Boxed ivorine Sweetcorn handle bread knife with silver collar

A superb quality boxed bread knife, with a moulded ivorine ‘Sweetcorn Sheath’ handle and sterling silver ferrule. Produced by Geo. Wostenholm & Son, Sheffield, with the saw edged blade engraved for their I*XL range of Firth Stainless.
One of the earliest forms of plastic (essentially white Bakelite), the cellulose nitrate or ‘ivorine’ handle is moulded to resemble a deeply carved Sweetcorn Sheah. The mirror finish steel blade terminates in a silver ferrule hallmarked for JB - John Biggin Ltd. - Sheffield 1927.
This very special bread knife comes complete with its bespoke fitted presentation box, which is also emblazoned inside the lid with gilt lettering for Wostenholms I*XL Cutlery.
Up there with the most premium ‘carved handle’ bread knives and an essential for any serious collection.
Dimensions:
35.5cm knife total length
21.5cm blade
39cm box length
Condition:
Superb condition, the mirror finish blade has some very fine surface scratches and marks to be expected, mainly from polishing rather than use. The silver collar has not been over polished and the hallmarks are crisp. The handle has no damage.
The box has some marks and small scuffs but is overall in good condition. The silk hinge covers have detached from one side, but otherwise the inside is clean and very presentable.