KNIFE

Fragment of a sheet copper alloy plate, probably once covering a knife handle. The plate is sub-rectangular in plan and has a pointed terminal. The plate tapers from the terminal towards the break. Decorating the perimeter of the plate is a pair of incised lines. These enclose an elaborately incised hunting scene, comprising on the right a male figure, and on the left what appears to be the hind legs and tails of what several hounds.

The figure on the right is show from the waist upwards, as seen from the front, but slightly turned to the right. He wears a hook and a cloak. His right hand is elevated and holds a trumpet or bugle to his lips. His left hand is situated close to the centre of his chest, and he holds a staff, club, or flail. This object extends diagonally upwards, resting on his left shoulder. A pair of incised lines extend downwards from the tip of this implement, suggesting that it is a flail or club, though it is somewhat unclear as to whether these lines are associated with the staff in his hand. To the left of the figure is a mass of incised lines which appear to comprise at least one hind leg, and at least one curving tail.

The reverse of the plate is smooth and has a light coloured sheen, suggesting that it was once applied to another object such as a handle.

Discussion

Similar hunting scenes depicting hounds and a bugler can be found in illuminated manuscripts of the 12th-14th centuries.