Hadn’t thought of that, good suggestion Dave – thanks!

-Regan

 

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of topladave .
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2014 2:03 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Help with identification please

 

Regan,

Try photographing it with raking light (a single light source from the side set at a low angle across the object. This brings out the surface topography, much in the same way that a sunset pops out features in the landscape. You can do this with a flashlight, just keep the light level lower, don't blast light on a shiny reflective surface. Also you may want to wet the surface to saturate it so that will help the camera to pick up the details. Seeing the maker's mark can be helpful. Also, it may not be American made, many knives and cleavers were also imported from England from manufacturers in Sheffield, for example.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Senior Conservator and Museum Consultant

Los Angeles CA  USA

www.cityofangelsconservation.weebly.com

 

On Thu, Sep 25, 2014 at 9:11 AM, Regan Brooks <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Good morning Listers,

I'm trying to identify for a patron the maker's mark on a meat cleaver. It was found in a creek bed beside an old barn in Rock Hill, SC. The blade itself is in very poor condition and the handle is of course, gone. However, there is a partial maker's stamp near the tang. I tried getting a picture of it, to no avail. Does anyone know of a good directory for early american cutlery maker's stamps? I've asked The Google, but all I can find is modern companies.

Thanks in advance!

Regan Brooks
Registrar
Gaston County Museum of Art & History
Dallas, NC

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