Victorian Circa 1860–1900 | England An antique Victorian carved wooden handle bread knife with stamped steel blade. The patterned handle is carved with a banner which encloses the word “Bread” in gothic script and has a finial end. It has a lovely deep carving and patina, particularly evident through the expertly made little dots carved in the background and the banner. DIMENSIONS: Length 37 cm. SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: Whilst attribution of breadboards and associated items (such as bread knives, butter dishes and butter knives) is difficult, as so little printed information remains. This bread knife is likely carved by the Wings as it shows their signature Wing-style ‘B’ see Vintage Breadboards, Madeleine Neave, Prospect Books, 2019, p. 215. The steel blade retains the manufacturer’s mark “Encore, Thomas Turner Cmpy Suffolk Works Sheffield” (see The Gen). CONDITION: In excellent condition, with wear commensurate with antique age and use of such a piece. The bread knife handle and blade have a lovely patina developed through the many years of handling and use. These all add to the history of the piece and wonder of the stories it could tell. REFERENCES: For examples of similar knives see Vintage Breadboards, Madeleine Neave, Prospect Books, 2019, pp 201–203. ~~~~~~~~~~~ THE GEN “Thomas Turner was founded in 1802 and granted a mark by the Cutlers’ Company in 1805 of ‘three diamonds with a peppercorn and the word “ENCORE” underneath’. They were located at the Suffolk Works, which fronted onto Suffolk Street and were bound by Turner Street, and the Porter Brook and River Sheaf which gave the impression that the works were on an island.” Read more about Thomas Turner & Co. ~~~~~~~~~~~
