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Object Timeline

1957

  • We acquired this object.

2005

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Knife with Eight-Paneled Agate Handle Knife

This is a knife. It was made by William Boswell. It is dated late 17th century and we acquired it in 1957. Its medium is steel, silver, agate. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

text from "Manufacturing and Marketing in Europe, 1600-2000" in Feeding Desire exhibition catalogue:

"Machines and tools were simple, and labors learned at the workbench were considered of little interest before the craft revival of the mid-nineteenth century (figs. 2,3). Because metals were recyclable and of economic value, their use was regulared, and in many Europen centers the cutlers and silversmiths were expected to register marks with their respective guilds."

This object was donated by Francis B. Lothrop, Mrs. George Batchelder, Jordan Abbott and Gordon Abbott Sr.. It is credited Gift of Mrs. Francis B. Lothrop, Mrs. George Batchelder, and Gordon Abbott, Sr..

Its dimensions are

L x W x D: 20.7 × 1.6 × 1.6 cm (8 1/8 × 5/8 × 5/8 in.)

It has the following markings

On blade: [1] lowercase "y", impressed (mark of cutler William Boswell, granted use of the "y" mark in 1669). [2] dagger symbol, impressed (London cutler's mark)

Cite this object as

Knife with Eight-Paneled Agate Handle Knife; Made by William Boswell; England; steel, silver, agate; L x W x D: 20.7 × 1.6 × 1.6 cm (8 1/8 × 5/8 × 5/8 in.); Gift of Mrs. Francis B. Lothrop, Mrs. George Batchelder, and Gordon Abbott, Sr.; 1957-29-3-a

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18706025/ |title=Knife with Eight-Paneled Agate Handle Knife |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>