ANTIQUE SILVER KNIFE RESTS
Antique Silver knife rests Description:
A piece of table silver designed to hold the blade of a knife off the table, so that the table cloth was kept clean. Often made in sets of two or more.
Antique Silver knife rests History:
The earliest known examples date from the latter part of the 18th century but these are quite rare now. Most were made in the Victorian or early 20th century and they are still being made today but in very limited numbers.
Antique Silver knife rests Design:
Their basic design was the same and included a low short bar of silver which joined two side feet together. The feet were often in the shape of a X-section but other styles had triangular ends joined at their angles. In both cases these end pieces lifted the bar off the table to allow the knife blade to sit without dirtying the table cloth. Many sets were made with bone, ivory, or mother-of-pearl bars.
Antique Silver knife rests Collectors Note:
If found in a set of two or more then their hallmarks must match. Boxed sets are very sought after and any unusual designs command higher prices. Original 18th century examples are now rare. Any with mother-of-pearl bars are considered very pretty and therefore are in demand. Look closely for any repairs especially where the bar is attached to the side ends.