensions
Standard table knife length of approximately 22 to 24 cm (8.5 to 9.5 inches), weight is typical for a hollow-handled table knife with a stainless steel blade.
Description
A classic British table knife featuring a beautifully detailed silver-plated King's pattern handle and a durable stainless steel blade. Produced by Philip Marks in Sheffield, England, this piece combines traditional ornate 19th-century aesthetics with modern functional materials.
Key Features
Ornate King's pattern relief work, Sheffield stainless steel replacement blade, classic British silver-plated hollow handle construction.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated handle over a base metal (likely nickel silver or electroplated white metal) with a stainless steel blade.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on the handle and blade, featuring classic King's pattern relief ornamentation including scrolled borders and prominent shell motifs at the terminal and bolster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Blade is stamped with the maker's name 'Philip Marks', 'Made in Sheffield, England', and 'STAINLESS STEEL'.
Construction Details
Hollow-handled silver-plated construction with a fitted stainless steel blade, secured typically with internal resin or cement and a bolster joint.
Functional Features
Designed for general table dining, featuring a standard curved table knife blade and an ergonomic hollow handle for balanced weight distribution.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow silver-plated handle featuring the ornate King's pattern relief, offering a traditional pistol-grip or straight contoured shape for dining ergonomics.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped blade combined with a die-pressed hollow-handled silver-plated shell, reflecting standard mid-century commercial manufacturing techniques for formal flatware.
Authentication Indicators
Clear maker's stamp on the blade referencing Sheffield, England, consistent with mid-20th-century British export and domestic flatware manufacturing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England, a world-renowned hub for the manufacture of fine cutlery and silverware since the 18th century.
Era & Period
Traditional Victorian Revival design style, though manufactured in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Age Estimate
Likely mid-to-late 20th century, circa 1950-1980, based on the stainless steel blade branding and manufacturing standards.
Cultural Significance
Represents the continuation of traditional British dining etiquette and the legacy of Sheffield as the premier global center for cutlery production.
Condition Notes
Very good overall condition with minor surface scratches consistent with gentle use and age. The silver plating remains largely intact with good luster.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $15 to $45 USD per individual knife, depending on overall condition and whether it is part of a matching set.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash recommended with mild soap and warm water. Dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scouring pads and harsh chemical dips to preserve the silver plating.
Similar Pieces
King's pattern or Queen's pattern knives by other Sheffield makers such as Arthur Price, Viner's, or Cooper Brothers.
Interesting Facts
The King's pattern is one of the most recognizable and enduring traditional silverware patterns, historically favored by British nobility and dining establishments alike.