Presented is an antique set of 4 large, meat carving knives made in Asia during the mid 1700s to the mid 1800s. These knives are almost certainly Thai in origin. The handles are intricately hand carved stag or bone and each one has detailed carvings of deities. The blades are old, Sheffield carbon steel. These blades have been cleaned up. They were rusted when we got them. This type of steel rusts quickly, so should be cleaned within a few hours after use. The blades could be taken off and the handles could be used for letter openers or magnifying glasses etc.
The blades are marked for Sheffield Wingfield, Rowbotham & Co. 32 Tenter St. This company was first listed under this name in the late 1700s. These blades were probably made around 1860. The carved handles were made in the 1700s to the first half of the 1800s.
This set is in very good overall condition for its age and the carved designs are still crisp. All 4 handles have cracks. Two of these cracks are shown in one of the photos, the other 2 cracks are similar. The second photo shows the most significant wear to the face of the man on the handle on the right. There is minimal surface wear with no damages and no repairs.
