Apple Corers were a common tool found in the 18th century, often made from sheep leg bone or wood. They featured a sharpened and hollowed-out end to scoop and remove the core of an apple.
On rarer occasions you will find examples that are made of Sterling Silver. Silver Apple Corers first appear in Europe in the late 1600’s, and they were typically formed from one long cylinder of silver, with a hollowed-out scoop or “blade” design cut away from the handle about half way up. By the 1750’s silver smiths had incorporated a new, more ergonomic design to make them easier to carry in the pocket. The blade was designed to unscrew and fit inside of a hollowed out handle, which was often made of silver, ivory or shagreen. A shagreen case would also be included on finer examples to aid in the protecting the silver piece.
This 18th Century apple corer is an extremely fine example, made of sterling silver and ornately decorated with both rose gold and yellow gold inlay. It features relief chased and engraved designs, gold inlaid banding, gold repousse floral work, and a beautifully engraved and gold inlaid monogram which reads “JSP” that is crested by an Eagle, also which is inlaid in gold. This piece still retains its original shagreen case, and it remains in excellent condition, still showcasing its original felt lining and brass closures.
I have spent many hours researching 17th and 18th Century examples of bone and silver apple corers of both American and Continental origin, and I have yet to find anything remotely close in overall quality and condition as this piece.
Its execution and condition are near perfect.
It is truly a rare and magnificent piece of history.
And stands on a custom curly walnut display.
