Images(2)

Knife box, one of pair

Dateca. 1820

OriginAmerica, Maryland, Baltimore

MediumMahogany, lacewood, tulip poplar, white pine, and brass

DimensionsOH: 28"; OW: 12 3/4"; OD: 12 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1997-1,2

DescriptionOne of a pair of classical carved and reeded gilt & ormolu-mounted lift-top mahogany knife urns. Each box has cylidrical, reeded sides with a shield shaped brass plaque on the front with the ciper "EMA," domed lid with a carved and gilded pineapple finial, square pedastle base with ormolu lion-paw feet.
Label TextThe most common version of the knife case from the form's inception through the 1820s was a rectangular box with a shaped front and a deep, slanted lid. New knife case designs were introduced between the 1780s and the middle of the nineteenth century. Some, like the vase- or urn-shaped case, became fashionable standards, while others, including an elliptic form, were never produced in large numbers.
MarkingsShield shaped brass plaques on the front of each knife box engraved in script "EMA" for Edward and Mary Austen of Baltiore.
ProvenanceDescended in the Austen family of Maryland. Acquired by Woldman & Woldman (dealers) from the widow of a direct descendant of the original owner. Believed to have been owned originally by Edward and Mary Austen whose families emigrated from England and settled in the Baltimore area in 1795.

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