KNIFE

A post-medieval copper-alloy knife handle, dating to the 17th century. The handle is cast in two separate pieces, soldered down the middle so that it is hollow. Part of the iron whittle tang is still visible inside the hollow of the handle. The handle is rectangular and tapers to the blade end. There is a zoomorphic terminal that appears to be in the form of a lion's head (or some fantastical beast). The handle has recesses which form an enamelled decoration in foliate designs running down the widest sides, which are slightly curved. The enamel is no longer present, but traces remain in the form light grey concretion. The terminal would have also been decorated in enamel, with the eyes and mane/hair containing the same grey concretion. The mane is formed of oval panels with a scrolling design on either side. The head projects at 90 degrees to the handle. The snout is long and irregular shaped, with well-defined muscles. The animal appears to be growling, exposing four canine teeth in the mouth. There is a rounded crest on the top of the head.

Based on similar examples on the database it would appear that this objects dates to the 17th century and is Dutch in origin. However, it is noted with find no. HAMP-AE36D4 that the style of enamelling is more commonly produced in London workshops in the same period. Referred to by Papin and Soulat (2017, 6; note 28).

Dimensions: length: 84.09 mm; width: 24.41 mm; thickness: 15.06 mm; weight: 49.49g.