knife, fish
knife, fish
knife, fish
knife, fish
knife, fish

knife, fish

Object

Accession Number
2019.011.002.009
Description
Ivory handled, silver plate fish knife. Oh the top of the blade is and incised design featuring a fish speared on a trident with acanthus leaves and lily pads surrounding it. The back of the blade has an incised trident with acanthus leaves wrapped around the hilt. The blade is wide and comes to a short point with a bump in the top, two centimeters from the top. The ivory handle is printed and engraved with a gauntleted arm holding a small sword. The blade bears the marks of William Hutton & Sons Ltd.
Narrative

This set of fish knives and forks in mahogany case bear the maker’s marks of William Hutton & Sons Ltd. of Sheffield, England and they date to 1901 or earlier.

During the late 19th century, it was not unusual for households the size of Craigdarroch to have several sets of fish knives and fish forks which the principal family would use from time to time. Extra sets would be put into service during balls, when 100 or more guests would be served supper. The engraved gauntleted arm clenching a sword is engraved onto the ivory handle of each piece in this set. The same design is found on the Audain family silver previously donated to Craigdarroch (2017.7.1). This might mean that this fish service was once owned by Guy Payne Audain and Sarah Byrd Audain (nee Dunsmuir), but cannot be proven.

History of Use
unknown
Date
before 1901
Dimensions
1.3 x 2 x 22.5 cm
Material
Ivory; Metal, silver
Technique
Plated
Country of Origin
England

Related person/business/organization
William Hutton & Sons Ltd. (manufacturer)