Skinning Knife from a Hunting Set
Cultureprobably
French
Date1550–1600
Mediumsteel/iron with gilding, gilt brass, silver and hardwood
Dimensions25.3 cm (9 15/16 in.), 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.515
DescriptionFlattened lenticular-sectioned head with rounded scraping edge. At its base, head is cut to form pair of recurved, addorsed langets with lobes at top & bottom. Within the cut-out area is an inset, balustered gilt-bronze fitting with upper and basal swellings. Base of head fashioned as balustered swelling of octagonal section, in one with the long slightly flared shaft. Near the point where it is fitted to the grip, the shaft is cut to resemble a vase-like structure fashioned with a scalloped acanthus-like pattern. Base of shaft fits into wooden handle (ebony?) surmounted with an iron finial & leaved basal washer. Grip & mounts all appear to be 19th c. Iridescence of iron suggests it was formerly blued.ProvenanceFrederic Spitzer (Paris, France) Anderson Galleries (NYC) Mr. John W. Higgins (Worcester, MA), given to the Armory by John W. Higgins 1 July 1954. Purchased by John W. Higgins at the Anderson Galleries sale #2308, lot 47. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
about 1600–1650
