Pair Twist Handle Engraved Coin Silver Master Butter Knives

Matched items, each of these two master butter knives measures 6 1/4" long with the pair weighing 1.3 T. oz.

Marked "Coin," they are without a maker's identification. The style suggests an 1860s date and the work is clearly that of a capable (American) manufacturer.

They have twisted shanks leading to broad, flat, upturned handle ends that are extensively and finely bright cut engraved on the top sides. Each piece has a feathered script "AMF" monogram.

The blades are oriented at right angles to the handles and have scalloped upper edges and are engraved on both sides in a manner compatible with the work on the handles.

Unusually and interestingly, the handles on these turn downward where they join the blades, leaving the handles and blades on different planes.

In near original condition, these show no evident wear save light scratches on the blades. Without bends or other damage, they have bright finishes.

Note: there is a faint area of separation on both pieces at the turns where the handles attach to the blades. These could seem to be small cracks but appear more to be part of the original construction.