Knife Sharpener

c. 1900

A knife sharpener (English, c. 1900) by George Kent, Ltd., of London, composed of oak and iron. The circular oak body of the knife sharpener has a large iron S-scroll in the center and crank with a wooden handle below the manufacturer's trademark. The trademark consists of a gilt metal scrolling frame inscribed "KENT / PATENTEE & MANUFACTURER / 199 HIGH HOLBORN / LONDON”. It is surmounted by two rampant lions flanking a circle enclosing a printed clock on white paper with black Roman numerals inscribed at the center "TIME & LABOR / SAVED / TRADEMARK”. Adhered to the sharpener are three paper labels, one with Kent Manufacturer’s original directions, the other showing a Kent product for use in the machine, and a smaller circular label with the manufacture information. Above this circular label, inscribed on the body is “MADE IN ENGLAND”. The whole thing is supported within an iron framework enclosing the lower section of the front and back, in raised lettering on the framework is “KENT’S PATENT / 199 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON”. The sharpener is raised on four short legs terminating in flat semi-circular feet. The knife sharpener is original to The Elms.

English

oak

iron

17.5" x 15"

Purchased by The Preservation Society of Newport County, 1962.

PSNC.2711