Cutlery Set
late 17th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Before the mid 18th century, cutlery was a portable, personal possession. You took your own cutlery on the road. An expensive knife and fork, like fine jewellery and clothing, were a sign of wealth and taste. The floral decoration on this case resembles the 'wrigglework' decoration on contemporary pewter.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 8 parts.
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| Brief description | cutlery set comprising six silver knives and a fork in an ivory case stained red and green and inlaid with silver wire, Sheffield, late 17th century |
| Physical description | cutlery set comprising six silver knives and a fork in an ivory case stained red and green and inlaid with silver wire |
| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Before modern transport people largely travelled on foot or on horseback. Useful everyday items needed to be carried comfortably on the body. Some were miniature versions of larger objects, others folded ingeniously to become portable. Often they were intricate and delicate.
These eleven items were personal possessions. Many were made before pockets were commonplace. Some were used in the workplace, some at home and some on the road.
Many have cases as stylish as the objects they protect. These cases came in a range of materials, from expensive ivory and sharkskin to cheaper leather and wood. Their decoration shows the same designs that adorn silver, ceramics and textiles.
All these objects give us interesting insights into work, leisure and social etiquette
8 CUTLERY CASE CONTAINING SIX KNIVES AND ONE FORK
Silver and steel cutlery, with ivory and silver case
London, about 1680
Knives marked with the dagger of the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, London; handles with maker's mark, RS, unidentified
Before the mid 18th century, cutlery was a portable, personal possession. You took your own cutlery on the road. An expensive knife and fork, like fine jewellery and clothing, were a sign of wealth and taste. The floral decoration on this case resembles the 'wrigglework' decoration on contemporary pewter. [49 words]
Museum no. M.302 to G-1920 |
| Summary | Before the mid 18th century, cutlery was a portable, personal possession. You took your own cutlery on the road. An expensive knife and fork, like fine jewellery and clothing, were a sign of wealth and taste. The floral decoration on this case resembles the 'wrigglework' decoration on contemporary pewter. |
| Bibliographic reference | Moore, Simon. Cutlery for the table: a history of British table and pocket cutlery. Sheffield: Hallamshire Press, 1999. ISBN 1874718563 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.302toG-1920 |
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| Record created | June 1, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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