Name/Title
Knife BoxContext
On the sideboard table in the Neill-Cochran House Museum Dining Room are a pair of English-made, 19th-century mahogany knife boxes in the shape of classical urns. Each box is raised on a turned stem resting on a square base with four small feet. The lid is topped with a turned finial that raises on a telescoping stem to reveal a fitted cutlery case.
Decorative knife cases allowed people to keep precious silverware in the dining room, close at hand, while keeping the room tidy and beautiful. Fitted cutlery cases were ideal for silver utensils because they prevented scratching and tarnishing at the points of contact. Knife urns in the Neo-classical style became popular in the late 18th century and found renewed popularity as antiques after the 1860s.
This handsome pair of knife boxes were a gift to the NCHM from Robert E. and Millicent Louise McDonald. You can see them, and all of our classical artifacts, Wed-Sun, 11-4pm.
Source: Victoria and Albert MuseumAcquisition
Accession
2000.01Source or Donor
Robert E. and Millicent Louise McDonaldAcquisition Method
Gift