Museum Collections
Luce Center
Table knives (21)
Object Number:
1936.223
Date:
ca. 1855
Medium:
Silver, steel
Dimensions:
Overall: 11 in. × 1 1/8 in. × 1/2 in. (27.9 × 2.9 × 1.3 cm)
Marks:
engraved: on back of handle: the Perry family crest
stamped: on back of blade: "J. GARSIDE / SUPERIOR CUTLERY"
Description:
One of a set of twenty-two table knives with flat steel blade with rounded tip and cast silver handle with foliate design; molded handle socket; stamped maker's mark on reverse of blade; family crest with anchor below a hind's head engraved on reverse of handle.
Gallery Label:
On December 28, 1855, the Chamber of Commerce and Merchants of New York presented Commodore Matthew Calbraith perry with a 381-piece silver dinner service in acknowledgement of his successful negotiation of a treaty with Japan in 1854. In the letter of presentation the committee remarked, "To have brought this secluded Empire, into the intercourse of nations; is an achievement which may justly be ranked, among the greatest events of the age..."
Credit Line:
Gift of the Honorable Perry Belmont
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.