Knife (one of a set of six)

1755-1785

Maker

Probably William Sheen (working after 1755)

Measurements

9-3/8 in x 1-1/4 in x 1 in

Materials

Silver and steel

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Hugh R. Sharp Jr. and Bayard Sharp

Accession Number

1968.830

Inscription

Each knife bears to hallmarks--a lion passant (walking with three paws on the ground and the right front paw raised) and "WS" in a rectangle--on the silver handle near the steel blade and on opposite sides.  A pellet may separate the initials, but the marks are unclear.

Condition Notes

The two marks on each knife are worn.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

Each knife in the set of six has a steel blade in the shape of a scimitar with a rounded tip.  A thinly cast pistol-grip shaped silver handle is attached to the tang of the steel blade.  The end of the handle is scrolled with an abstracted acanthus-type decoration decorating the very end.