Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

A set of six late 17th-century shear steel knives and forks with hatched bone handles

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A rare set of matching 18th-century table cutlery with beautifully hatched bone handles, from our personal collection. Each knife and fork was cast in a single piece and secured to its bone handle with a metal cap through which the end of the haft extends and is peened. Each of the six forks has two very sharp tines, and the tines and the exposed segment of handle connect in a graceful curve. The knives are of the scimitar type, with a modest arch and rounded end. All the knives are stamped “shear steel”, and two bear the initials “W R”, with a stamped crown between them. We’re confident that the initials refer to William of Orange, who reigned from 1689 until 1702. The bone handles of each of the dozen pieces are decorated with cross-hatching on their faces and parallel lines on their sides. While the handles of most of the pieces have longitudinal splits, the usual result of rusted tangs, each is secure and solid. These steel utensils must not be submerged in water; with hand washing, they should last for centuries more.

English, late 17th century

Lengths: knives: 9 ½” – 9 ¾”; forks: 7” – 7 ¼”

Price: $450

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