S/3023 Antique Treen 19th Century Birch Honing Box

A Swiss or Austrian birch honing box in traditional form for a whetstone, having a protruding clip for tucking into one's belt and a spike for pressing into the ground near the place of work. It is said that when scything the blade needed sharpening after every ten to twelve strokes. The whole has a pleasing colour and retains a patination.

Sold 11½ in. (29 cm.) Wide
2¼ in. (6 cm.) Diameter Swiss/Austrian Circa 1860