Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
Early to mid-15th century A.D. Comprising a single cutting edge and scale tang; bifacial pommel engraved with a foliate motif within a border. Cf. Marquardt, K., Eight Centuries of European Knives, Forks and Spoons: an Art Collection, Europe, 1997, pp.29-31, for similar. 46 grams, 20.5 cm (8 in.).

Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Knife handles were made of wood, horn, bone or metal. Wood, a cheap, readily available and easily worked material, was by far the most common and most of the species used are both hard and flexible.