Lamson & Goodnow Mfg Co President Grant Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Tea Knives, Shelburne Falls, MA, c. 1869, priced individually

Part of a larger service given to President Ulysses S. Grant, these rare knives have wonderfully carved mother-of-pearl handles. Carved foliage decorates the end sides of the handles along with leaves at the tips. The bases of the handles are carved with complimentary leaves. The variation of color and iridescence is quite lovely. Silverplate ferrules attach the handles to their silver plate blades. They are marked with an American Eagle above:

US GRANT
PRESIDENT
OF THE
UNITED STATES

They are also marked :

PRESENTED BY THE WORKMEN OF THE
LAMSON & GOODNOW MFG CO
SHELBURNE FALLS MASS MARCH 1869

Lamson is still in business in Shelburne Falls, MA, and their website states:

Established in Massachusetts in 1837, Lamson is proud to be the oldest cutlery manufacturer in the United States. Our name is synonymous with American artistry and carries with it a distinguished history—in 1869 newly-elected US President Ulysses S. Grant was presented a 62-piece Lamson dinner set at the White House. Pieces of this extraordinary gift remain in the nation’s capital on display at the Smithsonian Institution. (1)

The carving set to this service is in the collection of the Newark Museum. (2)

Provenance: President Ulysses S. & Mrs. Julia Grant
Fred & Ira Grant
Ulysses S. Grant, III
Edith Grant
living descendant

These important knives are a rare opportunity to own a bit of history. They measure 8.25 inches long and are in very good condition with a little bit of wear to the silver plating on the blades. They are priced individually and you may order up to the number available.

Endnotes:

1. Lamson Company website, see here.
   
2. Newark Museum website, see here.