Bailey & Kitchen Antique Coin Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Knives, set of 12, Philadelphia, PA, c. 1846

One has to credit the exquisite condition of these rare knives to being housed in their original box. Tapered, rectangular handles with rounded ends exhibit stunning mother-of-pearl with all its beauty and shimmering iridescence. The silver blades with rounded, blunt ends are engraved with an 'EMJ' monogram.

The box has two levels fitted with blue velvet and racks to hold the knives. The cover, which is detached, has a silk lining (stained) stamped 'BAILEY & Co./ 136 Chestnut St./ PHILADa' within a shield and wreath.

Joseph Trowbridge Bailey & Andrew Boyd Kitchen were in partnership from 1832-1846. They changed their name to Bailey & Co. in 1846 when Kitchen retired. In 1833 they were located at 136 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. (1) Due to the stamp on the box and the mark on the blades, we can determine that these date to when Bailey and Kitchen were transitioning to Bailey & Co.

These wonderful knives are marked 'B&K.' They measure 7.75 inches long and are in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. Beatrice Garvin and David Barquist, American Silver in the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Volume 1, (New London: Yale University Press & The Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2018), pp. 78-81.