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Originally Posted by pbleed
Dear All,
Thank you all for the replies and wonderful reactions. Cornell, your knife is terrific. I think mine is probably a "poor guy's" version of that kind of knife. I pretty sure that the tip of my knife was made with a straight edge and a low clip to the point. Cornell's blade, however, suggests that it may not be as reshaped as I had thought. The comments also got me to study the difference of "fruitwood" and boxwoof, etc. So much to learn!
Thanks
Peter
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Hi Peter, I absolutely don't agree, your knife is beautiful and of a museal quality. I found a pocket knife in the Solingen klingen Museum (btw yours is a nicer one) with similar grip and symbols. I also found all the symbols used on a 17thC cup in my collection .please see picture for the pocket knife, it is damaged but you also can see the remains of the Dutch lion.
symbols on your knife:
1. female with children STANDS FOR C(H)ARITAS.... CHARITY
2. female with sword STANDS FOR IUSTITIA .....JUSTICE
3. female with the bird STANDS FOR SPES (esperans).......HOPE
4. last but not least the lion on top stands for Holland.
(also prudentia,fortitud,temperant,fides had their own symbols.)
the dating of early 17thC is correct,unfortunately it is not possible to say if this knife stands on his own or belonged to a 2 piece set.
in all aspect a remarkable knife in a very good condition.
regards from Holland