S/5462 Antique Treen 18th Century Folk Art Gulls Wing Knitting Sheath

A lovely 18th century gulls wing sycamore knitting sheath, of a design which was made solely around Middleton in Teesdale, which is betwween Durham and the Yorkshire Dales. The haft is carved to a square section, with a tapered end and a brass capped hole for the knitting sheath. It also has horizontal lines either side of a diagonal cross, which was believed to protect against evil, especially witchcraft. The flat faced blade, with a scolloped edge, has many chip carved designs, including circles and diamonds, with a chip carved border surrounding the entire blade. It is a serious collector's item and has a pale colour, retaining a natural patination.

Reference: North Country Folk Art by Peter Brears on page 55

Sold 8 in.(20.5 cm.) Wide
2½ in. (6.5 cm.) Deep
English Circa 1780