Found with antique cutlery

[Customx_12]

I bought a box of antique British cutlery from the 1800s at a rummage sale today. These two items were inside and I don't know what they are. The other cutlery items had handles made out of antler on them so I'm assuming that's what the handle is on these. But is the metal silver and what the heck were they used for?

 

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[gunsil]

The first item is definitely a knife sharpener, they still make and use the same style today the handle appears to be celluloid, but hard to tell from the photo. The second item has a cow horn handle but I am unsure of it's intended use. Maybe for pastry making where they use a small brush to put melted butter on the uncooked pastries?

 

[Customx_12]

The first item is definitely a knife sharpener, they still make and use the same style today the handle appears to be celluloid, but hard to tell from the photo. The second item has a cow horn handle but I am unsure of it's intended use. Maybe for pastry making where they use a small brush to put melted butter on the uncooked pastries?

Yeah, we were thinking knife sharpener but weren't certain. The antler handles on the knives (not pictured) are different from the sharpener so maybe it is celluloid. Interesting guess on the brush one. Maybe the blade was used to cut crisscross marks on a pastry or something. I'll wait for more ideas. Thanks!

 

[kcm]

Ah, gunsil beat me to it. The first IS a knife sharpener - definitely. Have had a few similar go through our house as well.

As for the 2nd item....my wife would probably know, but we've both had a long, hard day and she's crashed out! Sorry.

 

[Customx_12]

Any guesses on the second item?

 

[SkaBa]

What does it say on the blade? I can't make it out.

 

[Customx_12]

What does it say on the blade? I can't make it out.

"J. Walters Globe Work Sheffield"

 

[Bruce R]

If you were cooking,say, a turkey, you would aerate it with the blade and baste it with the brush

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

1st item is I.D,ed spot on.2nd item could be a piercing knife/basting brush.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

If you were cooking,say, a turkey, you would aerate it with the blade and baste it with the brush

You start poking holes in a turkey and it will dry out the meat, but a duck that would work on, to release the fat.

 

[Customx_12]

Good stuff! Thanks everyone!

 

[ivan salis]

the first is indeed a knife sharpen , the second is a pastry (pie) knife to cut vent holes in pie crust ,,,the brush end is for coating the pie with eggs wash for browning while it bakes ... 27 year merchant marine professional cook..

 

[ivan salis]

the first id indeed a knife edge straightener / sharpener ,, (the blade goes in the "groove" and is pulled thru ...the other is a bakers vent cutting knife and egg wash or butter basting brush --for baking pies and breads -- and cutting vent slits in pies and on French bread / Italian bread -- I was a 27 year professional cook

 

[Bruce R]

I'm going with Ivan on this one, you can't beat experience!

 

[kcm]

Yep, thanks Ivan. I couldn't think of that for nothin'!! ...Even forgot to ask the wife what it was - and I think she HAS one or two!! ...Time to put the brown paper bag over my head!