Frisian knife with silver handle, BJ Jelgerhuis, Leeuwarden, ca. 1790

Frisian silver knife, attributed to Bernardus Johannes Jelgerhuis from Leeuwarden (Voet 522). He was active from 1779.

He was already a master blacksmith at the age of twenty in 1779. Bernardus Johannes Jelgerhuis was the third generation in his family, after his father Johannes and his grandfather Bernardus Sr.

Junior did not grow old: 1759-1805. Apparently he no longer lived in Leeuwarden in recent years, but in Rijperkerk/Ryptsjerk, where his father had also lived and died.

The knife is beautifully chased with two soldiers on either side of the handle.

One soldier stands at attention with his musket beside him, the other soldier plays a drum. The representation of soldiers is rare. It looks as if this knife was made especially for someone who served in the army.

The knife had a rider on horseback as a crowning glory. Unfortunately, this is missing. The blade is original and marked SR

The knife is marked with the master mark BJ.

Dating: ca. 1779-1800.

Knife length: 26.5 cm. Weight: 106.8 grams.