POST MEDIEVAL KNIFE

1500

A fragment of a post medieval ivory knife handle dating to 16th - 17th century. This fragment includes the rounded end of the knife handle. It has been decoratively carved with the same pattern on both sides (the pattern does not extend over the sides and end of the handle) and within that pattern there are drilled circular cells of which one still contains a glass setting. The pattern comprises a large 8-petalled rose with a pointed calyx (infilled with cross-hatching) projecting between each of the petals. The pattern is arranged so there is a large circular cell (diameter: 6.15mm) at the centre of the flower. On the side where the glass setting is missing the central hole for the drill is visible. The engraving continues down the handle with a scrolling foliate pattern and within that there are two further, smaller circular cells (diameter: 3.97mm). The handle is broken irregularly across these two cells. On one side there is a circular piece of glass set into the larger cell at the centre of the flower motif. This glass appears to have a slight yellow/orange tint but this may well be due to foreshore staining. The glass was set to sit flat with the surface of the handle; a small section of the original surface remains but the majority is broken leaving conchoidal scars. Conservators confirmed the material as glass not amber.A similar knife handle is published by Brown (2001:83 no 39d) which is ivory and engraved with multiple circular cells inset with amber. The shape of the handle and the detail of the decoration is different but the style is very similar. The blade of that knife is an earlier 16th century shape but it is dated as c. 1600.The style of the rose on this knife handle is very similar to a rose engraved into a pair of dividers (LON-B3B120) which are dated 16th - 17th century. Similar roses are also used decoratively on toy tableware which are dated to the 17th century (Forsyth & Egan 2005:299-300).Dimensions: length: 30.16mm; width: 18.00mm; thickness: 12.08mm; weight: 6.57g.Reference: Brown, P. 2001. British Cutlery: An illustrated history of design, evolution and use. London: Philip Wilson Publishers.Forsyth, H. and Egan, G. 2005. Toys, Trifles and Trinkets. Base Metal Miniatures from London 1200 to 1800. Unicorn Press, London.