Knife and Fork with Leather Case

Description Because cutlery was not common during the 18th century, wealthy travelers frequently carried their own sets with them. This particularly elegant set has agate handles mounted with openwork gold representing birds in scrolls and hunters with spears. The fitted leather case with tooled leather may predate the cutlery and be of French origin.

Provenance Leon Gruel, Paris; Henry Walters, Baltimore [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters