A pair of knives and case: M.53A-C-1930

Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Cutler: Unidentified
Handle maker: Unknown
Case maker: Unknown

Entities

Description

Amber, ivory, silver and steel in a raised work embroidery case; each knife with slender handle and silver or steel blade

Amber, ivory, silver and steel in a raised work embroidery case; each knife (A & B) has a handle of eight amber bands and narrow silver spaces and two ivory bands inlaid with silver piqué dots; hexagonal in section, broadening slightly towards the silver openwork terminal cap and ball-shaped finial. The long steel bolster is inlaid with rows of small silver flowerheads and dots. The steel blade has parallel sides tapering to a rounded point. The cloth case (C) is covered in raised embroidery in coloured silk and metal thread and small sequins. It is lobed oval in section and tapers to a point. On one side is an oval tassel with three pendant knots.

Notes

History note: Frank Smart Collection

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1930) by Duncanson, T. J. G.

Dating

17th Century, Early#
Production date: circa AD 1620

Components of the work

Surface composed of embroidery
Handle composed of amber (fossil resin) ivory
Case composed of cloth
Decoration composed of silver
Blade composed of steel
Knife A Length 18.8 cm
Sheath Length 19.5 cm
Knife B Length 20 cm