Sterling Silver Mother of Pearl 12-Place Fruit Set - 1897

This exceptional twelve-place fruit set by Thomas Nowill Batt is a luminous celebration of late Victorian table elegance. Crafted in sterling silver and mother of pearl and presented in its original wooden box, it brings together fine materials, intricate engraving and a richly coloured interior to create a truly theatrical presentation. The warm grain of the timber contrasts beautifully with the deep red velvet and satin lining, which cradles each piece and heightens the sense of occasion each time the case is opened.

Comprising twelve fruit knives and twelve matching forks, the set is designed to serve fruit and delicate desserts with grace and ease. Each sterling silver blade is adorned with decorative engraving, featuring scrolling foliage and finely detailed borders that catch the light with every movement. The handles, carved from lustrous mother of pearl, offer a soft, cool feel in the hand and a gentle iridescence that shifts from pearl white to subtle hints of silver and soft blush tones. Together, the combination of engraved silver and nacre creates a striking interplay of texture and sheen.

Hallmarked and dated 1897, the set is a testament to the craftsmanship of its maker and the refined rituals of the Victorian and Edwardian dining room. The careful preservation of the original box – from its fitted interior to the secure brass fittings – underscores its status as a cherished object, likely reserved for special gatherings and celebratory meals. Yet despite its age and heritage, the design feels remarkably timeless, lending itself as easily to a contemporary tablescape as to a period-inspired setting.

Ideal for the collector of fine silver, the host who delights in detail, or anyone seeking an heirloom-worthy centrepiece for the dining table, this Thomas Nowill Batt fruit set offers more than functionality. It invites you to slow down, to savour the ceremony of a shared course, and to add a touch of luminous, old-world glamour to even the simplest seasonal fruits.