Antique American Federal Period Flame Mahogany Knife Box

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Description

A rare fine quality turn of the 18th/19th century American Federal period antique cutlery knife box, exquisitely hand-crafted, of large … Read more A rare fine quality turn of the 18th/19th century American Federal period antique cutlery knife box, exquisitely hand-crafted, of large size and proportions, serpentine shaped front, finished in stunning flame mahogany, you can see the artisan spared no expense by finishing all sides and the interior. The slanted top hinged lid is embellished with contrasting satinwood conch shell inlay and string banding border.

The top lifts opens to reveal an interior fitted with a removable 42 cutout centerpiece, featuring 36 graduated circular holes and 6 large oval holes for placement of silverware and knives handle display.

A wonderful example, elegant and sophisticated with beautiful, rich mahogany coloring and superb grain detail, nicely aged patina over the whole, mildly worn, warm and rustic, full of attractive antique character and historical charm.

Dimensions: (approx)
13.5" High, 9" Wide, 11" Deep

Though knifeboxes began as utilitarian objects, they became things of beauty and some even became works of art.

Eighteenth-century knives and spoons, like tea, were items owned by the wealthy and required special cases for their storage and display. The knife box became a symbol of importance in any early dining room, since owning silver was a matter of great prestige.

Usually handmade and decorated, knife boxes were fitted with elaborately grooved interiors to hold a variety of cutlery.

Articles of great rarity and value have historically been encased in boxes of comparative artistic value. Craftsmen often fabricated elaborate boxes to protect valuables against damage, and more often, theft. Sometimes elegant boxes offered a means of displaying that which they contained to the best advantage.

Early recorded illustrations of knife boxes date from 1649., but the generally their date from the 1720s. From this time onward, mentions of cases of wood or shagreen (leather) appeared in letters and household inventories. Up to the time of the American Revolution, wealthy homeowners imported their knife boxes from England See less