Box, Knife
- Object Name:
- Box, Knife
- Object ID:
- 1937.007.01
- Place of Origin:
- Sheffield, England
- Date:
- 1760-1770
- Description:
- Knife Box. Rectangular body with hinged cover; sloped top, curved front, flat back and sides. Lid has a bevelled front and bevelled opening. Box exterior is covered with thin dark leathered paper (shagreen). Interior of box has several decorative elements: worn red velvet in top of lid and in each utensil compartment; white and blue ribbon decorates the edges of each compartment; sides of the lid are lined with wallpaper which has floral design in green, red, and gold colors. Other exposed areas of box are painted black. Interior of box is divided into 24 compartments, in five rows: lowest row has two spaces for forks, next row has four spaces for forks, and remaining three rows have six each, one row of forks and back two of knives. Front of box has a brass lock and hasp, including a spade-shaped hasp and a scalloped-edged lock plate. Two brass hinges at back of box which have both screws and tacks. Cuved cast brass swinging hinged handle on front of cover; Brass hand plate has a scalloped outline. Contains twelve silver forks and twelve silver knives.
- Material:
- Wood
Tissue
Textile - Dimensions:
- H-10.4 W-7.25 D-4.6 inches
- Provenance:
- Said to have been owned by Theodore Atkinson IV (1697-1779). Served in the House of Representatives, and served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Colonel in the Revolutionary War. His silver collection was known throughout New Hampshire.
With no heirs, most of Theodore Atkinson's possessions were bequeathed to his cousin's son, George King (1730/34-1788), on the condition that he change his name to Atkinson. This is probably the case of silver-handled knives and forks bequeathed by Susanna Atkinson (1750-1796); Mrs. George King Atkinson) to their nephew, William King Atkinson (1765-1820), in 1796.
Most of the Atkinson property was next passed down to William's daughter, Frances Atkinson Freeman (1797-1883). Donor, Miss Martha Williams Pike (1852-1938), is a granddaughter of Francis Atkinson Freeman.
Silversmith's mark, "I W", on the handle of the knives and forks; maker has not been identified. The silver-plated blades and tines were probably made in Sheffield, England; silver plating began there in 1742. These utensils predate 1773, which is when Sheffield's assay mark was established. - Credit Line:
- Gift of Martha Williams Pike
Electronic Resources are only available to New Hampshire Historical Society members. To access electronic resources, please join the New Hampshire Historical Society.