Accession Number

2017.007.004.010

Description

Imitation bone handled luncheon knife with a stainless steel blade. Marks on blade: GR with a crown; Joseph Rodgers & Sons, cuttlers to his Majesty; Sheffield (star) (cross) England; Stainless; X-SS

Narrative

This early 20th century stainless steel imitation bone-handled English luncheon knife is one of eleven identical luncheon knives donated to Craigdarroch Castle by a great great grandson of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir. Its connection to Guy Mortimer Audain and Sarah Byrd Dunsmuir (Mrs. Guy Audain) and their descendants makes it a significant addition to the collection that aids in presenting the Dunsmuir story and Craigdarroch’s period interiors.

History of Use

This luncheon knife belonged to the donor's grandfather, Guy Mortimer Audain (1864-1940) and grandmother, Sarah Byrd Dunsmuir (1878-1925) (Mrs. Guy Audain). Sarah was the eldest daughter of Hon. James and Laura Dunsmuir, and granddaughter of Joan Dunsmuir of Craigdarroch. It was probably acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Audain when new around the time of their 1901 wedding. Guy Audain became Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant Governor James Dunsmuir in 1906 at which point the Audains used this and other silverware at the James and Laura Dunsmuir house named Burleith from 1906 to 1910, and then at their own house named Ellora, which still stands at 555 Foul Bay Road in Victoria.

Date

1910 – 1936

Dimensions

0.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 24 cm

Material

Metal, steel; Plastic, celluloid

Country of Origin

United Kingdom