Shaker Knife Sharpening Box

Presented here, a Shaker Knife Sharpening Box of very pleasing proportions.  Tombstone top, oversize hanging hole so box could be hung on a peg and a drop dead gorgeous dry patina.  Size is 15-1/2" high x 8-1/2" wide x 2-3/4" deep.  The tapered, sloping sides give an elegant simplicity to this utilitarian object.

In the days before stainless steel, the kitchen cutlery had to be regulary cleaned with a bath brick or other abrasive that was kept in the knife board pocket.  The board was placed flat on a table and kitchen knives and cutlery were scoured on the upper part.

The center part where the knives would be cleaned appears to be made of a hardwood, mahogany, I believe which would be much stronger than the soft pine the rest of the box is made of.  This is a very ingenious concept that certainly works. Purchased out of a private collection where it has resided for many years.  Ex: Darrow School, Mount Lebanon Shaker Community, New Lebanon, NY.

R8C17007
0521

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