51/771/1-2

Knife boxes were very common in farmhouse kitchens where they were hung on the wall and were used for keeping knives clean, dry and free from rust. The origin of this box is unknown, although the name 'H. H. Humfser' is written on the underside of the lid. It is made of oak with a hole in the back so that it could be hung up. The sliding lid, a later addition, enables the knives to be reached without removing the lid completely.

1 knife box: wood (oak); good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'The origin of this knife box is unknown. // This knife box is made of oak. It is a plain rectangular box, with a hole in the back at the top by which it could be hung on the wall. The lid at the front runs on two grooves, so that access to the box could be obtained without removing the lid altogether. It is a later addition to the box. // It measures 14 by 6.5 inches and the back is 20.25 inches in height. The box is fastened together by large screws. // See also 51/662L.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Small articles on the Wood Table // 110-112 Three knife boxes, one being "Aunt PollyStibb's" [sic]' (Could be part of a trio with 51/662 or 51/664), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 50 // Knife Box // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life' (The catalogue description could also refer to 51/662 and 51/664)

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)