Treen Carved Wheatsheaves Bread Knife

Victorian

Circa 1880–1900 | England

A Victorian carved wooden bread knife reminiscent of F.W. Dover’s Art Nouveau style (see The Gen). The patterned handle is carved with wheatsheaves and leaves and retains its finial. It has obviously been loved and used as evident through the lovely soft patina created through years of handling and use.

DIMENSIONS: Length 33 cm.

SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: Attribution of breadboards and associated items (such as bread knives, butter dishes and butter knives) is difficult, as so little printed information remains. This knife could have been cared F.W. Dover (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 evident through the many years of handling and use. 

REFERENCES: For examples of similar knives see Vintage Breadboards, Madeleine Neave, Prospect Books, 2019, pp 137, 176 and 214.

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THE GEN

A further lesser-known maker, also of Sheffield, Frederick William (F.W.) Dover (1834–1917), started making breadboards and associated products in 1860. “The excellence of the workmanship of the commodities produced in Mr. Dover’s factory is now so generally recognised that they have become regular articles of commerce all over the world. They are especially well known throughout the trade in the United Kingdom, in the principal cities and towns of which the commercial connections of the firm are being rapidly extended through the periodical visits of Mr. Dover’s representatives. A very large proportion of his productions is, however, exported direct from the Sycamore Tree Works to Australia, to America, and to the continent of Europe.” (The Century’s Progress–Yorkshire Industry and Commerce 1893, Arthur Raistrick, ‎Brenton Publishing, 1971)

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