Vintage Thomas W. Cork & Son Sheffield Fruit Set in Case — Service for Six, Mother-of-Pearl Handles

This is such a classic English table detail. A black fitted case opens to reveal a full fruit service for six — six small fruit forks (6”) and six fruit knives (7”) with beautifully carved mother-of-pearl handles. The knives are marked Thomas W. Cork & Son, Sheffield, England, and stamped stainless on the blades.

Fruit sets like this were especially popular in the early to mid-20th century. The stainless blades suggest these are more likely vintage (circa 1930s–1950s) rather than Victorian antique, as stainless steel became widely used for table cutlery in the 20th century. They would have been brought out after dinner for apples, pears, or citrus — a small but thoughtful hostess detail.

Condition notes: one knife blade sits slightly separated at the join but remains sturdy and usable. One blade has a slight bend at the tip. The case shows age as expected.